Online Gambling Illinois – Complete Guide for Legal Apps and Sites with Top Promo & Bonus Offers

Is Online Gambling Legal in Illinois

Yes it is, but there are some exceptions. For example, sports betting is completely legal and has been since 2020. In June of that year, BetRivers opened its virtual doors to an influx of customers who couldn’t wait to place their first wager on a wide variety of top sports action. The state has since seen a multitude of apps set up services.

Another form of sports betting that’s permitted in Illinois is DFS. The Illinois Supreme Court ruled that DFS betting is definitively not gambling, and therefore, not going against any laws written into the constitution. You can also partake in horse racing bets. The popular racing site TVG allows interested customers to place wagers on a selection of horse races. 

Right now, the only type of online casino allowed in Illinois is a sweepstakes casino. Players win sweepstake prizes that can be exchanged for cash. The same applies to poker rooms. The only way you can enjoy everything that online poker has to offer is by visiting any one of the online sweepstakes sites.  

Online Gambling Illinois Revenue

In January 2022, the Illinois Gaming Board reported a record monthly sports betting handle of $687.5 million. This moves the state’s all-time legal wagering within $250 million of the $10 billion mark.

A report by NBC found that Illinois gamblers wagered nearly $61 million on the Super Bowl, which was a 33% increase from last year when the big game was on the board legally for the first time in state history. What is possibly the biggest day in the sports betting calendar saw Illinois sportsbooks come out on top to the tune of $9.5 million, generating more than $1.4 million in tax revenue. 

The statewide handle, or the total amount of money wagered, was just $45.6 million on Super Sunday of 2021, when the house won by $7.7 million and $1.1 million went to state coffers.     

Complete List of Legal Online Gambling Illinois Sites and Apps

As we’ve already mentioned, gamblers in Illinois don’t get quite as many opportunities as they might like, but there is a good selection of online sportsbooks to choose from. 

Legal Online Casinos in Illinois

Online casinos are currently prohibited in Illinois. However, visitors and residents of the state can enjoy playing casino games online at sweepstakes casinos. The best ones, such as Chumba, have a huge inventory of games such as online blackjack, 3-card poker, and online slots, just like the ones you’d find at a land-based casino. 

The sweepstake sites provide a certain number of Gold coins and sweep coins for new users. These are totally free and you don’t need to make any kind of deposit. You use the coins to enter tournaments or contests that award prizes, including real money.  

Legal Online Sportsbooks in Illinois

There is a good selection of sportsbooks in Illinois and new providers are added to the list regularly. As new companies join the fray, How To Bet will make sure you’re kept informed and don’t miss out on any of the actions. Here is a list of the current legal Illinois sports betting providers.  

Legal Online Poker Rooms in Illinois

Online poker is also something that’s prohibited in Illinois. The only option for someone looking for a legal game of poker is to play at sweepstakes sites such as Global Poker. 

Which Operators are Best for Each Type of Online Gambling in Illinois

It’s now time to take a closer look at How To Bet’s selection of the best sports betting sites and apps in Illinois. All online gambling Illinois operators we feature have to undergo a rigorous set of tests and only get a mention if they pass with flying colors. 

The Best Illinois Online Sports Gambling Websites and Apps

Try not to feel too disappointed that sports betting is your only option in The Land of Lincoln. You’ve still got a good selection of some of the top sports betting names. If you want to know more about the other IN sportsbook operators, the How To Bet website features a wide selection of online reviews.  

PointsBet Sportsbook IL

The PointsBet Sportsbook uses a unique “PointsBetting” wager to earn multipliers on totals bets. A PointsBet wager is an over/under totals bet where the final number of points over or under the total becomes a multiplier.  

DraftKings Sportsbook IL

DraftKings Sportsbook IL is available on iOS, Android, and desktop. It’s got great odds and lots of ongoing promotions. 

• How To Bet full review on DraftKings Sportsbook
• How To Bet full review on DraftKings Sportsbook IL
• Benefit from your promo code here and now

Caesars Sportsbook IL

Caesars Sportsbook Illinois is connected to the popular Caesars Rewards loyalty program. You can earn Caesars Rewards points when you place your bets and also in-person at all Caesars Entertainment properties.   

• How To Bet full review on Caesars Sportsbook
• How To Bet full review on Caesars Sportsbook IL
• Benefit from your promo code here and now

BetMGM Sportsbook IL

The BetMGM Sportsbook IL is a product of MGM Resorts. The top feature is the unbelievable rewards program. It launched in March 2022, as the state’s first online-only sportsbook. That means it’s not partnered with a retail casino in Illinois.  

• How To Bet full review on BetMGM Sportsbook
• How To Bet full review on BetMGM Sportsbook IL
• Benefit from your promo code here and now

BetRivers Sportsbook IL

The biggest draw of the BetRivers Sportsbook is the 1x wagering requirement that few sportsbooks can match. You only need to bet the bonus and deposit amount once on any sports market to withdraw winnings. 

• How To Bet full review on BetRivers Sportsbook
• How To Bet full review on BetRivers Sportsbook IL
• Benefit from your promo code here and now

Which Sports Can You Bet on Online in Illinois

You can enjoy betting on the action for all your favorite pro teams such as the Chicago Bears, Cubs, Bulls, Blackhawks, and White Sox. Betting on in-state college teams like Northwestern Illinois, and DePaul are restricted, but pro sports are up for grabs. Some of your options include NFL, NHL, NBA, MLB, PGA Tour gold, UFC, boxing, NASCAR, horse racing, and Premier League Soccer. 

Payouts and Odds at Online Gambling Illinois Sites and Apps

If you’re not sure which of your gambling options are best for you, odds provide an objective outlook on the matter. 

Average payouts for different sports will fluctuate, so keep in mind that they change regularly. Sportsbooks use profit margins to determine the operator’s advantage. 

In the table below, there are some examples of the most interesting markets you can bet on, as well as their average rates in Illinois. 

Online Gambling in Illinois in Comparison With Other States

If you want to gamble online in Illinois, your options are not as varied as a few other states, namely New Jersey, Michigan, and West Virginia. In those three states online casino gambling, poker, and sports betting are all legal. Whereas in Illinois, your only legal online gambling option is sports betting.

Benefits of Legal Illinois Online Gambling over In-Person Gambling

It is possible to place your sports bets at Illinois retail sportsbooks, but the online sports betting market does come with some undeniable benefits. 

Let’s compare the two options further in this table:

How to Pick the Best Online Gambling Illinois Site or App

How To Bet experts spent time checking the various online Indiana sportsbooks on your behalf. We only recommend those that deliver an outstanding online gambling experience, whatever your game of choice. We base our selections on the following:

• Security: Your security is a priority so we make sure our recommended sites and apps have strong security measures in place. There are some things you can do as well to further protect yourself, such as making sure your password is not generic, and being careful that the internet connection you use is not public. In addition, look for the small padlock at the top left of the browser. 
• Bonus offers: We like to see sites that offer a number of bonus and promo options. 
• Multiple game options: A broad range of gaming options makes a massive difference to your gaming experience. 
• Software: Great software is vital if you’re going to have a good time. All of the best online gambing IL sites and apps should have the best software. 
• Payment options: Operators should provide a range of secure choices for both deposits and withdrawals. 
• Licensing and regulation: We only ever recommend online gambling Illinois apps and sites that are licensed and regulated by a respected and trustworthy regulator. 

How to Start Your Illinois Online Gambling Journey

If you’re a newbie to the online gambling Illinois scene, there are a few steps you need to take, regardless of whether you’re going to be playing online casino games, poker online, or placing sports bets online. It’s a very simple process, but it’s crucial you make the right choices every step of the way.

1. Select a gambling product: Choose what type of gambling games you want to play. In Illinois you’re not as fortunate as some other states as your only option is sports betting. 
2. Ensure the platform is secure: Check that your chosen IL online gambling site is safe, secure, and licensed by the Illinois Gaming Board.  
3. Create an account: Create an account by completing the operator's registration process.  
4. Check for welcome bonuses: Check if the operator offers a welcome bonus to its new players and use it to your advantage.  
5. Choose a payment method: Make a deposit using one of the operator’s safe and convenient payment methods.  

Follow these five steps correctly and you’ll save yourself a lot of hassle.

Benefit from Free Bets, Promos, and Bonus Codes in Illinois

Each one of our How To Bet recommended online gambling Illinois sites offers an exciting free bet, promo, or bonus code that is sure to motivate you to sign up and gamble some more. You can regularly check our Free IL Bets and Promo Codes page for constant updates of bonuses and promotions from online sportsbooks, casinos, and poker rooms in the state of Illinois.

Of course, it’s important that you make yourself aware of the specific terms and conditions attached to each offer and bonus code so that you avoid any misunderstanding and unnecessary financial loss. 
The most important factors to consider include wagering requirements, expiry periods, and game contributions.

Responsible Online Gambling in Illinois

In collaboration with a number of civic organizations, the state of Illinois provides resources for those struggling with gamblig addiction, as well as providing support for their loved ones as well. The top online gambling Illinois sites also offer users the ability to easily limit different aspects of their play. The options vary but tend to include the following: 

• Account cool-off: You’re able to block access to your account for a specified amount of time, giving you a chance to take a step back and think things through before continuing.
• Deposit limits: You can set a deposit limit during a specified period of time of your choosing.
• Wager limits: This defines the maximum bet amount you are allowed to wager over a set period of time.
• Session time limits: You can restrict the amount of time you are allowed to play during a single day.
• Loss limits: In addition, you can limit the amount of money you can lose over a period of days, weeks or months.

The state also operates a free, voluntary self-exclusion program. However, unlike many other states where you can choose two- or five-year terms, the only option in Illinois is to exclude yourself for life.

In addition, there are also a number of organizations that can help if you think you might be struggling with gambling addiction.

• The Illinois Department of Human Services has a list of approved treatment providers throughout the state
• The same department maintains a website of resources for Illinoisans concerned with the issue
• Illinois DHS problem gambling services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER or texting ILGAMB to 53342