1. BetMGM Illinois
BetMGM is our top-rated book for Illinois bettors, led by a first bet offer worth up to $1,000 with just 1x wagering attached. Market coverage is the other draw, with the widest set of Illinois betting markets we came across. Payouts reached us inside two days, and the app runs cleanly on iOS and Android. Its 96.09% average payout rate tops our Illinois table too.
- Sign-up bonus: Up to $1,000 first bet offer
- Payout speed: Up to 48 hours
- App store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.3 (Google Play)
- Visit Site: BetMGM
Top Sports Betting Markets
BetMGM
Up to $1,000 First Bet Offer
- Widest range of Illinois betting markets
- Only 1x wagering on the first bet offer
T&Cs Apply. New customer offer. Always gamble responsibly. 21+
Bonus & Offers at Illinois Betting Sites
A welcome offer is often what decides which Illinois sportsbook a bettor signs up with, so the wagering and minimum-odds conditions deserve a close look first. The table below sets out what each of our picks currently offers.
Average Payout, Odds and Lines at Illinois Sportbooks
Payout rates are one number worth checking before you settle on an Illinois sportsbook.
- BetMGM – 96.09% Payout Rate
What you collect is your stake less the book’s cut, known as the vig. At 96.09% BetMGM sits well clear of the 94% market average, though the number moves between sports, so treat it as a guide.
Illinois Sports Betting App
The pick of the Illinois betting apps is below, along with the offer that comes with it.
Most Bet Offers Available
BetMGM
Up to $1,000 First Bet Offer
- Most bet offers available
- Best back-up bonus
T&Cs Apply. New customer offer. Always gamble responsibly. 21+
Every book we recommend ships an iOS and Android app, and each carries the same security as its desktop site, so there is no downside to betting from a phone.
Illinois Online Sports Betting: Legal Aspects
Online sports betting has been legal in Illinois since June 18, 2020, when the state’s first legal wager was placed. Every sportsbook operating here holds a license from the Illinois Gaming Board, which is what separates the sites we list from offshore books.
Illinois Online Sports Betting Sites List: All Legal IL Sportbooks
Ten online sportsbooks are licensed to take bets in Illinois today, with further approvals possible.
List of Legal Online Sportsbooks in Illinois
- bet365
- BetMGM
- BetRivers
- Caesars
- Circa Sports
- DraftKings
- FanDuel
- Fanatics
- Hard Rock Bet
- theScore Bet
Most reached the market by tethering to an Illinois casino or racetrack, which is where their retail counters sit. BetMGM alone holds an online-only license.
How We Rank Illinois Betting Sites
We weigh every Illinois sportsbook against the same set of criteria, starting with safety and working through the points below.
Bonuses and Promotions
Every book we rank has to open with a sign-up offer worth claiming and keep promotions running afterwards. Playthrough and odds rules must stay reasonable.
Payouts & Odds
The vig a book takes has to stay modest, because it comes straight out of your return. We compare payout rates before ranking.
Betting App
A book only makes this page if it ships iOS and Android apps built to the same standard as its desktop site.
Deposit & Payout Times
Cash should move both ways without delay, and no fee should come off the top. Slow payouts tell you plenty about a book.
Legality
Nothing gets listed without a live Illinois Gaming Board license.
Customer Service
Live chat and email are the minimum we accept, with the Illinois Gaming Board there if a dispute escalates.
Illinois Sports Betting Facts
A quick summary of where Illinois sports betting stands in 2026:
- Regulator: Illinois Gaming Board
- Legal Age: Bettors must be 21 or over and inside state lines
- Number of Sportsbooks: Ten online sportsbooks hold an Illinois license
- Tax: Winnings face 24% federal withholding plus the Illinois flat income tax of 4.95%
- Allowed: Pro leagues, out-of-state college games, and both online and retail wagering
- Not Allowed: Any wager on an Illinois college team, college player props, and non-sport events such as elections or award shows
Responsible Gambling in Illinois
Problem gambling is taken seriously in Illinois. If you have difficulties arising from using any of the best Illinois betting sites, then the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling can assist you. Illinois also runs voluntary self-exclusion, with a five-year minimum and a deliberately demanding process to come off the list.
The National Council on Problem Gambling and Gamblers Anonymous are two national organizations that can also help. The NCPG provides a 24-hour confidential helpline (1-800-522-4700) for anyone affected by the issue.
Conclusion
Illinois bettors are well served: multiple licensed books, all of them safe to use, and the state got there earlier than most. Wagering from another state as well? Our US betting sites hub shows where else the market has opened up.
FAQ
What is the best betting site in Illinois?
BetMGM is our number one Illinois betting site, rated 5.0 out of 5 for market coverage and its $1,000 first bet offer.
Are there any new betting sites in Illinois?
Yes. theScore Bet is the most recent arrival, live in Illinois since December 2025, taking over from ESPN BET.
Is there a list of the Illinois betting sites?
Yes. All ten licensed Illinois sportsbooks appear on this page, together with the casino or racetrack each one runs through.
Are Illinois betting sites safe?
Yes. Every book on this page is licensed by the Illinois Gaming Board, which vets operators before they can take a bet. Unlicensed offshore sites carry no such protection.
How does Illinois make money from betting sites?
The state charges operators between 20% and 40% of gross receipts. Winners are taxed separately, at 4.95% by Illinois on top of the 24% the IRS withholds.
Is online betting in Illinois also legal?
Yes. Illinois took its first legal online wager on June 18, 2020, and the market has been open ever since.
How can I solve a dispute with an Illinois online sportsbook?
Start with the sportsbook's own complaints procedure. If that does not resolve it, you can escalate the case to the Illinois Gaming Board.
