This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. Illinois sports betting is fully legal online and in person. Online wagering launched in June 2020, following retail openings earlier that year. You can bet through licensed apps statewide or at approved retail locations. As of January 2026, the Illinois Gaming Board lists 10 legal online sportsbooks operating in the state. This guide covers IL sportsbook promos, the best sportsbook apps, how to start betting, local sports teams to know, and key legal facts so you can get set up quickly and safely. Illinois Sports Betting Overview Is Illinois Sports Betting Legal? Yes. Sports betting has been legal in Illinois since June 2019, when lawmakers passed SB 690. Retail sportsbooks opened in March 2020, and online betting began in June 2020. The market is regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board. You can wager online or on mobile with licensed operators, and in person at approved retail sportsbooks and casinos. You must be 21 or older and physically located within Illinois, and sportsbooks use geolocation to verify your location. College Sports Betting in IL: No In-State Teams or Player Props Top Illinois Sportsbook Apps Ranked & Reviewed Illinois’ online market is competitive, with several major national operators live statewide. While more sportsbooks may enter over time, this section focuses on the top five based on market share, app quality, promotions, and betting features. DraftKings Illinois FanDuel Illinois BetMGM Illinois Fanatics Sportsbook Illinois Caesars Illinois bet365 Illinois All Legal IL Sportsbooks Best IL Sportsbook Promos & Welcome Offers (February 2026) New Illinois users can unlock tons f instant value right now by stacking the biggest Bet & Get style deals. Claim the welcome promos first, then decide which app you like best for live betting, parlays, and props. Always check the in-app terms for minimum odds, settlement timing, and expiration before placing your qualifying wager. DraftKings Sportsbook IL Promo – Bet $5, Get $300 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins Offer Summary: Key Details: Standout Perk: Quick How-to-Claim: FanDuel Sportsbook IL Promo – Bet $5, Win, Get $100 in Bonus Bets Offer Summary: Key Details: Standout Perk: Quick How-to-Claim: BetMGM IL Promo – Up to $1,500 Back in Bonus Bets Offer Summary: Key Details: Standout Perk: Quick How-to-Claim: Fanatics Sportsbook IL Promo – Get $2,000 in FanCash Offer Summary: Key Details: Standout Perk: Quick How-to-Claim: Caesars Sportsbook IL Promo – $250 First Bet Match with Code FOX250BM Offer Summary: Key Details: Standout Perk: Quick How-to-Claim: bet365 IL Promo – Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets Offer Summary: Key Details Standout Perk Quick How-to-Claim Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 of greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply. How to Start Betting on Sports in Illinois 1. Choose a Legal IL Sportsbook Compare welcome bonuses, odds quality, and app UX. Check for Bulls, Bears, White Sox, Cubs, and Fire promos. 2. Register Online Illinois allows remote sign-up. You’ll typically enter: full name, email, date of birth, last 4 of SSN, and physical address. Verify location and age (21+). 3. Claim a Welcome Bonus Click the “claim” button on this page to opt in. Read the terms and conditions for minimum odds, qualifying bet, and expiry. 4. Deposit Funds Common IL methods: credit and debit card, online banking/ACH, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, Play+ prepaid. 5. Place Your First Bet Example: bet $5 on the Bears to win at DraftKings to unlock bonus bets. You can also try a simple total or moneyline. 6. Withdraw Winnings Payout options usually include online banking/ACH, PayPal, Venmo, and Play+. E-wallets often pay fastest, while bank transfers can take longer. Check processing times in the app’s cashier. Illinois Sports Betting Handle The betting handle is the total amount of money wagered with legal sportsbooks over a given period. It counts every dollar staked before any winnings are paid out. Handle is not the sportsbook’s revenue. Revenue equals handle minus payouts, and the hold (or win rate) is revenue divided by handle. Quick example: if bettors place $200 million in wagers and sportsbooks pay out $188 million, revenue is $12 million and the hold is 6%. Responsible Gaming in Illinois Sports betting should be enjoyable and fit your budget. If gambling is affecting you or someone you know, confidential help is available in Illinois and nationwide. Most sportsbooks also offer deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion to help you stay in control. Help and resources: Gambling disclaimer: Only individuals aged 21 and over are permitted to gamble. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Gambling is subject to local state regulation and is illegal in some states. Please gamble responsibly – information relating to responsible gambling can be found here. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily!