Illinois Online Gambling Sites & IL TOP Betting Apps

Want to know what types of online gambling are allowed in Illinois? What are the best sites for sports and casino betting? Here you go!

While Illinois hasn’t legalized real-money online casinos yet, residents can engage in social casinos like Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Slots for a range of sweepstakes slots and table games. This summary looks ahead to possible changes in Illinois’s gambling laws, anticipating the potential introduction of major online casino operators like BetMGM and Caesars Casino in the future.

Is it legal to gamble in Illinois?

The history of legal gambling in the state of Illinois actually dates back to the days when gangster Al Capone ruled over Chicago in the 1920s. Back then, the only legal form of gambling that the people of Illinois could wager on was horse racing.

Today, that landscape is populated with many more opportunities for wagering. There are 10 options in the state for land-based casino gambling, which were originally legalized in 1990. Video slot machines are also legally operated in liquor establishments and truck stops throughout Illinois. The Illinois lottery began operating in 2012.

In 2019, the Illinois state government voted to legalize sports betting, both at retail brick and mortar sites and via online and mobile app options. 

The only popular gambling option still unavailable in Illinois is online casino gambling. 

Illinois Online Sportsbooks & Casinos 2025

• Bet365 Illinois – best sportsbook, free bet code USB365
• BetRivers IL – promo code for Illinois is USBTRV
• FanDuel Illinois
• DraftKings Illinois
• BetMGM Illinois
• Caesars Sportsbook Illinois
• Fanatics Sportsbook Illinois
• ESPN BET Illinois
• Hard Rock Bet Illinois
• Circa Sports Illinois​
  

Illinois’ Best Gambling Sites

You’ll find all of the major online sports betting sites in the USA are located in Illinois. The first sports betting sites launched in June of 2020. They must be partnered with a racetrack or land-based casino in order to be licensed. Along with retail sports betting, Illinois also offers online and mobile sports betting options.

These are some of the top sites operating in Illinois. 

BetMGM Illinois

Offering a massive list of bet types and betting markets, one of the unique features of the BetMGM sports betting app is the ability to edit your bet. They offer a stellar welcome bonus of up to $1500 in bonus bets back if your first bet with BetMGM doesn’t cash as a winner.

BetRivers Illinois

If you like to bet with home-grown talent, then BetRivers is the sportsbook for you. They are owned and operated by Rush Street Interactive, which is situated in Chicago. And they are partners with the NFL’s Chicago Bears. BetRivers is known in the industry for their quick payouts of withdrawals and their always minimal 1x playthrough wagering requirement on any bonus funds. They were the first to launch both retail (March 9, 2020) and online (June 19, 2020) sports betting sites in Illinois.

Caesars Sportsbook Illinois

One of the legends on the US gambling landscape, Caesars has proven capable of combining that traditional excellence with state of the art technology. They’ve earned a sterling reputation for their industry-leading rewards program. As well, you won’t find a sportsbook offering a greater list of betting markets than Caesars, and they offer more odds boosts than any site.

DraftKings Illinois Online

The ease of use of the DraftKings site is a great starting point. You’ll find plenty of selection in terms of betting markets and bet types. And it’s all explained in simple terminology, because DraftKings aims to gain favor with the recreational player. They offer an early cash out option on bets and deliver it all to you on a sleek, easy to navigate site.

A leader in the field of US gambling, both online and offline sports betting is widely available in Illinois. The scheme’s need for in-person registration has now ended, with bettors able to register online for their app of choice.

TOP Illinois Sports Gambling Sites/Apps

• BetRivers (live in Illinois)
• Fanduel
• Fanatics Sportsbook
• ESPN Bet
• Ballybet
• BetMGM Illinois
• DraftKings
• Bet365 (Launching soon in 2025)

The Best Online Illinois Betting Sites & Apps in Detail

We’ve appraised these licensed sites across several key metrics, including available payment methods, betting market range, and mobile app functionality, so here’s our take on the best five sportsbooks in Illinois.

BetRivers Illinois – The Best for Betting Markets

BetRivers was one of the first sportsbooks to launch in IL, opening up to bettors in June 2020. This wasn’t the first time the brand was among the first to market either, with this proactive approach helping compensate for the brand’s relative lack of prestige in the state compared to DraftKings and BetMGM.

BetRivers also pays special attention to local bettors in Illinois, prominently listing franchises such as the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, and the Chicago Bears to allow instant access to associated betting markets and promotions.

The sportsbook also offers access to an extensive range of ante-post and in-play markets for American football, basketball, hockey, baseball, golf, tennis, and MMA.

You can also bring up the site’s full range of betting markets through native iOS and Android apps. These are intuitively designed and rated 4.5/5 and 3.8/5, respectively, while this software also prioritizes local sports franchises and events in Illinois.

Pros: BetRivers Sportsbook has an easy-to-use mobile app and website, a wide range of sports and betting options, and a generous match bonus offer.

Cons: The match bonus offer is lower than other sportsbooks.

BetMGM Illinois Sportsbook – The Best Mobile Betting App Overall

While BetMGM may be the self-proclaimed “King of Sportsbooks”, it didn’t enter the Illinois marketplace until March 5^th, 2022.

However, the site has quickly claimed a healthy share of the state’s betting handle thanks in part to its exceptional mobile app, which boasts respective rankings of 4.8/5 and 4.4/5 on iOS and Android, respectively.

Make no mistake, the BetMGM IL app steals the show for the brand, combining exceptional design with even better performance. The native software on iOS and Android is also easy to navigate and home to high-quality live streaming, while you can also access daily price boosts, multiple in-play betting lines, and same game parlays through the app.

The app also offers you access to BetMGM’s huge betting market menu while enabling deep integration with the generous MGM Rewards Program (which provides tiered bonuses to players depending on their betting frequency and bankroll).

DraftKings Illinois Sportsbook – The Best for Live Betting

Next up is DraftKings, which opened its virtual doors to Illinois customers on August 5^th, 2020. It’s also renowned for offering traditional player props and same-game parlays across various sports markets, creating unique wagering opportunities for customers.

The sportsbook is definitely our pick as the best IL operator from the perspective of in-play wagering, thanks to its comprehensive live-streaming platform and sheer range of micro-betting markets. You can even reference the ‘Trending’ section on the website to track popular markets and prop wagers in real-time, making it much easier to build multi-game parlays and betslips while on the move.

To support DraftKings’ frequent livestreams and diverse range of in-play betting markets, the site has developed exceptional native apps on iOS and Android. These have ratings of 4.8/5 (from more than 588k reviews) and 4.7/5, with the latest app versions have made it even easier to build same-game parlays across multiple markets.

Pros: DraftKings Sportsbook has an easy-to-use mobile app and website, a wide range of sports and betting options, and a generous sign-up bonus.

Cons: The playthrough requirement for the match bonus is higher than other sportsbooks.

FanDuel Illinois – The Best for Payment Options

FanDuel beat DraftKings to the Illinois market by around five months, launching in the state in March 2020. Interestingly, FanDuel IL is also the official betting partner of the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks, while it’s arguably the best sportsbook for deposit and withdrawal options.

Withdrawals at FanDuel are highly secured and usually processed within 3-5 working days, while you can access your winnings using PayPal, check, ACH/E-Check, and even the FanDuel prepaid card.

All deposits are similarly secure and completed instantly, while you can credit your FanDuel IL account using PayPal, Visa debit, Mastercard, and bank transfer. The minimum deposit threshold is also affordable at just $10 per transaction.

These payment options are also available through the FanDuel IL Android app, which offers an incredibly smooth navigational experience and an average rating of 4.7/5. The brand’s iOS app is similarly revered, with an average score of 4.8/5 from more than 967k reviews.

Pros: FanDuel Sportsbook has an easy-to-use mobile app and website, a wide range of sports and betting options, and a generous risk-free bet offer.

Cons: The welcome offer is a risk-free bet with no deposit bonuses.

ESPN Bet Illinois – New Betting App With the Best for Easy Registration

ESPN Bet launched in Illinois in November 2023. It’s perhaps best known for its accessibility and simple sign-up process, which can be done quickly and seamlessly through the desktop or mobile app.

To sign up for an ESPN Bet account in IL, hit the ‘Register Now’ button on the site and fill in the personal data across two simple screens before creating a unique username and password connected to your email. You may then have to provide your social security number accurately; at this point, the site should confirm and verify your identity immediately!

The iOS ESPN Bet app is also highly intuitive and easy to navigate. At the time of writing, it was the most downloaded sportsbook in the App Store. Its innovative betting features (such as interactive wagers and flexible parlays) have contributed to an average rating of 4.9/5 on the App Store with 91k votes. The Android app has an average rating of 4.4/5.

Top Illinois Sports Betting Apps for Your Phones

BetMGM offers the most lucrative second chance bet, with up to $1,5000 available. However, FanDuel and DraftKings offer an incredible bonus bet bundle for only a $5 bet. 

There are many pro sports teams in Illinois you can bet on. From the MLS franchise Chicago Fire to the MLB duo Chicago Cubs and the White Sox, the Chicago Bulls in the NBA, the NHL team Chicago Blackhawks, and the Chicago Bears of the NFL.

Illinois Online Sportsbook Bonus Codes for 2025

Note: Illinois residents have a variety of promotional offers to choose from in 2025, with sportsbooks providing competitive bonuses to attract new users. These offers range from first bet insurance to deposit matches, enhancing the initial betting experience for new customers. Use the provided bonus codes to take full advantage of these offers. Always play responsibly and review the terms and conditions before participating.

Illinois Online Casinos

There are currently 10 brick and mortar casinos in Illinois, along with thousands of VLTs situated in bars and truck stops across the state. What there isn’t access to anywhere in Illinois is online casino gambling.

Since 2021, the state government has sought to carve out a path toward legalization of online casino gambling in the state of Illinois, but to date, all attempts have come up short of reaching that destination. 

As recently as February of 2024, the Illinois State Senate sent a bill seeking legalization of online casino gambling and online poker to the Illinois House Gaming Committee. It never even generated any discussion prior to the conclusion of the state’s legislative session on May 24. 

With more stability in the state budget in recent years, there’s no pressure on Illinois lawmakers to find new revenue streams such as the type of tax windfall that online casino gambling could create.

You can’t play online casino games in Illinois at this time. The best online casinos that are permitted to operate in other states have hundreds, even thousands of games available to their players. The most popular tend to be the big-hit slot games, but several innovative table games also command a vast American audience. However, while Illinois gambling still excludes online casinos, you can’t play the best games as a state resident.

Based on the current laws in Illinois, BetMGM, Caesars, Betrivers, and DraftKings are among the first casinos expected to go live in the state.

Illinois Online Casino Sites/Apps Expected in 2025

• BetMGM Casino Illinois
• Betrivers Casino
• Caesars Casino
• DraftKings Casino
• FanDuel Casino
• Fanatics Casino IL

Illinois Sweepstakes Casinos

If you want to do some casino-style gambling in the comfort of your own home and you live in Illinois, then social casinos are your only solution at the moment.

While they offer the same type of slots, table games and even live dealer options of a traditional online casino, you can’t win real money or gamble with real money inside a social casino. You either play for fun with gold coins, or use sweepstakes coins to pursue prizes like gift cards.

There are a number of social casino options accessible in Illinois and what follows is a look at some of the most popular sites.

BetRivers.net: Operated by Illinois-based Rush Street Interactive, the same company that owns the Rivers casino and BetRivers sportsbook, they are the hometown option when it comes to social casinos. You can also engage in virtual sports betting on the BetRivers.net site.

Chumba Casino: Billing itself as America’s No. 1 social casino experience, Chumba Casino will start you off with 3 million gold coins, along with 30 free sweepstakes coins. You’ll find over 100 slots to play, including jackpot slots and table games such as blackjack, roulette and video poker. Chumba Casino also offers bingo, slingo and solitaire.

McLuck Casino: Top game providers such as NetEnt, Pragmatic Play and Playson deliver the more than 400 games to play inside the McLuck Casino. You’ll only find slots to play on their site, but they include Megaways and cascading reels games. New players can earn up to 107,500 gold coins along with 35 free sweeps coins when joining the McLuck Casino.

Illinois Online Gambling Overview 2025

Sports Betting in Illinois

Sports betting is a legal and thriving sector in Illinois. Since the in-person registration requirement for sports betting ended in March 2022, the activity has become more accessible. Legal online sports betting sites like BetMGM and BetRivers offer a wide range of betting options, from major league sports to more niche events.

Horse Racing Betting

Illinois offers limited options for horse racing enthusiasts. With the closure of Arlington Park, only two racetracks remain for live horse racing. Horse racing betting, however, is more accessible, with options for both online and on-site wagering. Residents can place bets on horse races through online platforms or directly at the racetracks, making horse racing betting a versatile option in the state’s gambling portfolio.

IL Online Casinos

Online casinos remain illegal in Illinois, but legislation aims to change this status. In the meantime, gambling enthusiasts can enjoy various games at land-based casinos throughout the state. These establishments offer various gaming options, from roulette to live dealer games, catering to different preferences. Riverboat casinos, a unique feature of Illinois, also offer similar games.

Online Poker

Similar to online casinos, online poker is not legally available in Illinois. However, the state boasts a number of brick-and-mortar casinos that feature dedicated poker rooms and a variety of poker games. These land-based venues provide poker players with the opportunity to engage in live play in a regulated environment.

Lottery

The Illinois Lottery is a notable aspect of the state’s gambling landscape, being the first in the US to offer online lottery ticket sales starting in 2012. Residents aged 18 and over can purchase tickets for a variety of lottery games online, making it a convenient option for those interested in lottery play.

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)

The legality of DFS in Illinois falls into a grey area. Despite the legal ambiguity, popular platforms such as FanDuel and DraftKings are operational in the state, offering DFS options to residents.

Best Online Casino Games in Illinois

You can’t play casino games via apps in Illinois at this time. Anyone hoping the state’s standing ban on online casinos doesn’t extend to mobile ones will be disappointed. That said, should the state open up to the idea of an Illinois online casino, it will likely introduce casino apps, too. This is based on the fact that the region permits the release of mobile sports betting apps.

Top Land-based Casinos in Illinois

You can play at several land and water-based casinos in Illinois right now. Governed by the Illinois Gaming Board, riverboat gambling is big business in the Prairie State. While there aren’t any tribal casinos to speak of, the top-rated land and water-based casinos currently stand as Rivers Casino Des Plaines, Harrah’s Joliet Casino, Jumer’s Casino Rock Island, and Harrah’s Metropolis. Each offers an extensive range of high-quality games and a great atmosphere.

You can’t claim online casino bonuses in Illinois at this time. As there isn’t an Illinois online casino, there aren’t any online casino promotions or bonuses to claim. Should this change, Illinois gambling fans could claim matched deposit bonuses and even some free spins.

The Best Online Illinois Betting Sites & Apps in Detail

We’ve appraised these licensed sites across several key metrics, including available payment methods, betting market range, and mobile app functionality, so here’s our take on the best five sportsbooks in Illinois.

BetRivers Illinois – The Best for Betting Markets

BetRivers was one of the first sportsbooks to launch in IL, opening up to bettors in June 2020. This wasn’t the first time the brand was among the first to market either, with this proactive approach helping compensate for the brand’s relative lack of prestige in the state compared to DraftKings and BetMGM.

BetRivers also pays special attention to local bettors in Illinois, prominently listing franchises such as the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, and the Chicago Bears to allow instant access to associated betting markets and promotions.

The sportsbook also offers access to an extensive range of ante-post and in-play markets for American football, basketball, hockey, baseball, golf, tennis, and MMA.

You can also bring up the site’s full range of betting markets through native iOS and Android apps. These are intuitively designed and rated 4.5/5 and 3.8/5, respectively, while this software also prioritizes local sports franchises and events in Illinois.

Pros: BetRivers Sportsbook has an easy-to-use mobile app and website, a wide range of sports and betting options, and a generous match bonus offer.

Cons: The match bonus offer is lower than other sportsbooks.

BetMGM Illinois Sportsbook – The Best Mobile Betting App Overall

While BetMGM may be the self-proclaimed “King of Sportsbooks”, it didn’t enter the Illinois marketplace until March 5^th, 2022.

However, the site has quickly claimed a healthy share of the state’s betting handle thanks in part to its exceptional mobile app, which boasts respective rankings of 4.8/5 and 4.4/5 on iOS and Android, respectively.

Make no mistake, the BetMGM IL app steals the show for the brand, combining exceptional design with even better performance. The native software on iOS and Android is also easy to navigate and home to high-quality live streaming, while you can also access daily price boosts, multiple in-play betting lines, and same game parlays through the app.

The app also offers you access to BetMGM’s huge betting market menu while enabling deep integration with the generous MGM Rewards Program (which provides tiered bonuses to players depending on their betting frequency and bankroll).

DraftKings Illinois Sportsbook – The Best for Live Betting

Next up is DraftKings, which opened its virtual doors to Illinois customers on August 5^th, 2020. It’s also renowned for offering traditional player props and same-game parlays across various sports markets, creating unique wagering opportunities for customers.

The sportsbook is definitely our pick as the best IL operator from the perspective of in-play wagering, thanks to its comprehensive live-streaming platform and sheer range of micro-betting markets. You can even reference the ‘Trending’ section on the website to track popular markets and prop wagers in real-time, making it much easier to build multi-game parlays and betslips while on the move.

To support DraftKings’ frequent livestreams and diverse range of in-play betting markets, the site has developed exceptional native apps on iOS and Android. These have ratings of 4.8/5 (from more than 588k reviews) and 4.7/5, with the latest app versions have made it even easier to build same-game parlays across multiple markets.

Pros: DraftKings Sportsbook has an easy-to-use mobile app and website, a wide range of sports and betting options, and a generous sign-up bonus.

Cons: The playthrough requirement for the match bonus is higher than other sportsbooks.

FanDuel Illinois – The Best for Payment Options

FanDuel beat DraftKings to the Illinois market by around five months, launching in the state in March 2020. Interestingly, FanDuel IL is also the official betting partner of the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks, while it’s arguably the best sportsbook for deposit and withdrawal options.

Withdrawals at FanDuel are highly secured and usually processed within 3-5 working days, while you can access your winnings using PayPal, check, ACH/E-Check, and even the FanDuel prepaid card.

All deposits are similarly secure and completed instantly, while you can credit your FanDuel IL account using PayPal, Visa debit, Mastercard, and bank transfer. The minimum deposit threshold is also affordable at just $10 per transaction.

These payment options are also available through the FanDuel IL Android app, which offers an incredibly smooth navigational experience and an average rating of 4.7/5. The brand’s iOS app is similarly revered, with an average score of 4.8/5 from more than 967k reviews.

Pros: FanDuel Sportsbook has an easy-to-use mobile app and website, a wide range of sports and betting options, and a generous risk-free bet offer.

Cons: The welcome offer is a risk-free bet with no deposit bonuses.

ESPN Bet Illinois – New Betting App With the Best for Easy Registration

ESPN Bet launched in Illinois in November 2023. It’s perhaps best known for its accessibility and simple sign-up process, which can be done quickly and seamlessly through the desktop or mobile app.

To sign up for an ESPN Bet account in IL, hit the ‘Register Now’ button on the site and fill in the personal data across two simple screens before creating a unique username and password connected to your email. You may then have to provide your social security number accurately; at this point, the site should confirm and verify your identity immediately!

The iOS ESPN Bet app is also highly intuitive and easy to navigate. At the time of writing, it was the most downloaded sportsbook in the App Store. Its innovative betting features (such as interactive wagers and flexible parlays) have contributed to an average rating of 4.9/5 on the App Store with 91k votes. The Android app has an average rating of 4.4/5.

Top Illinois Sports Betting Apps for Your Phones

There are many pro sports teams in Illinois you can bet on. From the MLS franchise Chicago Fire to the MLB duo Chicago Cubs and the White Sox, the Chicago Bulls in the NBA, the NHL team Chicago Blackhawks, and the Chicago Bears of the NFL.

Note: Illinois residents have a variety of promotional offers to choose from in 2025, with sportsbooks providing competitive bonuses to attract new users. These offers range from first bet insurance to deposit matches, enhancing the initial betting experience for new customers. Use the provided bonus codes to take full advantage of these offers. Always play responsibly and review the terms and conditions before participating.

FAQs About Illinois Betting

What tax rates are my gambling winnings subject to?

Your income tax reports will show that the IRS charges flat rates of 24 percent and 4.95 percent at the state level.

Are mobile casino apps available in Illinois?

Illinois hasn’t legalized mobile casino apps yet, but that may change under an introduced bill.

What is the Legal Gambling Age in Illinois?

You must be 21 years old for casino gaming, betting, and poker in Illinois. The state’s legal age for gambling varies based on the activity. To partake in casino games, poker, and betting, you have to be at least 21 years old. For horse racing, bingo, and the lottery, you need to be 18 years old.

Tax When Gambling in Illinois?

Your gambling winnings are subject to state and federal taxation in Illinois. As the standard across the United States, the IRS considers all your gambling winnings taxable income at 24 percent. The state will also tax your winnings at a flat rate of 4.95 percent.

Is online sports betting legal in Illinois?

Yes, with sites like BetMGM and BetRivers offering a range of betting options.

Where can I get help with problem gambling in Illinois?

While gambling can be enjoyable for many, for some it can be real problem affecting their lives every day. If you, or a friend or relative, is struggling to cope with their gambling, help is available. Illinois – National Council on Problem Gambling (ncpgambling.org). Both Illinois and out-of-state residents can enroll in the problem gambling registry. Contact the IGB at 1-877-YOU-QUIT (1-877-968-7848) for Illinois residents or (312) 814-8832 for Non-Illinois residents.

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