Sports betting in Illinois has changed drastically over the past few years. Beginning in 2020, legal Illinois sportsbooks began operation.
There had been a push to legalize sports gambling for some time and the state finally made a push for a sports betting bill, which favors Illinois sports.
Let’s get into the history of legal sports betting in Illinois and how we arrived at this point.
The History of Sports Betting in Illinois
The path to legal Illinois sports betting begins with the U.S. Supreme Court. It overturned PASPA, paving the way to legal sports betting across the United States. Each state would handle online sports wagering, passing legislation to make it available to sports bettors.
The path to regulated sports betting really came in June 2019. The state passed the Illinois Sports Wagering Act, the first official sports betting legislation in the state. In March 2020, the first retail sportsbook (in-person sports betting) was launched. In June 2020, Illinois online sportsbooks followed.
The financial boon of legalizing sports gambling has been huge. Illinois sports bettors wagered hundreds of millions during the last fiscal year. The result was hundreds of millions in Illinois sports betting revenue in 2023. The number will only continue to grow, improving the Illinois sports betting scene as a whole.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Illinois?
Yes, it is legal but with specific regulations. The most substantial restriction has to do with college sports. Though betting on professional sports is completely legal, college sports have a few caveats. For starters, you cannot make prop bets on college sports. This isn’t just a restriction in Illinois. Secondly, bettors may not place wagers on Illinois college teams though that could be changing sooner rather than later.
The ball on legal Illinois sports betting got started in May 2018. The U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992. This directly paved the way for legalized sports betting across the United States.
A little more than a year later, in June 2019, the Illinois legislature passed the Sports Wagering Act. In March 2020, the first retail sportsbook launched in Illinois with online sportsbooks following suit in June 2020.
Illinois is one of the later states to join the fray. Most of its neighboring states have passed sports betting legislation already. For instance, sports betting both in-person and online is totally legal in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and Iowa. Missouri approved sports betting in November 2024, with the first sportsbooks coming in 2025. Only Wisconsin has limitations, with select locations allowing in-person sports betting.
Regulations and Requirements
Where Illinois sports betting is similar to other states is in the regulatory framework. The Illinois Gaming Board is the regulatory body in Illinois. It ensures that each Illinois sports betting partner is adhering to rules and regulations that promote safe and fair sports betting.
It is important to note that an online sportsbook cannot operate within Illinois state lines without a license. A sports betting license can be obtained through the Illinois Gaming Board, which then regulates and audits them at regular intervals.
There are age and location restrictions to be aware of when it comes to Illinois online sports betting. For starters, all users are required to be at least 21 years old to sign up. This isn’t specific to Illinois; the federal law for gambling states that everyone must be at least 21 years old.
Access restrictions apply based on location. Legal sports betting is allowed so long as it is done within state lines. You don’t need to be within state lines to sign up for an online sportsbook, but you do need to be within those boundaries in order to place a bet. If you are outside of state lines, bets will not be allowed even if you have an account with that sportsbook.
There are also limitations in place when it comes to college sports. Though sports bettors are permitted to wager on college sports, that list does not include Illinois universities. Conversely, prop bets on individual college players are also not permitted at this time.
How to Bet on Sports in Illinois
Interested in opening an Illinois sports betting account but don’t know how to get started? The process is far easier than you realize. Just follow these simple steps and you can be on your way to betting on your favorite sports in just a few minutes.
- Before you do anything else, you need to register for a sportsbook account. This can be done online at a litany of sites or in person at a retail sportsbook. Registering for a sportsbook account often comes down to the bonus offers, typically featuring bonus bets, deposit matches, and other perks for simply signing up.
- After entering all of your information, the sportsbook will verify that you are who you say. It is oftentimes clicking a link and nothing more. This also confirms your eligibility to not only play, but for things like bonus bets, additional perks, and more. Check all information to verify its accuracy before submitting.
- When your account is created, it’s time to make a deposit. Sign up using your preferred method – bank transfers and credit cards remain popular. Enter the amount you wish to deposit and with one click, it will be processed and funds transferred into your sports betting account. All that’s left to do is place your first bet and hope for a winner!
There is a litany of popular online sportsbooks to choose from in Illinois. Hard Rock Bet, DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetRivers are just a few of the most prominent names. The good news is that all of these sportsbooks come with an impeccable reputation, ensuring safe and fair betting for every player.
Signing up varies depending on your betting option. For online Illinois sportsbooks, you have to complete the registration process laid out above. It takes no more than a few minutes in total. You don’t actually have to register with a retail sportsbook, however. Present your identification, verify your age, and place your bet right there on the floor. You get to physically hold your ticket, compared to the virtual ticket offered when you bet online.
Where Can You Place Sports Bets in Illinois?
There is a plethora of options available for sports bettors. Bet at casinos and racetracks that offer their own sportsbook (like Caesars Sportsbook). Some racetracks may be limited to horse racing but there are others that offer sports betting as well.
Mobile betting platforms are the most popular option within Illinois. Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings Sportsbook, and FanDuel Sportsbook are just a few of the most popular names. Players can download their preferred app and start placing wagers in no time.
The experiences in retail vs. online betting are hugely different. When you bet at retail sportsbooks, you get a physical ticket with your wager. Betting online can be done at any time from the comfort of your own home. You can keep up with those wagers by checking the “my bets” tab in your preferred sportsbook app.
Types of Sports Bets Allowed in Illinois
Whether betting on Illinois sports teams like the Chicago Bears and Cubs or collegiate teams, there are a litany of bet types you will see in online sports betting apps. Let’s go over each of the bet types you will come across in online sports betting.
Moneyline
This is a straight bet, simply choosing which team will win. While betting online, wagers can get complicated, but moneyline is one of the simplest wagers to understand when using your sports betting app.
Spread
Because odds can be a bit lopsided in certain matchups, the spread is the great equalizer offered by online sportsbooks. The spread indicates how much a team must win by or lose by less than.
Ex: Buffalo Bills -7 vs. Denver Broncos +7
The Bills are favored to win and must win by at least 8 points in order to cover the spread. Win by less or lose outright and the Broncos cover the spread.
Totals
Not interested in betting on either team? Bet on how many points, runs, or goals the two teams will combine for. Online sports betting sites offer totals on major sports like basketball, baseball, hockey, football, and more.
Parlays
When you make more than one pick and combine it into a single wager, that’s a parlay. The odds are potentially bigger, but it is a lot tougher to win given that you have to get every pick correct.
Teasers
Teasers are similar to parlays in almost every way. The difference is that some online sportsbooks will let you tweak the spread instead. Keep in mind that odds may change, so compare teasers from one sports betting app to another.
Futures
If you feel like you are great at choosing playoff teams or championship winners, futures are the right play. Wager on individual team records, division winners, conference winners, who will make the playoffs, and even who will win it all.
Props
Finally, the sports betting market is ripe with props. A prop bet involves an individual outcome, whether for a team or player. For instance, if you think Patrick Mahomes will total more than 275 yards, you could bet the over on his prop.
It is important to note that there are restrictions when it comes to college athletics. Though bettors can place wagers on college football and basketball, there are no individual prop bets available. Just as importantly, bettors may not wager on Illinois college teams.
As is the case with much of the United States, there are popular sports that each online sportsbook has to offer. In Illinois, basketball and football are hugely popular. College football and baseball have their audience, and hockey has been growing in terms of total wagers as well.
Taxation and Revenue from Sports Betting
Tax rates for online sportsbooks can vary from state to state and operator to operator. It corresponds to the total gross receipts of sports betting sites. The maximum 40% rate is applied for Illinois online sportsbooks with more than $200 in receipts.
For sports bettors, which includes horse racing, any winnings over $1,000 are treated as taxable income. That income, whether it be from a sports betting app or retail sportsbook, is taxed at a rate of 4.95%.
All revenue generated by legal sports betting sites is split between two funds. The Capital Projects Fund gets 42% while the General Revenue Fund gets 58%. The sports betting market is generally impacting the bottom line for Illinois, further proving the benefits since legal sports betting arrived.
Future of Sports Betting in Illinois
One of the biggest developments in the Illinois sports betting market (and online sports betting sites) is the move to live betting. Players can now place bets on professional sports and college sports as the action unfolds, changing online betting going forward.
Illinois sports betting law could also see some changes. The first to change could be the limitations to college sports and betting online. Sports betting operators adhere to certain restrictions, but developments could see Illinois college teams added to the slate in addition to pro teams like the Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, etc.
Given the positive economic impact of legal sports betting, it is only reasonable to think that Illinois sports betting apps will become more prevalent. Illinois sports betting operations need to acquire a sports betting license in order to do business. As online sportsbooks continue to generate greater revenue, more legal sports betting apps will appear.
Illinois Sports Betting FAQ Section
Is online sports betting legal in Illinois?
Illinois sports betting has been legal since 2019. The first retail sportsbook popped up in early 2020 with online sportsbooks following suit. Sports bettors can access Illinois sportsbooks, all regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board, online and at retail locations.
Can I bet on college sports in Illinois?
One of the main restrictions with Illinois sports betting sites is that there are limitations on college sports betting. According to the Illinois Gaming Board, you can place wagers on college sports, but sports bettors may not wager on player props or teams located in Illinois. This is all part of the Amateur Sports Protection Act. Professional sports are much more open when it comes to Illinois sportsbooks.
What is the minimum age to place a sports bet in Illinois?
The minimum age for legal sports betting in Illinois is 21. It is important to note that this is the legal gambling age in the United States, not necessarily something set by the state or the Illinois Gaming Board. To play at a retail sportsbook or online sportsbooks, you must be at least 21 years of age.
How can I withdraw winnings from an online sportsbook?
When the time comes, you can take your money out in a variety of ways from Illinois sports betting sites. Use your preferred banking method (often chosen during online registration) and follow the prompts. With retail sports betting, you simply cash your winning ticket at the cage.
Are there any restrictions on betting while traveling outside Illinois?
It is important to note something if you prefer a mobile sports betting app. All Illinois sportsbooks require that you be located within state lines to place your wagers. If you are attempting to use your Illinois sports betting account outside of state lines, your wagers will not go through.
