Looking for the best Illinois online casino and sports betting bonuses? You're in the right place. While Illinois hasn't yet legalized online casino gambling, sports betting has been legal since 2020, making the Prairie State one of the largest sports betting markets in America. Below you'll find the top Illinois sportsbook bonuses, daily fantasy offers, and prediction market platforms available to IL residents today.
Best Illinois Sportsbooks
Top-rated apps for IL sports betting
DraftKings Sportsbook
Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly!
Illinois' most downloaded sportsbook app with instant payouts
FanDuel Sportsbook
Bet $5 Get $150 In Bonus Bets If You Win
Trusted by millions of sports bettors nationwide
BetRivers Sportsbook
Get a 2nd Chance Bet Up to $500!
Rush Street Gaming - headquartered in Chicago
Fanatics Sportsbook
Bet $10 Get $100 in FanCash + up to $100 Back Every Gameday
Earn rewards on every bet, win or lose
BetMGM
Bet $10 Get $150 If You Win Your First Bet!
Premium sportsbook experience for Illinois bettors
Illinois Sports Betting: Complete Guide for 2025
Illinois sports betting launched in March 2020 following the passage of the Illinois Gambling Act in 2019. The state has quickly grown to become one of the top five largest sports betting markets in the United States, with Chicago serving as the hub for major sportsbook operations.
Key Illinois Betting Facts
- Legal age: 21+ for sportsbooks
- Mobile betting: Fully legal statewide
- In-person registration: No longer required
- College betting: IL teams allowed (except props)
Popular IL Betting Markets
- Chicago Bears & NFL betting
- Chicago Bulls & NBA betting
- Chicago Cubs, White Sox & MLB
- Illinois Fighting Illini & Big Ten
Prediction Markets
Daily Fantasy Sports in Illinois
Legal DFS platforms for IL players
Illinois Online Casino: Current Status & Future Outlook
Unlike sports betting, Illinois online casino gambling is not yet legal. However, the state has shown progressive attitudes toward gambling expansion, and many industry experts believe iGaming legislation could come within the next few years.
Currently, Illinois residents seeking casino-style gaming must visit one of the state's 15 land-based casinos or riverboat casinos. Popular options include Rivers Casino in Des Plaines (Chicago area), Hollywood Casino Aurora, and Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin.
What to Expect When IL Online Casinos Launch
When Illinois does legalize online casinos, expect major operators like DraftKings Casino, FanDuel Casino, and BetMGM Casino to launch quickly. These operators are already active in the Illinois sports betting market and would likely be first to market with online slots, blackjack, roulette, and live dealer games.
How to Sign Up for Illinois Sports Betting
Choose a Sportsbook
Compare bonuses above and select a legal sportsbook that fits your preferences.
Create Your Account
Provide your info, verify your identity, and confirm you're 21+ and located in Illinois.
Claim Your Bonus
Make your first deposit, place a qualifying bet, and receive your welcome bonus.
Illinois Online Gambling FAQ
Is online casino gambling legal in Illinois?
No, online casino gambling is not currently legal in Illinois. Only sports betting and daily fantasy sports are available online. For casino games, you must visit a licensed land-based casino or riverboat.
What is the legal age for sports betting in Illinois?
You must be 21 years or older to place sports bets in Illinois. For daily fantasy sports, the minimum age is 18, though most platforms require users to be 21.
Can I bet on Illinois college teams?
Yes, you can bet on Illinois college teams like the Fighting Illini, Northwestern Wildcats, and others. However, player prop bets on college athletes are prohibited by Illinois law.
Which sportsbook has the best bonus in Illinois?
BetRivers currently offers the highest single bonus at $500 in second chance bets. However, DraftKings' $200 instant bonus requires only a $5 bet and is easier to claim. Compare all offers above to find the best fit for your betting style.
Betting on Chicago Sports Teams
Chicago is one of America's great sports cities, and Illinois bettors have no shortage of action. From the Bears at Soldier Field to the Bulls and Blackhawks at the United Center, plus the Cubs at Wrigley and White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field, there's year-round betting excitement.
The sportsbooks listed above offer competitive odds on all Chicago teams, plus futures markets, player props, and live in-game betting. During football season, Bears games consistently rank among the most-wagered matchups in Illinois.
Disclaimer: Offers are subject to change and may have specific terms and conditions. You must be 21+ and physically present in Illinois to place real-money sports wagers. Gambling involves risk — only bet what you can afford to lose. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling.
Affiliate Disclosure: IllinoisOnlineCasino.com may receive compensation when you sign up through links on this page. This does not influence our rankings or recommendations. All sportsbooks listed are licensed by the Illinois Gaming Board.
Responsible Gaming Resources
Gambling should be fun and entertaining, not a way to make money. If gambling stops being enjoyable or starts causing problems in your life, it's time to seek help. You are not alone — free, confidential support is available 24/7.
National Helplines
- 1-800-GAMBLER(1-800-426-2537)
- 1-800-522-4700NCPG Helpline
- 1-800-270-7117Illinois Council on Problem Gambling
Online Resources
- QuitBetting.com — Tools & support to stop gambling
- NCPGambling.org — National Council on Problem Gambling
- GamblersAnonymous.org — Find local support meetings
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
- •Betting more than you can afford to lose
- •Chasing losses with bigger bets
- •Lying to family or friends about gambling
- •Neglecting work, school, or relationships
- •Borrowing money to gamble
- •Feeling restless when trying to cut back
If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or someone you care about, please reach out for help. Recovery is possible.