Esports Betting / Online Gambling in Illinois 2023

Online Gambling in Illinois 2023

Illinois Online Gambling Sites

Last Updated on 09/06/2023
Fact checked by: Sophie McCarthy

If you live in the Prairie State, then our latest guide to online gambling in Illinois is just what you need. Be at the forefront of the top sportsbooks in the state so that you can wager on all your favorite sports.

At Strafe.com, it is our mission to provide you with resolute coverage of all gambling-related topics across the US. This particular guide will help you navigate online gambling Illinois so that you can sign up with the best operators awash with knowledge and confidence. Keep reading to find out more.

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Sportsbook of the month
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Compare the best Illinois online gambling sites

Our Top Picks
Features
Bonus Type
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BetMGM
Recommended
Favicon
4.7/5
  • Covers major sports
  • Live game stats
  • Simple site navigation
BetMGM Bonus
100% up to $1000
T&Cs apply, 21+
Go to BetMGM
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Payment Methods
Bank Transfer
Play+
PayPal
+
Withdrawal
1 – 5 Days
Accepts Customers from
AZ
CO
+
Apps
License
Illinois (US)
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FanDuel
Hot Offer
Favicon
4.6/5
  • Offers a $1000 no sweat first bet
  • Amazing joining offer
  • Promo codes for specific bets
FanDuel Bonus
No Sweat First Bet $2,500
T&Cs apply, 21+
Go to FanDuel
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Payment Methods
Bank Transfer
Play+
PayPal
+
Withdrawal
1 – 10 Days
Accepts Customers from
AL
AK
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Apps
License
Illinois (US)
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DraftKings
Hot Offer
Favicon
4.6/5
  • 21 sports to choose from.
  • No specific betting limits listed.
  • Ability to bet in-play on most sports.
DraftKings Bonus
T&Cs apply, 21+
Visit Site
Payment Methods
Bank Transfer
Play+
PayPal
+
Withdrawal
1 – 5 Days
Accepts Customers from
AL
AK
+
Apps
License
Illinois (US)
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PointsBet
4.
Favicon
4.5/5
  • Risk-free bets of up to $2,000 for new customers
  • Up to $500 of free bet credits as sign up bonus
  • PointsBet offers unique promotions to returning customers
PointsBet Bonus
5 x $50Bet Credits
T&Cs apply, 21+
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Payment Methods
Bank Transfer
PayPal
PayNearMe
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Withdrawal
1 – 5 Days
Accepts Customers from
AZ
CO
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Apps
License
Illinois (US)
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BetRivers.com
5.
Favicon
4.5/5
  • Great deposit match for new players
  • Free credits for placing your bets
  • Weekly prizes and boosts for betting bankroll
BetRivers.com Bonus
100% up to $500
T&Cs apply, 21+
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Payment Methods
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Play+
PayPal
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Withdrawal
0 Days
Accepts Customers from
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CO
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Apps
License
Illinois (US)
NOT VALID FOR ANY PARTICIPANT OF THE ILLINOIS GAMING BOARD STATEWIDE VOLUNTARY SELF-EXCLUSION PROGRAM • MUST BE 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER • IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW HAS A GAMBLING PROBLEM, CRISIS COUNSELING AND REFERRAL SERVICES CAN BE ACCESSED BY CALLING 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) PLAYABLE ONLY IN IL
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Sportsbook of the month

Who is this article suitable for? - Everyone looking to enjoy online gambling Illinois

The US online gambling market has exploded in recent years. More and more states are legalizing online sports betting as well as online gambling with the latest casino games. This is particularly exciting but can also prove to be somewhat daunting. As such, we recommend that you take a look at our latest comparison guide. It’ll serve all residents of Illinois well as you try to get a grip on the nature of sports betting in the Land of Lincoln. Here, you’ll find an in-depth, yet compact, comparison of the best Illinois online gambling sites. Plus, we’ll be sure to provide you with insightful tips that can be applied to ensure a safe and riveting online experience.

Whether you are a newcomer or experienced player, this guide will have great value to you. We’ve included several sections that can be utilized by newcomers. Get your foot in the door by finding out what to look out for in reliable operators. Plus, we’ll even recommend one or two Illinois online gambling sites that we think are best. As an experienced online player, you might feel change is needed. If so, pick up a couple new gambling tips and find out which operators are pushing the envelope!

The start of betting in Illinois, as is the case the world over, can be traced back decades, if not more. However, legal sports betting is a lot more recent. After the federal ban on sports betting was overturned in 2018, the state of Illinois began an arduous process to legalize sports betting. The process took two years and in March 2020 Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law the bill for legal sports betting.

The bill has since allowed for sports betting expansion on various fronts. Initially, sports betting launched in various licensed brick-and-mortar establishments. In-person wagers were accepted across the state.

Online sports betting was welcomed with open arms right off the bat. However, as things tend to go, online betting is now gaining traction in Illinois, too. In addition to which, the ban on betting on in-state sports teams was repealed just the other month. Before the end of 2021, Pritzker overturned the ban. Thus, it is now possible for residents in Illinois to bet on their favorite local school teams. It’s another victory for legal sports betting in Illinois and will only bolster the market further. Regulated sports betting in the state of Illinois continues to flourish and is seen as one of the biggest state markets across the US.

Editor’s recommendation - The best sports betting operator for users in Illinois - never settle for second best

There are plenty of great options available to you. The market for sports betting in Illinois has never been in better shape. There are quality sportsbooks with a variety of offers and features for all types of customers. However, it’s never a bad idea to get a feel for what contributes to the success of the best operator around.

Our latest recommendation would be remiss not to mention DraftKings as being the best operator out there. Currently, you’ll be able claim a whopping welcome bonus as a new customer. You can do this simply by downloading the latest app so that you can get started online. Or, you can even bet in-person with DraftKings in Illinois. The sportsbook has a wide range of different markets. This means there is an all-inclusive environment where sports fans from all walks of life feel at home. Additionally, the fundamentals of the platform function really well. Check out DraftKings to get a good frame of reference before you sign up with your chosen sportsbook.

Five tips for a secure and fair gambling experience in Illinois - Know what to look out for

There are a number of insightful tips that will help you make the most of online gambling sites. These tips range from keeping a clear mind to betting on markets that you know well. However, you can find the most important five tips for getting started with top operators right here! Our tips will also ensure that you can assess betting sites on your own in the future.

Always look for a valid license

An operator that offers a safe online experience is one that is licensed to do so. There are a number of offshore sites that attempt to enter the US market. These gambling sites are not to be trusted. We urge you to always look out for those operators that are licensed and regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board. This simply means that the site in question must adhere to all regulations and maintain a high standard across the board.

Sites must have encryption technology

You will be required to provide a gambling site with personal information in order to create a new account. After which, you’ll be linking a payment option of yours in order to make a real money deposit. Thus, the platform at hand must be as secure as possible. The very best sites implement the latest encryption technology – Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) – which will stop any data from being stored in plain-text. Ultimately, this makes it much more difficult for third-party entities to access your account and steal your data and/or money.

Ability to implement personal limits

One of the latest inclusions on sportsbook sites is the option to use personal limits. This includes limiting your daily or weekly deposits as well as a spending limit on wagering. It’s a great way to control your money and gives you far better oversight over your bankroll. Plus, it’s simply in your best interest to have this option at all. Gambling sites that do not offer this option are not looking out for you and cannot be trusted.

Responsive support

A gambling site that does not have sufficient support in place cannot ensure a safe and fair environment for all. Therefore, you should always consult our latest reviews here at Strafe.com. Our experts will test each line of communication so that you are aware of which operators are here to support you and which flake time and time again.

Commitment to fair gambling practices

The top gambling sites will definitely be committed to fair practices. These operators are affiliated with support groups and provide additional settings (as outlined above). You should be able to seek help without hesitation when using an online site for betting on sports or playing real money casino games. Sites that hinder you from doing so should be avoided at all costs.

What do we look for when evaluating operators for Illinois residents - Our coverage will keep you informed

Our latest reviews of sites for online gambling in Illinois are as up-to-date and comprehensive as they come! Below, we’ve touched on some of the different aspects that make up our analysis of each bookmaker in Illinois, and beyond.

Bonus offers

Everyone loves a great bonus offer. You’ll be able to find out more about the top gambling sites in Illinois and the subsequent welcome bonuses by reading our reviews. All you need to do is visit Strafe.com for more. We’ll walk you through the available bonuses as well as the nitty gritty details. Plus, we’ll include a relevant bonus code that you might require.

Usability of platform

Part of our analysis includes testing the actual gambling platform from top to bottom. Our experts assess the betting interface’s from a performance perspective as well as from the aesthetic side of things. Thus, you can find out exactly which sites are visually-appealing, responsive, and robust.

Payments

You will be required to make real money deposits once you have signed up with your preferred gambling site. There’s simply no reason to have to worry about making an online payment. Use our reviews to assess which options you’ll have at your disposal. Bear in mind we’ll also touch on the limits and waiting times that you can expect from each individual solution.

Betting markets of Illinois sportsbooks

Of course, we’re all here to bet on our favorite sports fixtures. Thus, you can find out all you need to know about the markets on offer from each respective bookmaker. Our experts tirelessly comb through each platform and assess the strength and variety of the actual betting markets. Plus, we’ll also delve into the odds on offer and analyze the live betting and streaming services.

Additional rewards

You should always be rewarded as a loyal customer. The best operators include VIP programs as a way of enhancing your experience and rewarding you for your continued patronage. Our reviews outline these loyalty schemes and tell you how you can get involved. Don’t miss out on great benefits and personalized bonuses in the long run.

Check out our top picks for 2023

BetMGM
1.
Favicon
4.7/5
100% up to $1000
PayNearMe
PayPal
Bank Transfer
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Visit Site
T&Cs apply, 21+
Bet365
2.
Favicon
4.6/5
Bet $1 & Get $200 in Bonus Bets
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Visit Site
T&Cs apply, 21+
Bet $1 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets at bet365. Deposit required. Bonus Bets winnings are added to Bonus Bets balance. Bonus Bet wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
BetRivers.com
3.
Favicon
4.5/5
100% up to $500
PayNearMe
Bank Transfer
VIP Preferred
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Visit Site
T&Cs apply, 21+
PointsBet
4.
Favicon
4.5/5
5 x $50Bet Credits
E-Check
Prepaid Card
PayNearMe
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Visit Site
T&Cs apply, 21+
FanDuel
5.
Favicon
4.5/5
No Sweat First Bet $2,500
Prepaid Card
PayNearMe
PayPal
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Visit Site
T&Cs apply, 21+

Finding the right operator for you -Figure out what you are after

There’s one more piece of wisdom that we need to impart on you before we wrap up our latest guide to online gambling in Illinois. Yes, we continuously bring you coverage of the top operators. We’ll be sure to point you in the right direction every step of the way. However, it is paramount that you also apply your own criteria when selecting a site for betting. If not, you might find that a number of your interests aren’t catered for.

Do you enjoy niche markets?

If you love to bet on less popular sports, or sports that are played in Europe, be sure to find an operator that actually covers these types of markets. There are a number of betting sites that focus on North American sports first and foremost. Be sure to read our latest reviews to assess which sites have more variety. Obviously, if you are only interested in major US sports, you can use our coverage to do exactly the same.

Are you a night owl?

Many of you might enjoy frequenting sites for online gambling in Illinois late into the evening. We recommend that you find a site that offers round the clock support and allows you to bet on markets 24/7. There’s nothing worse than not having the required support on hand if you encounter an issue early in the morning.

Always check for an app

The best online gambling sites in Illinois will have a mobile app from which you can wager freely and conveniently. There are a host of reasons why we recommend that you sign up with an operator that has an app. If you find yourself on the go, or don’t own a desktop or tablet, then a mobile app is definitely a prerequisite.

Conclusion - Top Illinois online gambling sites

With that, our latest guide to online gambling Illinois is complete. It’s important to remember to apply your own preferences when searching for the right sports betting site. This will ensure that you get the most out of the platform at hand. Be sure to sign up with a licensed and reliable operator. Not only will you be able to utilize a seamless app but your real money funds will be safe.

At Strafe.com, we strive to bring you an in-depth perspective on all things gambling-related across the US. You can read up about the very best US gambling sites and simply follow the link of the operator that you fancy to get started. Stay in the loop with us and augment your betting experience!

Awesome online gambling bonuses

BetMGM
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Bet365
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T&Cs apply, 21+
Bet $1 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets at bet365. Deposit required. Bonus Bets winnings are added to Bonus Bets balance. Bonus Bet wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
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PointsBet
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FanDuel
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4.5/5
No Sweat First Bet $2,500
Requirements (WR): 1x Deposit, Min. Deposit: $10
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T&Cs apply, 21+

Illinois online gambling sites FAQ

❓How can I gamble online in Illinois?

Knowing how to gambling online before you start depositing real money is vital. There are a wide number of different online sites where you can gamble securely. Certain sites are definitely more user-friendly – making it easy to start betting from the get-go. Our coverage here at Strafe.com will help you gain the confidence required to gamble online with relative freedom and ease.

🎁Can I claim bonuses for online gambling in Illinois?

One of the great perks of betting on sports online is the ability to claim a riveting welcome bonus. These types of bonuses are available to new customers who sign up. However, not all operators go to the lengths to provide you with a decent online bonus. Therefore, it’s a good idea to do some research beforehand. Check out our guide to Illinois online gambling so that you know which operators are doing their bit to enhance your overall experience.

📝How do I create an account for online gambling Illinois?

Creating an account for online gambling Illinois is straightforward. There’s no need to feel flustered when attempting to get started. However, it is important to find out all you can about the latest sites. This gives you a better idea as to which platform will serve you best. Head on over to Strafe.com and read our in-depth reviews. It’ll allow you to hit the ground running.

❗Is online gambling in Illinois legal?

It’s important to find out where you stand from a legal perspective before you attempt to start gambling online. Each state in the US has its own laws and regulations. Fortunately, the online gambling market is constantly expanding as more states legalize online betting for sports as well as for online casino activities. At Strafe.com, our experts bring you extensive gambling guides so that you can find out all you need to. Check out our coverage of Illinois online gambling sites for more.

💯What are the best Illinois online gambling sites?

There are plenty of enticing Illinois online gambling sites out there. With the ever-expanding market for wagering, quality operators offer a comprehensive experience for customers. However, there are certainly a number of operators that simply are better than the rest. This can be attributed to several factors. We recommend that you check out our coverage of the best Illinois sportsbooks, coupled with our latest guide, to find out exactly which sites are best.

Sportsbook of the month
Bet365 - Get your Bonus Bet now! Get your Bonus Bet now!
Top Betting Sites
Top Betting Bonuses
BetMGM
BetMGM
BetMGM Review
4.7/5
Bet365
Bet365
Bet365 Review
4.6/5
BetRivers.com
BetRivers.com
BetRivers.com Review
4.5/5
PointsBet
PointsBet
PointsBet Review
4.5/5
FanDuel
FanDuel
FanDuel Review
4.5/5
BetMGM
BetMGM Bonus
100% up to $1000
T&Cs apply
4.7/5
Bet365
Bet365 Bonus
Bet $1 & Get $200 in Bonus Bets
T&Cs apply
4.6/5
Bet $1 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets at bet365. Deposit required. Bonus Bets winnings are added to Bonus Bets balance. Bonus Bet wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
BetRivers.com
BetRivers.com Bonus
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PointsBet
PointsBet Bonus
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4.5/5
FanDuel
FanDuel Bonus
No Sweat First Bet $2,500
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
Bonus of the month
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Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.

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