What are the best illinois sports betting apps? Online sports betting has exploded over the past few years.
Now, Illinois sports bettors can place wagers not only at a local retail sportsbook but create online betting accounts from the comfort of their own homes.
There is a lot to learn about the Illinois sports betting scene, including restrictions on Illinois college teams, in-person betting, and legal online betting as a whole.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Illinois?
The first and most important question: is sports betting legal in Illinois? The short answer is “yes,” but there is more to the Illinois sports betting market than meets the eye. The Illinois Gaming Board regulates all in-person and online sports betting.
Illinois sports betting became legal in June 2019. Legal betting began in the form of retail sportsbook operations in March 2020. The very first online sports betting site came from BetRivers in June 2020. All operators must get a sports betting license in order to offer online sports betting in Illinois.
The Illinois sports betting market is similar to other legal sports betting states. The key difference is that the Illinois Gaming Board restricts betting on in-state college teams. Legal Illinois sportsbooks offer online betting accounts to those physically located in the state. Sports fans can now start betting so long as they remain within state lines.
Why Use Sports Betting Apps in Illinois?
So, why should you use Illinois sports betting apps or sign up at an Illinois sportsbook? There are a few key features to go with online sportsbooks as opposed to casino gambling or signing up at a retail sportsbook like Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort or Rivers Casino.
Convenience. Sure, you could sign up at Rivers Casino, Grand Victoria Casino, Par a Dice Casino, or any other retail sportsbook legal in Illinois. But signing up for an online Illinois sportsbook is far more convenient. The Illinois sports wagering act and the Illinois Gaming Board have made it simple for sports bettors to sign up and get started with a litany of online sportsbooks in just a few moments.
Real-Time Odds. Want to place a bet on the Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, or any other local teams? Using Illinois sports betting sites, you gain access to real-time odds. Legal sports betting apps are constantly updating odds in the lead-up to games and as the action unfolds.
Bonuses and Promotions. Perhaps the biggest benefit offered by the best Illinois sports betting apps is the bonuses and promotions. Things like no-sweat bets, bonus bets, odds boosts, and other perks give sports bettors a leg up at a variety of online sportsbooks legal in Illinois.
Illinois online sportsbooks are generally available both on desktop and mobile platforms. Sports betting operators have made the transition seamless, though some offer bonus bets that are exclusive to one or the other. However you want to bet online, there are plenty of Illinois sports betting resources to choose from.
Top Sports Betting Apps in Illinois
What are the best Illinois sports betting operations going right now? With honorable mentions like ESPN Bet, there are plenty of sports betting sites to choose from. Here are the best Illinois sportsbook apps for your time and money.
1. DraftKings Sportsbook
Perhaps the best Illinois sports betting site is DraftKings. The interface is one of the friendliest among sports betting sites, making it easy for sports bettors to find all the best odds on teams like the Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, and more.
The bonus bets offered by DraftKings are among the best in the sports betting market. Illinois bettors can take advantage of hundreds in bonus bets for just signing up and wagering $5. It is the best possible way to get started in the sports betting industry.
Available on iOS and Android, DraftKings betting site is available through its mobile sports betting app as well. When it comes to sports betting in Illinois, it is tough to beat DraftKings in terms of Illinois sports betting operations.
2. FanDuel Sportsbook
A very close second is FanDuel Sportsbook. Same-game parlays and live betting are perhaps the biggest attractions, the former making each and every game as interesting as possible. It is a fun way to keep up with games in real-time.
FanDuel also has an exceptional welcome promotion. Generally speaking, you can get $150 (sometimes $250) for a first bet of just $5 when you sign up. The offers for new bettors are among the best on the market.
It is hard to criticize FanDuel. Tons of sports betting markets, sizable bonus offers, and a litany of payment options make it simple to get started. The interface can be a bit clunky, but that’s just being critical.
3. BetRivers
BetRivers may not have the national name value of DraftKings and FanDuel, but its presence in Illinois is substantial. Rivers Casino is a major presence, providing one of the best retail sportsbooks in the state.
The loyalty program is exceptional, bringing players back again and again. BetRivers has many of the top features as the rest, with a plethora of sports betting markets, live betting, and more to choose from.
Though it may not be as flashy as the top names on the market, BetRivers more than gets the job done. It has a local flavor to it that the others don’t, making it a great option for Illinois sports bettors who want to keep things local.
4. PointsBet
PointsBet has perhaps the most unique feature among all online sportsbooks. The Points Betting feature rewards players who are right more often than not while punishing those who get it wrong a lot. It keeps bettors on their toes and helps them become sharper bettors.
The design is as user-friendly as it gets. Finding the right sport, the right odds, and your account information can be done with just a few taps. The odds are also among some of the most competitive on the market, providing value that other books might not.
The promotions are also tailored to Illinois bettors. While the major sportsbooks have generic bonus bet offers, PointsBet tailors them to Chicago sports teams, providing a local connection that others can’t match.
5. Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars Sportsbook Illinois is one of the best sportsbooks in the state. It offers features like same-game parlay builders, live betting, odds boosts, and a number of things to entice Illinois sports bettors.
The bonuses and promotions are aimed at Illinois bettors. With promotions tied to local sports teams, it allows Illinois bettors to feel a greater connection than they would find with national sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel.
Caesars Rewards are perhaps the most comprehensive loyalty rewards out there. In addition to being able to earn bonus wagers or odds boosts, points can be earned toward hotel vouchers, trips, and so much more.
How to Choose the Best Sports Betting App in Illinois
How do you choose the best Illinois sports betting app? It’s easier than you think. Just compare each book using the following criteria.
Ease of use. How easy is it to use? The best online sportsbooks allow you to find whatever you’re looking for quickly and easily. Even top sportsbooks can be frustrating to use for some, so test each one out.
Variety. The best sportsbooks on the market have a litany of sports betting markets to choose from. Whether you like hockey, football, baseball, basketball, soccer, or something else, the best of the best has them all.
Bonuses. The single most important aspect of choosing a sportsbook is the bonus offer. Whether it be bonus wagers, deposit matches, or risk-free first bets, each offers something positive. Find the one that best suits what you are looking for.
Payment methods. Getting money into and out of your account is key. The best sportsbooks make that easy, offering a plethora of options while providing faster withdrawal times than the rest.
Customer support. When things go wrong, you need to have some help. The top sportsbooks are accessible 24/7, allowing you to get to the bottom of the issue in no time.
At the end of the day, the right online sportsbook depends on your personal preferences. User interface on one can feel right but deposit options may be better with another. What about the bonus options? Compare and contrast everything in order to make the best possible selection.
How to Get Started with Sports Betting Apps in Illinois
Getting started with your preferred Illinois sports betting app is quick and easy. Check out the steps below:
1.) Determine which betting app you want to use. Do your homework, compare bonuses, deposit options, betting options, and more.
2.) When ready, head to your phone’s app store and find your app of choice. Download it and fire it up.
3.) Create an account (you’ll need to verify your identity); it should take no more than a few minutes at the most.
Finally, choose a banking option and make a deposit. Remember, only bet what you can comfortably lose. The only thing left to do is to place your first sports bet!
Types of Bets You Can Place on Sports Betting Apps
Before you can jump into the Illinois sports betting market, you need to know the different bet types. Here are the most common types of sports bets.
Moneyline
Which team will win? That’s as easy as it gets. Odds can vary greatly, however, so don’t just assume that a moneyline bet is the right option.
Spread
In order to equalize the odds, sportsbooks offer spreads. This is the number of runs, points, or goals a team must win by (or lose by less than) in order to cash the bet.
Totals
Don’t want to bet on who will win or by how much? Bet on how many points, runs, or goals they’ll combine for. It can be a fun way to root without having to worry about who will win.
Parlays
Odds on a single bet, especially moneylines, can be less than favorable. Add additional bets (called legs) to your wager to create a parlay, garnering much higher potential winnings. Keep in mind that parlays are much tougher to hit than standard bets.
Props
Another way to bet is on individual outcomes by either the team or a player. For instance, if you think a quarterback is going to have a great day passing, you can place prop bets on his yardage or touchdown totals for the game.
Futures
Do you know who is going to make the playoffs or win the championship? Place a future wager at any point throughout the season on things like team record, making the playoffs, making the championship game, and winning it all.
Live betting has also become hugely popular in a short span. After the game begins, utilize live betting to take advantage of changing odds throughout the game. It is a great way to get a feel of the game and make smarter bets.
There are a few restrictions to be aware of. College sports betting is legal, just not on Illinois teams. Also, prop bets are not available for college sports. Legal sports bets must be placed within state boundaries or they will not be processed.
Bonuses and Promotions on Illinois Sports Betting Apps
One of the best things about Illinois sports betting apps is the bonuses. Each sportsbook has a promotion of some kind to entice sports bettors into joining their site. Let’s check out the different bonus offers.
Welcome bonuses
Perhaps the most common offer is a welcome bonus. This often comes in the form of bonus bets but can vary from sportsbook to sportsbook. You need to bet a minimum amount but will receive bonus bets that can be in the hundreds.
Deposit matches
Another form of welcome bonus is the deposit match. A common offer will see up to 100% matched on varying amounts. For instance, you could receive 100% matched up to $500 on your first deposit.
Risk-free bets
Finally, there are risk-free and no-sweat bet offers. These offers reimburse losing first bets with bonus wagers. It’s a bit of reassurance when it comes to starting your sports betting experience off on the right foot.
Loyalty rewards
The top sportsbooks are the ones offering loyalty rewards. For some, it means points that can be redeemed for bonus wagers, others for merchandise. Each program is different but rewards players who bet regularly with the sportsbook.
The top sports betting sites have similar offers in terms of bonuses and deposit matches. Take your time, compare the bonuses, and make sure you choose an offer that makes the most sense for what you want.
Safety and Security of Sports Betting Apps in Illinois
Though there is inherent risk in sports betting, Illinois sportsbooks must take steps to ensure that user data remains safe. The Illinois Gaming Board issues a sports betting license only to approved sportsbooks, ensuring improved safety.
You can take responsibility into your own hands as well. Only use well-reviewed, legal sports betting apps. Keep within your budget and make sure not to give away any information that isn’t absolutely necessary. Follow those rules and you can wager on sports safely and securely.
Tips for Responsible Betting on Sports Apps
When it comes to mobile sports betting, it is critical to be responsible. Finding legally licensed online sports betting apps is a good start, but these tips can help keep sports betting fun and responsible as it should be.
Set a budget. Go into betting with a budget in mind. Know what you can afford to lose because it is rare to garner a big win in betting. Don’t stray from that budget because it can be a slippery slope otherwise.
Don’t chase losses. A huge issue facing bettors is chasing losses. Ending the night on a loss might not be fun, but chasing those losses often leads to even more losses. Know when to pack it in for the night and live to fight another day.
Self-exclusion and limits. Sports betting sites offer tools for limiting wagers, deposits, etc. while also providing self-exclusion tools for those who need to take a step back. Utilize these tools if you feel that your online sports betting is getting out of hand.
Future of Sports Betting Apps in Illinois
The sports betting market has evolved exponentially, both in Illinois and beyond. There have been a few trends that have already shaped and will continue to shape the future of sports betting apps and sites.
Technological advancements. Technology is evolving all the time and betting apps are taking advantage. Whether it be location sharing to ensure legal betting, faster transactions, or providing better odds, it all adds up to a better betting experience.
Live and micro betting. Bettors are getting in on the action throughout games with live and micro betting. The growth of this market has been exponential, so look for online sportsbooks to make a substantial push in this area.
Expanded betting markets. There are limits on college sports betting in the state, betting markets are continuing to grow. Major sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel not only offer odds on local teams, but major sports leagues from around the globe.
Conclusion
Sports bettors are now free to partake in online sports betting and play at Illinois casinos as well. There is no greater convenience than signing up at an online sportsbook in Illinois, allowing users to place bets from anywhere at any time.
Check out the top sportsbooks with a sports betting license in Illinois. This ensures safe, fair play that is fun for all. Sign up today and you can even score some pretty sweet bonuses to bolster your bankroll.
Illinois Sports Betting FAQ Section
What is the best sports betting app in Illinois?
Though it comes down to personal preference, arguably the best Illinois sportsbook is DraftKings. Honorable mention goes to Caesars Sportsbook Illinois. With tremendous bonus bets and a betting market that is unmatched, DraftKings remains king.
Can I use multiple sports betting apps in Illinois?
Illinois sports betting offers the chance to partake in legal sports betting from any betting site you want. Even better, you can sign up for multiple sites if you so choose. Illinois sports betting compares favorably with other states in your freedom to sign up for any and all sites you choose.
Are there any fees for using sports betting apps?
There are thankfully no fees when it comes to using an online sports betting site. When you bet online, you just need to make a deposit and start betting. It takes no time to jump right into the betting market.
Is live betting available on betting apps in Illinois?
Live betting is legal in Illinois. Log into your Illinois sports betting account and head to the “live” section. Online sportsbooks like ESPN Bet, Caesars Sportsbook, and DraftKings all have ever-changing live betting odds, making each bettor’s online sports betting account even more fun.
How do I withdraw my winnings from a sports betting app?
Taking money out of your online sportsbook account is simple. Online sportsbooks offer a litany of payment methods for deposits and withdrawals. Just click on your account, select your preferred method, and follow the prompts. Just know that you can’t cash bonus bets without having wagered them first.
