Legal sports betting stands strong in Illinois, marking over $40 billion in total bets since March 2020. Sportsbook revenue reached $3.4 billion through 2023, establishing the state as a major betting market.
Seven licensed online sportsbooks serve Illinois bettors age 21 and up. BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings lead the pack with full-service betting platforms. State rules prohibit wagers on in-state college teams, setting clear boundaries for legal betting activity.
First-time bettors face several key decisions – choosing a sportsbook, completing registration, and learning bet types. This guide walks through each step of starting sports betting in Illinois, focusing on legal requirements and smart betting practices.
Legal Status of Illinois Sports Betting
SB 690 brought legal sports betting to Illinois in June 2019. Rivers Casino marked the state’s first legal wager in March 2020, opening doors for regulated sports betting operations.
Current Legal Framework
The Illinois Gaming Board runs sports wagering oversight statewide. Master licenses split between three venue types:
- Casinos
- Racetracks
- Sports facilities (17,000+ seating capacity)
Betting options span across:
- Retail sportsbooks at casinos and tracks
- Online sportsbook apps
- Sports betting kiosks (5,000+ locations)
Professional sports see full betting coverage. College sports face tighter rules – Illinois college team bets stick to retail casinos only as of July 2024. College prop bets stay off-limits entirely.
Age and Location Rules
Sports betting requires age 21 or older at all Illinois sportsbooks. Online or retail – same rules apply.
Online bettors must stay within state lines when placing bets. Sportsbooks use geo-tracking to check location. The Gaming Board watches all betting activity through monitoring systems.
March 2022 brought easier access as in-person registration requirements ended. Nine licensed online sportsbooks now serve Illinois bettors, each offering unique betting options.
The Gaming Board holds power to limit or ban specific bets, sports, or leagues. Problem gambling support includes self-exclusion programs covering both sports betting and casino games.
Starting with Illinois Sportsbooks
Online registration makes setting up sportsbook accounts straightforward since March 2022. Seven licensed online sportsbooks serve Illinois bettors.
Account Setup Steps
Pick your sportsbook platform, download the app or visit the website, then hit sign-up. Fill out personal details, set login credentials, agree to terms, and complete verification. The process takes about 10 minutes start to finish.
Document Requirements
The Illinois Gaming Board needs specific items to verify accounts:
- Photo ID (government-issued)
- Illinois address proof
- Last four SSN digits
- Email address
- Phone number
Account Verification
Sportsbooks run thorough checks to meet state rules. They verify age (21+), location, identity, and residence status. The Gaming Board monitors these checks through dedicated systems.
Most accounts activate within 24 hours after verification. Location services must stay on while betting – sportsbooks track this to ensure wagers happen inside state lines.
Sometimes sportsbooks need extra proof if verification hits snags. This could mean showing utility bills or bank statements to confirm identity or address. The extra steps help keep Illinois sports betting secure and legal.
Funding Your Sportsbook Account
Illinois sportsbooks support multiple secure payment methods. Each option carries specific limits and processing times.
Payment Options
Major credit and debit cards lead deposit choices – Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express. E-wallet services add flexibility:
- PayPal – USD 30.00 minimum
- Venmo – USD 10.00 minimum
- Skrill – USD 10.00 minimum
Bank transfers work through online banking or ACH (e-Check). VIP Preferred ACH delivers quick processing, high approval rates.
Cash deposits stay simple. PayNearMe works at 7-Eleven, CVS, Family Dollar stores. Casino cage deposits work at partner locations.
Deposit Limits
Most methods start at USD 10.00 minimum. PayPal sets USD 30.00 minimum.
Maximum deposit caps:
- Credit/Debit Cards: USD 30,000.00
- Online Banking: USD 10,000.00
- Venmo: USD 3,000.00
- PayNearMe: USD 500.00 per transaction
Processing Speed
Cards and e-wallets credit instantly. ACH bank transfers take 2-3 days.
Play+ cards offer quick funding through digital or physical cards. These cards help when banks block direct gambling deposits.
Withdrawal times vary:
- E-wallets (PayPal, Skrill): 1-4 hours
- Bank transfers: 1-5 business days
- Casino cage: Instant cash
Basic Bet Types
Three main bet types dominate Illinois sportsbooks. Each offers distinct ways to wager on sports outcomes.
Moneyline Bets
Moneyline bets pick straight winners. Take an MLB matchup between Tampa Bay Rays (+130) and Los Angeles Dodgers (-150). The minus sign shows the Dodgers as favorites.
Moneyline math works two ways:
- Bet USD 150.00 to win USD 100.00 on -150 odds
- Bet USD 100.00 to win USD 130.00 on +130 odds
Point Spreads
Point spreads add points to level matchups. The Chicago Bears at +4.5 means they cover by winning outright or losing by 4 or fewer points.
Spreads work double duty:
- Balance uneven matchups
- Create two-way betting action
Over/Under Bets
Over/under bets target total points scored. NFL totals might sit at 47.5 points:
- Over hits at 48+ total points
- Under wins at 47 or fewer points
The half-point (.5) prevents ties. Most totals start at -110 odds both ways.
Typical totals by sport:
- MLB: 8.5 runs
- NBA: 200+ points
- NHL: 5.5 goals
Illinois books offer these basics plus parlays, props, futures. The Gaming Board watches all odds and markets.
Making Your First Bet
Sports betting success starts with sport selection and odds knowledge. Illinois sportsbooks pack plenty of betting options.
Available Sports
Major sports lead betting action:
- Pro leagues – NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL
- Racing – NASCAR, Formula 1
- Combat – UFC, Boxing
- Soccer – MLS, international leagues
- Golf and Tennis events
- College sports (no Illinois teams)
Chicago teams pull heavy betting traffic. Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks drive major wagering numbers.
Reading the Odds
American odds show up as plus (+) or minus (-) numbers. Each tells a betting story:
Plus odds (+150) show your win on USD 100.00:
- Win USD 150.00 on USD 100.00 bet
- Get USD 250.00 total back
Minus odds (-150) show what wins USD 100.00:
- Bet USD 150.00 to win USD 100.00
- Get USD 250.00 total back
Placing Bets
Six steps seal the deal:
- Pick your sport and game
- Choose bet type
- Set bet amount
- Check odds and payout
- Confirm Illinois location
- Submit bet
Location checks happen every time. Big bets might need extra verification.
College betting rules changed July 1, 2024 – no bets on Illinois teams. College props stay off limits too. Stick to moneyline, spread, over/under for college games.
Mobile apps show live odds updates. Retail spots hand out paper slips. Each sportsbook keeps clear rules on bets, cancels, voids.
The Gaming Board watches everything – odds, markets, payouts. House rules stay public, ready when asked.
Illinois Sports Betting Apps
Licensed sportsbooks deliver mobile betting platforms across Illinois. Each app packs betting features, banking tools, and live odds updates.
Top Sportsbook Apps
FanDuel tops App Store rankings at 4.8/5. The platform teams up with Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bulls, pulling strong local action.
DraftKings matches the 4.8/5 mark. Their betting carousel spins up custom picks for each player. BetMGM hits 4.8/5 too, scoring big with smooth navigation and payment choices.
Caesars runs at 4.6/5, pushing odds boosts and quick cashouts. Fanatics joined the game April 2024, mixing merchandise perks with betting action.
Key Features
FanDuel’s ‘Sports A to Z’ tool cuts straight to any market. Bet slips pop up right when odds catch your eye.
DraftKings loads up with:
- Live game data feeds
- Built-in game streams
- Hot bet tracking
BetMGM brings the goods:
- Quick-hit bet placement
- Live game viewing
- Multiple banking options
Mobile vs Desktop Play
Mobile apps pack betting power:
- Bet anywhere in Illinois
- Score alerts hit instantly
- Mobile-only bonus offers
Desktop setups deliver:
- Full-size odds boards
- Multi-window odds shopping
- Steady connections
Mobile shines for live betting – quick hits when odds move. Desktop works better for research, spreading multiple games across the screen.
Both platforms lock down security tight. Pick your platform based on betting style, not limitations.
Final Word
Illinois sports betting stands strong since 2020. Licensed platforms deliver safe, legal betting backed by solid state rules. Deposit options, withdrawal methods, betting markets – all pieces fit together under Gaming Board watch.
Smart betting starts with basics. Account setup, verification steps, bet types – each part matters. Pro sports markets run deep, though college restrictions hold firm on Illinois teams.
Mobile apps pack the tools Illinois bettors need. Clean interfaces, sharp features, secure banking – top platforms deliver the works. Mix in solid odds knowledge, smart betting moves follow.
21+. Bet With Your Head, Not Over It! Know the rules, set real goals, use sportsbook tools wisely. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
FAQs
Q1. What are the age and location requirements for sports betting in Illinois? To participate in sports betting in Illinois, you must be at least 21 years old and physically present within state boundaries when placing bets. Online sportsbooks use geolocation technology to verify your location.
Q2. How do I create an account with an Illinois sportsbook? To create an account, choose a licensed sportsbook, download their app or visit their website, click the sign-up button, enter your personal information, create login credentials, and complete the identity verification process. You’ll need to provide government-issued ID, proof of Illinois residence, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Q3. What are the most common types of bets for beginners? The most common bet types for beginners are moneyline bets (picking the outright winner), point spreads (betting on the margin of victory), and over/under bets (wagering on the total combined score of a game). These offer straightforward options for those new to sports betting.
Q4. Can I bet on Illinois college teams? As of July 2024, betting on Illinois collegiate teams is restricted to retail casinos only. Online sportsbooks do not offer wagers on in-state college teams, and prop bets on any college athletes are prohibited.
Q5. What are the advantages of using mobile betting apps in Illinois? Mobile betting apps in Illinois offer convenience, allowing you to place bets from anywhere within the state. They provide features like live updates, instant notifications, and sometimes mobile-exclusive bonuses. Top-rated apps like FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM offer user-friendly interfaces and advanced functionalities for a seamless betting experience.