Best Illinois Betting Promos & Sportsbook Apps (April 2026)
If you’re looking through Illinois sportsbooks, you’ll notice pretty quickly that there are a lot more options here compared to states like Connecticut. That’s a good thing — more competition usually means better promos and more variety in how you bet.
Right now, the main Illinois betting apps to focus on are Fanatics Sportsbook, BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, bet365, Caesars, and theScore Bet. Each one offers its own mix of bonus bets, odds boosts, and welcome offers, so it’s worth taking a minute to compare before signing up.
From experience, FanDuel and DraftKings are usually the easiest to get started with, especially if you’re new to IL sports betting. BetMGM and Caesars tend to lean more into bigger welcome offers, while bet365 is known for its consistent promo structure. Fanatics adds something different with its FanCash system, and theScore Bet is one of the newer options in the market.
We’ll go through each of these Illinois sportsbooks below so you can get a better idea of which app fits what you’re looking for.
Top Illinois Sportsbook Promo Codes and Bonus Offers
- 1 Top Illinois Sportsbook Promo Codes and Bonus Offers
- 2 What Do You Need to Bet on Sports in Illinois?
- 3 Illinois Sportsbooks & Betting Apps
- 4 Other Sportsbook Options in Illinois
- 5 Getting Started with Illinois Online Sports Betting
- 6 Illinois Bet Types and Sports
- 7 Illinois Betting Promos
- 8 Legal Deposits and Withdrawals in Illinois
- 9 The Benefits of Online Sports Betting
- 10 Illinois Retail Sportsbooks
- 11 Daily Fantasy Sports in Illinois
- 12 Illinois Social Sportsbooks
- 13 Illinois Sports Betting: Legal Overview
- 14 PASPA Paves the Way
- 15 Illinois Long Bullish On Gambling
- 16 Best Illinois Betting Promos FAQs
What Do You Need to Bet on Sports in Illinois?
Before you start using Illinois sportsbooks, there are a few basic requirements to keep in mind. All IL betting apps follow the same rules:
- You must be 21 or older: This applies to all Illinois sports betting sites and retail sportsbooks.
- You need to be in Illinois to place a bet: You can sign up from anywhere, but you must be physically located in the state to bet. Apps will verify your location automatically.
- You don’t have to be a resident: Visitors can use Illinois betting apps as long as they’re within state lines.
- You’ll need to verify your identity: During signup, sportsbooks will ask for basic details like your name, address, and part of your SSN.
- You can’t be restricted from betting: Self-excluded users or restricted individuals won’t be able to place bets.
Once that’s covered, you’re free to use any of the Illinois sportsbooks available and take advantage of current Illinois betting promos.
Regulation
Sports betting in Illinois is regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board, which ensures that sports betting is legal in the state. The Illinois Gaming Board is also responsible for all land-based sports betting, video gaming, and casino gambling regulation in the state, and will guarantee Illinois sports fans a safe experience.
Illinois Sportsbooks & Betting Apps
All the big names in the industry are live in Illinois, each offering legal sports betting with different promos and features.
Make sure to check out which online operators are offering opportunities to take advantage of Illinois sportsbook bonuses which include deposit matches, bonus bets, and more.
Fanatics Sportsbook IL
Fanatics Sportsbook entered the Illinois market in 2024 after taking over PointsBet’s license through its partnership with Hawthorne Race Course.
The app itself is pretty easy to get used to. It doesn’t try to do too much, and everything is where you’d expect it to be. One thing that feels a bit different compared to other Illinois sportsbooks is the FanCash system, where some promos give you value you can use on merchandise instead of just more bets.
It’s a good option if you’re looking for something simple and don’t need a ton of extra features. And if you already buy sports gear, getting something back through FanCash can actually be a nice bonus.
Sign up with our Fanatics sportsbook promo code
Or if you’d like to choose a different promo offer instead, claim our Fanatics Sportsbook IL promo code
Terms and Conditions:
See our review of the Fanatics Sportsbook Illinois promo to get started today.
BetMGM IL
BetMGM joined Illinois a bit later than some of the other apps, launching in 2022 through an online-only license.
The app leans more toward bigger promos and a rewards-style setup. You’ll usually see some of the larger welcome offers here compared to other Illinois sportsbooks, along with ongoing promos tied to major games.
It’s a solid option if you’re focused on getting more value from promos, though the app itself can feel a bit heavier compared to something like FanDuel. Still, once you get used to it, everything works as expected.
Try it today! Use our BetMGM bonus code
Terms and Conditions:
DraftKings Sportsbook IL
DraftKings was one of the first Illinois sportsbooks to go live, launching in 2020 through its partnership with Casino Queen in East St. Louis. There’s also a retail location on-site, which was later rebranded as DraftKings at Casino Queen.
From a betting standpoint, DraftKings usually stands out for how much it offers. There’s a lot of depth here, especially with player props and same-game parlays, so it’s a good option if you like having more ways to bet on a single game.
The app can feel a bit busy at first, but once you get used to it, it’s easy to navigate. Between the variety of markets and consistently strong Illinois betting promos, DraftKings is one of the more complete options in the state.
New users in Illinois can sign up via our links to claim the DraftKings welcome offer:
Terms and Conditions:
FanDuel Sportsbook IL
FanDuel Sportsbook got into Illinois early and has pretty much been a go-to option ever since. It launched in 2020 through Fairmount Park and quickly became one of the more popular apps in the state.
What stands out to me is how smooth everything feels. The app is fast, bets are easy to place, and it doesn’t take long to find what you’re looking for.
It’s the kind of app that works well if you just want to get in, place a bet, and move on without digging through too many menus. At the same time, there’s still enough depth there if you want to explore more markets.
FanDuel also tends to stay active with Illinois sportsbook promos, especially around bigger events. If you’re a new bettor, you can sign up via our links to claim the FanDuel welcome offer:
Terms and Conditions:
bet365 IL
bet365 is one of the newer Illinois sportsbooks, launching in 2025 through its partnership with Walker’s Bluff Casino. It’s a big name globally, and you can tell — the app feels a bit different compared to most U.S.-based sportsbooks.
What I like here is how consistent everything is. The layout is simple, odds are easy to read, and features like live betting and bet builders are built in without feeling cluttered. It doesn’t try to do too much, but what it does, it does well.
It’s a good option if you want something straightforward and reliable, especially if you’re planning to bet regularly. bet365 also tends to offer steady Illinois sportsbook promos rather than one big headline offer.
If you’re signing up, you can use our bet365 bonus code
Terms and Conditions:
Caesars Sportsbook IL
Caesars Sportsbook has been part of the Illinois market since the early days, originally operating under the William Hill name before fully transitioning to Caesars Sportsbook.
The app leans more toward a rewards-driven experience. If you’re already familiar with Caesars Rewards from casino play, that carries over here, which can add a bit of extra value beyond just betting.
From a betting perspective, everything is pretty standard. You’ll find all the main markets, and the app works well once you get used to it. It’s not the smoothest option out there, but it gets the job done.
Caesars usually focuses on bigger welcome offers and ongoing promos tied to its rewards program. If you’re a new user, you can use our Caesars Sportsbook promo code
Terms and Conditions:
theScore Bet IL
theScore Bet is one of the newer Illinois sportsbooks, replacing ESPN BET after the rebrand in late 2025. If you used ESPN BET before, you can log in with the same account and everything should still be there.
The app is pretty simple and easy to use, nothing fancy, but it works well if you just want to get in and place a bet without overthinking it.
If you’re signing up, you can use our theScore Bet promo code
Terms and Conditions:
Other Sportsbook Options in Illinois
BetRivers IL
BetRivers was the first sportsbook to go live in Illinois, launching both retail and online betting back in 2020 through Rivers Casino.
The app is pretty straightforward. It doesn’t have as many bells and whistles as some of the bigger Illinois sportsbooks, but it’s easy to use and everything works the way you’d expect.
It’s a good option if you just want something reliable without overthinking it. BetRivers usually sticks to simpler promos too, so you won’t see as many flashy offers, but there’s still value there.
Check our BetRivers promo code review for more information!
Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook IL
Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook entered the Illinois market on August 27, 2024 through Hard Rock Casino Rockford. The app is pretty clean, easy to move around, and doesn’t overwhelm you with too many features right away.
It’s not the deepest sportsbook in the state, but for basic betting, it does what you need. If you’re near Rockford, having the retail option is a nice bonus too.
Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook has a license with Illinois that runs through January 2027.
Want to know more about Hard Rock Bet? Read our full Hard Rock Bet Promo Code review!
Circa Sportsbook IL
Circa Sportsbook IL launched in 2023 through its partnership with American Place Casino in Waukegan.
The betting site is known for offering strong odds and higher limits, which is why a lot of more experienced bettors tend to like it. That said, you don’t need to be betting big to use it. The app is pretty simple, and it focuses more on pricing and betting experience rather than flashy promos or features.
It’s not usually the first app people download, but it’s a good one to have if you’re comparing lines or just want another option in the mix.
Bally Bet IL
Bally Bet is in Illinois, but mostly on the retail side for now. You can find it at Bally’s Quad Cities Casino, while the mobile app hasn’t fully rolled out yet.
Based on other states, the app is usually simple and easy to use, with a slightly different feel compared to most Illinois sportsbooks.
For now, this is more of a wait-and-see option. If and when the app goes live, you’ll be able to use a Bally Bet promo code to check the available welcome offers.
Getting Started with Illinois Online Sports Betting
Signing up for an Illinois sportsbook is pretty simple, and the process is mostly the same no matter which app you choose.
- Pick a sportsbook: Choose from the legal Illinois sportsbooks available in the state and head to the signup page.
- Create your account: Enter your personal information (name, address, email, phone number, and the last four digits of your SSN).
- Verify your identity: Like other regulated betting apps, Illinois sportsbooks will confirm your age and identity before you can place a bet.
- Add funds to your account: Once your account is set up, you can make a deposit using one of the available banking methods.
- Claim the welcome offer: If the sportsbook has a promo available, make sure to apply the promo code or opt in before placing your first bet.
- Start betting in Illinois: You must be 21+ years old and physically located in Illinois to place a real-money wager, even if you signed up elsewhere.
Illinois Bet Types and Sports
Illinois sportsbooks offer a wide range of betting options across major leagues and events. Whether you’re betting on football, basketball, baseball, hockey, or even niche sports, all the standard markets are available.
You’ll find the most common bet types across all Illinois betting apps, including:
- Spread (point spread bets)
- Moneyline
- Over/Under (totals)
- Player props and game props (except on college athletes)
- Futures (championships, season-long bets)
- Parlays
- Round robins
- Teasers
- Live (in-game) betting
These are all fully supported under Illinois law, including in-game betting, prop bets, and parlays.
Most major sports are covered as well, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college basketball and college football among others.
The only main restriction to keep in mind is that player props on college athletes are not allowed.
Illinois Betting Promos
At this time, many major sportsbooks throughout Indiana are offering substantial deals tailored for the upcoming tournaments.
Keep an eye on local boosts, too, since the games are in our backyard. Grabbing these deals gives you a solid head start for the championship weekend.
| Sportsbook | Welcome Offer and Promo Code |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | Use the promo code |
| BetMGM | Use promo code Promo code Or promo code |
| FanDuel | Use our links: |
| DraftKings | Use our links: |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Use promo code |
| theScore Bet | Use promo code |
| BetRivers | Use our links: |
More Promos and Boosts
Games like this usually bring out the best Illinois betting promos, and this one is no exception. With multiple Illinois sportsbooks in the market, you’ll see a mix of bonus bets, odds boosts, and bet-and-get offers tied to the game.
Here’s the type of Illinois sportsbook promos you’ll typically find around the National Championship:
- Bet & get offers – Bet a small amount and receive bonus bets
- Odds boosts – Improved lines on Illinois vs. UConn
- First bet insurance – Get your stake back if your first bet loses
- Profit boosts – Extra value on parlays or straight bets
- Reload promos – Ongoing offers for existing users
Legal Deposits and Withdrawals in Illinois
Illinois sportsbooks offer several easy ways to deposit and withdraw funds. Most deposits are instant, while withdrawals can take a bit longer depending on the method you choose.
Here’s a quick overview of the most common banking options across Illinois betting apps:
| Method | Deposits | Withdrawals | Processing Time | Typical Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PayPal | ✅ | ✅ | Within 24–48 hours | $10–$10,000+ |
| Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard) | ✅ | ❌ | Instant (deposit) | $10–$5,000+ |
| ACH / eCheck | ✅ | ✅ | 1–3 business days | $10–$25,000+ |
| Play+ Prepaid Card | ✅ | ✅ | Instant–24 hours | $10–$10,000+ |
| Online Bank Transfer (BillPay) | ✅ | ❌ | 1–3 business days | $10–Varies |
| Cash (PayNearMe) | ✅ | ❌ | Near-instant | $10–$500+ |
| Cash at Casino Cage | ✅ | ✅ | Instant | $10–Varies |
| Paper Check (by mail) | ❌ | ✅ | 5–10 business days | $50–$100,000+ |
The Benefits of Online Sports Betting
Now that legal sports betting has arrived in Illinois, you might be asking, what are the benefits to betting online vs. at the casino? Here are just a few reasons why mobile betting takes the cake:
✅Bet From Anywhere
While Illinois does have retail casinos and sportsbooks with teller windows and sports wagering kiosks, they may not be convenient to get to. Online sportsbooks and mobile sports betting apps bring sports betting to you.
You can get involved with sports wagering from your couch, the bus station, the airport, driving on the highway (as a passenger, of course). Have a hunch while out shopping for groceries? You can wager in just moments through a sports betting app.
✅Promotions
Simply put, there’s more value using sports betting apps over the internet. Once you’re in the casino, it’s unlikely you’re going to leave and place a bet elsewhere… but online, you’ve always got options. Therefore, it’s not uncommon for promotions like deposit bonuses, bonus bets, odds boosts, and more to be on the table.
Sports betting is all about the fine margins, and available promo offers can help you widen them.
✅Bet in Real Time
Online sports betting is faster than its retail partner. In fact, online sportsbooks actually offer live odds, updated on the fly. You can bet on individual plays: who scores the next basket, wins the next point, how a golfer performs on the upcoming hole – all of it. If you attempted to make those bets in-person the odds would change, or the action could complete before you have a chance to reach the cage.
With online sports wagering you can do more than just bet on sports: you can scout the live odds, using official league data, and lock it in with just a few swipes of a finger.
Illinois Retail Sportsbooks
Sportsbook Illinois promotions and welcome offers are attracting many bettors with exclusive bonus amounts and promo codes specific to the state.
Brick-and-mortar sportsbooks, like online books, are still fairly new to Illinois. Rivers, Argosy Casino Alton, and DraftKings at Casino Queen were the first to officially launch. IL sportsbook bettors are able to wager on sports, in person, at any licensed location.
There are currently multiple casinos and racetracks authorized to operate sports betting in Illinois, including several retail sportsbook locations across the state. Arlington Park Racetrack, which was originally part of the plan, closed permanently in September 2021 after being sold to the Chicago Bears.
The original legislation (SB0690) also approved up to six new casino licenses, including one designated for Chicago, which is expected to expand the state’s sports betting footprint over time.
Here are all of the places you can bet on sports:
Sports Venues
Illinois also included a stipulation that allows for its prominent sports facilities to operate their own sportsbooks. Any venue that seats more than 17,000 persons, of which there are currently seven in the state, is eligible to open its own sports betting facility on-site.
For Illinois sports betting purposes that includes stadiums like Wrigley Field (Chicago Cubs), Guaranteed Rate Field (Chicago White Sox), Soldier Field (Chicago Bears), and the United Center (Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bulls). Under current law, Illinois allows sports stadiums to offer sports betting at, or within a 5-block radius of the venue.
Wrigley Field partnered with DraftKings as its in-house sportsbook, while the United Center has a similar setup with FanDuel. There’s also been talk that Guaranteed Rate Field could be next, potentially bringing sports betting to the South Side.
Retail Casinos and Racetracks
Rivers and Argosy Casino Alton were the first sportsbooks to accept legal wagers in Illinois. After a slight COVID-19 related delay, additional facilities like the DraftKings at Casino Queen opened across the state.
| Casino / Track | Retail Launch | Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| Rivers Casino Des Plaines | March 9, 2020 | BetRivers |
| Argosy Casino Alton | March 12, 2020 | Penn National |
| Grand Victoria Casino Elgin | August 3, 2020 | Caesars |
| Queen Casino East St. Louis | August 5, 2020 | DraftKings |
| Hollywood Casino Aurora | August 20, 2020 | Penn National |
| Hollywood Casino Joliet | August 20, 2020 | Penn National |
| Par-A-Dice Casino East Peoria | September 10, 2020 | FanDuel |
| Hawthorne Horse Racing Course | September 30, 2020 | Fanatics Sportsbook |
| Bally's Quad Cities | December 28, 2023 | Bally's |
| Harrah's Metropolis | TBD | Caesars |
| Harrah's Joliet | TBD | Caesars |
Daily Fantasy Sports in Illinois
As fun and exhilarating as online sports betting can be, IL players also have the chance to tap into daily fantasy sports (DFS).
DFS is similar to a fantasy-styled form of wagering, where instead of betting against the house (like you do on a sportsbook), you will go against opposing users in a pool format. Depending on daily fantasy sports contests rules, usually only a small percentage of the pool will see financial success.
In DFS, players have the chance to best optimize lineups and entries under a salary cap constraint. DFS platforms offer a great alternative to online sports betting and are filled with strategy.
Illinois Social Sportsbooks
If you’re new to sports betting, it may seem like a lot to dive into. If this is the case for you, social sportsbooks may be what you need.
Social sportsbooks have the look and feel of any online sportsbook without the need to risk any of your hard-earned stake. Some of the most notable social sportsbooks that you can try out include Fliff, Thrillzz Sportsbook, and Rebet Social Sportsbook.
Anyone looking for casino style gaming on their computer or mobile device, check out our friends at Action Network’s full break down of the best Sweepstakes casinos in the US.
Illinois Sports Betting: Legal Overview
Illinois sports betting has been live since 2020, following the repeal of PASPA in 2018, which allowed states to regulate betting individually.
The market is now fully established, with multiple Illinois sportsbooks operating both online and at retail locations across the state.
How the Market Works
Illinois uses a multi-operator model, meaning several sportsbooks are licensed to operate through casinos, racetracks, or standalone agreements. This creates a competitive market with a wide range of Illinois betting apps available to users.
PASPA Paves the Way
In May 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) due to a challenge from the state of New Jersey. This landmark decision opened the door for states beyond Nevada to launch sports betting in the US.
Either through grandfathered laws or newly approved legislation, more than a dozen states, including Illinois and neighbors Iowa and Indiana, have already implemented some form of legalized sports betting.
Taxes and Fees
Sports betting operators in Illinois are taxed at 15% of adjusted revenue, which is higher than some neighboring states. All sportsbooks are regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board, which oversees licensing, compliance, and consumer protections.
Licensing and Expansion
The state approved multiple licenses for casinos, racetracks, and online operators, with additional expansion planned through new casino developments, including Chicago.
When it comes to fees, simply applying for a license warrants a $250,000 payment. If approved, depending on the type of facility, a master sports betting license will run you between $3 – $10 million. That includes casinos, racetracks, and sporting venues. Licenses are valid for 4 years, and can be renewed for an additional 4 years at the cost of $1 million. Those vying for one of the three coveted online-only licenses will be required to pay a steep $20 million license fee.
Fees paid, along with sports betting bonuses, are used to help fund the “Rebuild Illinois” plan, which covers roads, mass transit, bridges, schools, universities, and other important projects within the state.
Illinois Long Bullish On Gambling
Rome wasn’t built in a day is the cliché, and the same can be said about Illinois online sports betting. The most recent law is the latest in a rich, or not-so-rich, history of gambling in Illinois:
- 1800s: Illinois was home to unlicensed riverboats and the riffraff drawn to them.
- 1920s: Betting on horses was legal and the height of sophistication and popularity.
- 1921: “Shoeless” Joe Jackson and seven teammates were found not guilty of conspiring to throw the World Series but still ended up being banned from baseball. At about the same time, the National Prohibition Act had just been implemented and we began to see the rise of Al Capone, Charlie Birger, and other gangsters profiting from bootlegging and illegal gambling while battling “Untouchable” Eliot Ness.
- 1979: The Land of Lincoln legislated a state lottery to benefit education.
- 1986: Licensed charity gambling was OK’d.
- 1990s: Riverboat casinos in 1991 were required to cruise rivers while open. By 1999, they would be allowed to drop anchor with gambling complexes built around them at permanent docks.
- 2001: Illinois was the first state to sell lottery tickets online.
- 2009: The state approved the Video Gaming Act but it took two years to implement due to court challenges. To many, the payout hasn’t been worth it.
- 2011: The Casinos Act passed expanding casinos away from rivers, allowing games offered at pari-mutuel racetracks to include slot machines.
- 2019: Governor J.B. Pritzker officially signed SB0690 into law on June 28, 2019, legalizing Illinois sports betting.
- 2020: The first regulated sports bets were placed in the state! Rivers Casino, owned by Rush Street Interactive CEO Neil Bluhm, opened the market with retail betting on March 9th. BetRivers online sportsbook accepted the first online wagers just a few months later on June 18th. Despite the 18 month ban, both DraftKings and FanDuel weren’t far behind, launching in August 2020.
- 2021: On December 17, 2021, Gov. J.B. Plitzker officially signed, sealed, and delivered House Bill 3136, a new piece of legislation that would no longer prohibit Illinoisians from betting on local college teams. From that point forward, all Illinois-based college teams, games, or events will be listed on all of the sportsbooks in the state.
- 2022: Saturday, March 5, 2022 marked the end of the original 18-month probationary period imposed by the state government in an attempt to slow down some of the bigger players like DraftKings and FanDuel. The law ended up accomplishing nothing, as both books found loopholes to enter early anyway. As a result of this, Illinois bettors would be forced to register for all online sports betting apps in person, at a physical casino or racetrack until further notice.
- When Governor J.B. Pritzker officially signed House Bill 3136 into law at the end of December 2021, it was announced that players would no longer be required to register for sportsbooks in person. Beginning on March 5, 2022, players will be allowed to register for any sportsbook fully remotely, from the comfort of their own home, if they choose to do so.
Best Illinois Betting Promos FAQs
Is sports betting legal in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois sports betting is fully legal and regulated, with both online and retail sportsbooks operating in the state since 2020.
How old do I have to be to bet on sports in Illinois?
You must be 21 or older to place a bet at any Illinois sportsbook, whether online or in person.
Do I have to live in Illinois to bet?
No. You don’t need to be a resident, but you must be physically located in Illinois when placing a bet.
Can I bet on college sports in Illinois?
Yes, you can bet on college sports results and in-state teams, but not on individual player props.
What are the best Illinois betting promos?
The best Illinois betting promos usually include bonus bets, bet-and-get offers, and odds boosts. Each Illinois sportsbook runs different offers, so it’s worth comparing a few before signing up.
Which sportsbooks are available in Illinois?
Fanatics Sportsbook, BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, bet365, Caesars and theScore Bet, among others, are all available in Illinois.
Can I bet from my phone in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois betting apps allow you to place bets directly from your phone or desktop, as long as you’re located within state lines.
Are Illinois sportsbooks safe to use?
Yes. All legal Illinois sportsbooks are licensed and regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board, which ensures fair play, secure payments, and consumer protections.
Keep this page in mind for all your future Illinois sports betting news and online sports betting updates!