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Sports betting in Illinois has now become legal online and on mobile as of May 2023. Check out the best betting sites in the Prairie State. 

DraftKings Sportsbook was one of the first online sportsbooks to hit the market after the 2018 overturning of PASPA. It initially went live in New Jersey and has since expanded to several states across the country.

Users appreciate the online sportsbook not only for its generous welcome bonuses but also its ongoing promos, seamless live betting, and Dynasty Rewards program with the potential for VIP status.

Right now, DraftKings new users can:

ESPN BET has now gone live after a groundbreaking deal with PENN Entertainment. ESPN BET Illinois should see huge growth, and it’s expected to compete with the best sportsbooks in the country.

Caesars is one of the most well known and respected brands in the gambling industry, and is almost synonymous with the original betting hub of Las Vegas. As legal sports betting has spread around the country, though, so have Caesars via its leading sportsbook.

As you may expect from a brand with such a strong background in hospitality, Caesars knows how to look after its customers. Caesars serves up some of the most desirable promotions and bonuses in the online sports betting market.

While FanDuel started life as a fantasy sports platform, it has since expanded from its roots and now has one of the leading online sportsbooks.

What helps FanDuel stand out from other sportsbooks are its odds, which often give slightly more value than its competitors. Combined with generous promotions and bonuses, FanDuel offers one of the best value online sports betting experiences.

Players will also be able to visit FanDuel at numerous retail sportsbook locations. Along with its existing site at the Par-A-Dice Casino in East Peoria, FanDuel has recently signed a deal to construct a new facility at the United Center.

BetMGM Sportsbook is one of our top choices for Illinois bettors due to its wide range of betting markets and plethora of existing user promotions. First-time users can get started with the brand today by clicking on the link above.

Fanatics joined the ranks of Illinois online sportsbooks in early April 2024. Like bettors in other live states, bettors in the Prairie State only have access to a Fanatics mobile app. The lack of a desktop site doesn’t slow things down, though, as the app offers a seamless betting experience.

Users also praise the FanCash loyalty program and NFL live streaming that allows them to stay up to date on all-things Chicago Bears.

bet365 is now in Illinois, and it is already our favorite sportsbook in the state.

bet365 has an amazing app for all sports bettors to use. Their daily boosts, special promos, new user offers, and much more make it the most enjoyable sports betting experience. New users in Illinois can try out that offer above!

In August 2024, Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook officially launched in Illinois! Following regulatory approval from the Illinois Gaming Board in July 2023, Hard Rock has expanded its presence with both retail and online sports betting options in the state.

Plans include a new retail sportsbook at Hard Rock Rockford Casino, along with enhanced online betting through Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook. This licensing agreement runs until January 2027, with renewal options thereafter.

There are a number of leading sportsbooks in Illinois, from traditional favorites such as Rivers Casino to newer facilities set up by out-of-market bookmakers who want to establish retail locations.

The first steps towards legalizing online sports betting in Illinois came about in 2018, following the Supreme Court’s decision to repeal the Professional and Amateur Sport Protection Act. However, these early bills were more exploratory in nature than serious legislation. 

In 2019, Governor J.B. Pritzker asked for the legislature to legalize sports betting and included potential early revenue from it in his annual budget. However, the bill came down to the wire due to disagreements over who would have the priority to operate in Illinois. 

The bill was eventually signed into law in June 2019. This lead to the first retail sportsbook opening in March 2020, followed by BetRivers as the first online sportsbook in June 2020.