Illinois Sports Betting Guide

Is sports betting legal in Illinois?

Yes. Illinois legalized sports betting in 2019, with retail sportsbooks launching in 2020 followed by online and mobile apps. Adults 21 and older can place bets with licensed operators as long as they are physically located within state lines.

Quick facts

• Sports betting legal: Yes, retail and online.
• Launch timeline: Retail and online rollout began in 2020.
• Minimum age: 21+ to bet.
• Regulator: Illinois Gaming Board.

Best legal Illinois online sportsbooks

Illinois bettors can choose from several major national brands and regional operators. Popular options include DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, bet365, ESPN BET, and Fanatics Sportsbook, among others. Each partner operates under an Illinois casino or racetrack license.

Because pricing, promos, and features vary from app to app, you get the most value by using more than one book and line shopping key markets.

	Up to $1,300 New User Bonus	Deep market coverage and strong same game parlay tools. We love the the player props, live betting, golf and NFL markets.	4.9 / 5 ★★★★☆ Read review	Join
	Bet $1, Double Your Winnings On Next 20 Wagers	Integrated Caesars Rewards for hotel and dining value. Rewards program, promos tied to local teams and events.	4.8 / 5 ★★★★☆ Read review	Join
	Bet $5 Get $150 In Bonus Bets	Clean app experience and competitive odds on many sides and totals. Does a great job with same game parlays, live betting, and user friendly interface.	4.8 / 5 ★★★★☆ Read review	Join
	Up to $1,500 In Bonus Bets	Busy but powerful app with lots of live markets. Live betting, one game parlays, regular boosts and offers.	4.7 / 5 ★★★★☆ Read review	Join
	Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose	Deep international markets and sharp pricing on soccer and niche sports. Great for In play betting, soccer and tennis, alternate lines.	4.5 / 5 ★★★★☆	Join
	Up to $2,000 in No Sweat Bets FanCash	Fresh interfaces and aggressive promos as they build market. We like their promotions, live betting, newer features.	4.5 / 5 ★★★★☆	Join

Key Illinois sports betting rules

Illinois allows a wide range of betting options but places specific limits on how you can bet on in-state college teams and college props.

Who can bet in Illinois?

• You must be at least 21 years old.
• You must be physically located in Illinois when placing any wager.
• You must pass identity verification during signup.
• You cannot bet if you are on a self-exclusion or prohibited list.

What you can bet on

• Professional sports such as NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, UFC, and more.
• Most college sports, with restrictions on in-state teams and props (see below).
• Golf, tennis, motorsports, boxing, and international competitions.
• Common markets including spreads, totals, moneylines, futures, parlays, and many props.

College sports and prop rules in Illinois

College betting rules in Illinois are more complex than pro sports. Lawmakers have added and adjusted limits over time, especially when it comes to in-state programs and college props.

Generally allowed

• Moneylines, spreads, and totals on many out-of-state college games.
• Team futures on conferences and national championships for out-of-state schools.
• Some markets on in-state college games under specific conditions and formats, depending on current law and whether bets are placed in person or online.

Restricted or not allowed

• College player props for individual athletes.
• Many bets involving in-state college teams, especially online (availability changes as laws are renewed or amended).
• Any college market that your Illinois sportsbook removes for compliance or integrity reasons.

Illinois sports betting taxes

Illinois sports betting taxes apply both to operators and to individual bettors when they win. Operators pay tax on revenue, while players may owe tax on net winnings.

Taxes on Illinois sportsbooks

• Sportsbooks pay state tax on adjusted sports betting revenue.
• Higher effective tax rates can influence how aggressive operators are with odds and promotions.

Taxes on Illinois bettors

• Sports betting winnings are taxable income at the federal level.
• Illinois treats gambling winnings as taxable income for state tax.
• Sportsbooks may issue tax forms for large wins, but you are responsible for reporting your net winnings.

This information is for education only and is not tax advice. If you wager significant amounts or have questions about reporting sports betting winnings, talk to a tax professional familiar with Illinois law.

Retail sportsbooks and stadium books in Illinois

In addition to online betting, Illinois offers in-person wagering at casinos, racetracks, and in some cases sportsbooks connected to sports venues. These locations can be ideal if you prefer betting with cash, want to watch games on-site, or need customer service in person.

What to expect at a retail Illinois sportsbook

• Ticket windows and self-service kiosks for placing and cashing bets.
• Large TVs and sports bar environments for watching multiple games.
• On-site customer support for grade disputes, payouts, and account issues.
• In some stadiums, integrated betting experiences during live events.

How to start betting in Illinois

Signing up and placing your first legal sports bet in Illinois can be done entirely online in a few steps.

1. Choose one or more Illinois-licensed sportsbook apps to try.
2. Download the app or visit the website and confirm Illinois as your state.
3. Create an account and complete identity verification when prompted.
4. Enable location services so the app can verify that you are inside Illinois.
5. Deposit funds using an approved method like online banking, card, or wallet.
6. Review the welcome offer terms before you place your first qualifying bet.
7. Place your first wager and track your results from the bet slip.

Smart tips for Illinois sports bettors

Illinois is a strong market for serious and casual bettors, but a bit of discipline and planning goes a long way toward making betting safer and more sustainable.

Illinois sports betting FAQ