Sports Betting in Illinois: A Comprehensive Guide
Legalization and Regulatory Framework
Illinois legalized sports betting in June 2019 when Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the Sports Wagering Act into law. The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) was designated as the regulatory authority, overseeing all licensing, compliance, and operations for both retail and online sportsbooks. Legal betting officially launched in March 2020, initially through land-based casinos before expanding to mobile platforms.
Who Can Bet in Illinois?
To place a legal sports bet in Illinois, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be physically located within Illinois at the time of placing the bet
- Not be on any self-exclusion or involuntary exclusion lists
- Not be a coach, player, referee, or direct participant in the event being wagered on
Verification of identity and geolocation is required, especially for online betting.
Retail Sportsbooks
Illinois hosts several brick-and-mortar sportsbooks located at casinos and racetracks across the state. Notable retail sportsbooks include:
- Rivers Casino in Des Plaines (partnered with BetRivers)
- Argosy Casino Alton
- Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin
- Par-A-Dice Casino in East Peoria
- Hollywood Casinos in Aurora and Joliet
Retail sportsbooks offer in-person betting counters, self-service kiosks, and viewing lounges for live sports.
Online and Mobile Betting
Mobile betting is legal and thriving in Illinois, with major sportsbook operators providing apps and websites for convenient wagering. Initially, the law required users to register for online accounts in person at a casino. However, that requirement was permanently lifted in March 2022, allowing full remote registration.
Top online sportsbooks in Illinois include:
- FanDuel
- DraftKings
- BetRivers
- Caesars Sportsbook
- PointsBet
- BetMGM
- Circa Sports (launched in 2023)
These platforms offer a wide array of markets, including moneylines, spreads, over/unders, parlays, live betting, futures, and prop bets.
Betting Restrictions
There are specific limitations in Illinois regarding what bettors can and cannot wager on:
- Betting on in-state college teams (e.g., University of Illinois, Northwestern) is allowed only at retail locations, not online.
- No betting on high school sports or amateur athletic events involving minors.
- Betting on non-sporting events like politics or award shows is prohibited.
Taxation and Revenue
Illinois imposes a 15% tax on sports betting revenue. The tax revenue supports infrastructure projects, pension funds, and programs like Illinois’ Rebuild Illinois initiative. Sports betting has quickly become a major source of revenue for the state, consistently ranking among the top states in monthly handle and tax contributions.
Promotions and Bonuses
Illinois sportsbooks offer a variety of welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions to attract new users and retain regular bettors. Common offers include:
- Risk-free bets
- First deposit match bonuses
- Odds boosts
- Loyalty and VIP programs
Promotional terms are regulated by the IGB to ensure transparency and fairness for consumers.
Responsible Gambling
All licensed operators are required to promote responsible gambling practices. Tools such as deposit limits, cool-off periods, and self-exclusion programs are widely available. The Illinois Council on Problem Gambling and the Department of Human Services provide support services for those seeking help.
Future Outlook
Sports betting in Illinois continues to evolve, with increased competition, technological innovations, and potential legislation expanding betting markets. There is ongoing discussion about further loosening restrictions on in-state college betting and introducing more operators to stimulate market growth.
Conclusion
Illinois stands out as one of the most active and competitive sports betting markets in the U.S. Thanks to its combination of retail sportsbooks, mobile convenience, and regulatory oversight, it provides a secure and dynamic environment for both novice and seasoned bettors. As the industry matures, Illinois is expected to remain a major player in the national sports betting landscape.
