Is sports betting legal in Illinois?

Yes, online sports betting has been available in Illinois since June 2020. The Illinois Gaming Board regulates all licensed operators.

Do I need to register in person in Illinois?

No, the in-person registration requirement was permanently removed. You can sign up and bet entirely online from anywhere in Illinois.

Can I bet on Bears, Bulls, or Cubs games?

Yes, you can bet on all professional sports in Illinois, including in-state teams. College sports betting is also available with some restrictions.

How are sports betting winnings taxed in Illinois?

Illinois taxes gambling winnings at a flat 4.95% state income tax rate. Federal taxes also apply to gambling income.

What types of sportsbooks are available in Illinois?

Depending on Illinois law, you may have access to state-licensed sportsbooks (regulated by a gaming commission), social sportsbooks (free-to-play with sweepstakes prizes), and in some cases offshore or crypto sportsbooks. Our list shows every option verified as available.

How do sportsbook bonuses work?

Most sportsbooks offer a welcome bonus such as a first-bet insurance (your first losing bet refunded as a bonus), deposit match (bonus credits matching a percentage of your deposit), or bonus bets. Always read the terms -- wagering requirements, minimum odds, and expiration dates vary widely.

Can I bet on college sports in Illinois?

College sports betting rules vary by state. Some states allow full college betting, others prohibit bets on in-state college teams or restrict prop bets on college athletes. Check your state's specific regulations on each platform.

What is the minimum age to bet on sports in Illinois?

The minimum legal age for sports betting is 21 in most states, though a few allow 18+. All platforms on our list enforce age verification during account registration.

How quickly can I withdraw my winnings?

Withdrawal times depend on the method. E-wallets and crypto payouts can be near-instant, bank transfers typically take 1-3 business days, and checks may take 5-10 days. Licensed sportsbooks are required to process verified withdrawals in a timely manner.

All topics in Illinois

Top Sportsbooks in Illinois 2026

Reviewed byBonusBell·BonusBell Editorial Team

Rankings last reviewed:February 28, 2026Illinois legal data verified:April 7, 2026

11 Platforms

Legal

Age 21+

Illinois Gaming Board

Illinois legalized sports betting in June 2019 as part of a comprehensive gaming expansion bill and launched online wagering in June 2020. The Illinois Gaming Board regulates all licensed operators through a casino-tethering model. The state's tax structure is tiered and progressive — operators above certain revenue thresholds pay higher rates — which affects promotional budgets differently across operators. Illinois initially required in-person registration at a casino but permanently removed this requirement during COVID-19. Chicago's sports ecosystem — Bears, Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, Blackhawks — and the concentration of sports fans in the metro area consistently places Illinois among the top 5 states for monthly sports betting handle. Major licensed operators include DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, and Fanatics. Must be 21 and physically in Illinois. Our list shows all 11 sportsbooks available to Illinois residents.

Sportsbooks Legal Status in Illinois

Regulatory Body: Illinois Gaming Board · Legal since June 2020 · Tax rate: 15% on revenue

•Illinois initially required in-person registration but permanently waived this during COVID-19
•Chicago is one of the largest sports markets in the US with the Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, and Fire
•The state consistently ranks in the top 5 for monthly sports betting handle nationwide
•Illinois legalized sports betting as part of a comprehensive gaming expansion in June 2019
•The state added a progressive tax rate structure in 2024 for higher-revenue operators

Quick Comparison

					Key Feature
1	BetRivers Sportsbook Review: Verified Bonus: None found Fact-checked 2026-04-07	Up to $500 Second Chance Bet (state-dependent)	$10	78/100	RushPay (80% instant payouts), Award-winning customer service
2	BetMGM Sportsbook Review: Verified Bonus: None found Fact-checked 2026-04-19	$1500 First Bet Offer + $50 BetMGM Rewards Points	$10	90/100	Industry-leading Parlay Builder, MGM hotel/dining rewards, Apple Pay withdrawals
3	FanDuel Sportsbook Review: Verified Bonus: None found Fact-checked 2026-04-19	Get Up to $3000 in Bonus Bets (10-day offer)	$5	90/100	SGP+ multi-game parlays, Best props, Fastest payouts
4	Hard Rock Bet Review: Verified Bonus: None found Fact-checked 2026-04-07	10x 100% Profit Boost Tokens	$10	75/100	Only legal sportsbook in Florida, Tier status matching, Highest app ratings
5	Fanatics Sportsbook Review: Verified Bonus: None found Fact-checked 2026-04-07	Bet $5 Get $200 in FanCash Instantly	$5	87/100	FanCash 10% back on every bet, Fanatics merchandise integration
6	DraftKings Sportsbook Review: Verified Bonus: None found Fact-checked 2026-04-19	Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets	$5	95/100	ESPN Partnership, Budget Builder, Industry-leading app
7	bet365 Sportsbook Review: Verified Bonus: None found Fact-checked 2026-04-17	Bet $10 Get $365 in Bonus Bets	$10	80/100	Live streaming leader (100K+ events), Apple Pay instant withdrawals, Best in-play betting
8	Caesars Sportsbook Review: Verified Bonus: None found Fact-checked 2026-04-19	10x 100% Profit Boost Tokens	$5	85/100	FireBets live feed, Prop search bar, 50+ casino properties, Best rewards program
9	Dogg House Casino Review: Incomplete Bonus: Verified Fact-checked 2026-04-08	Dogg House Daily Bonus	—	69/100	First artist-led casino, Snoop Dogg branded games, audio-first interactive environment
10	Circa Sports Review: Verified Bonus: None found Fact-checked 2026-04-08	—	$20	78/100	Largest physical sportsbook in world (Stadium Swim), Contest betting pioneer