Best Sports Betting Apps in Illinois

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Illinois?

Yes. Illinois legalized sports betting in 2019 through SB 690, and the first online sportsbooks launched in 2020. Both retail and mobile betting are fully legal and regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board.

You must be 21 or older and physically located in Illinois to place a bet. Geolocation checks are automatic through your sportsbook app.

There’s one key restriction: you can’t bet on in-state college teams (like Illinois or Northwestern) or their player props. Otherwise, everything’s open — from NFL and NBA to golf, soccer, and eSports.

NFL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Football Season

Best Sports Betting Apps in Illinois

Here are the top sportsbook apps live and legal in Illinois.

1. FanDuel Sportsbook

FanDuel Sportsbook leads the Illinois market for a reason. The app is fast, smooth, and built for everyday bettors. You’ll find competitive sports betting odds, live betting, and daily odds boosts.

Example: On an NFL Sunday, you could parlay Bears +6.5, over 45.5 total points, and DJ Moore anytime touchdown scorer. FanDuel’s parlay builder makes it easy.

Recent updates include a small surcharge per bet (thanks, Illinois tax changes), but the app still delivers the best UX in the game.

2. DraftKings Sportsbook

DraftKings Sportsbook is another major player. It offers clean design, deep betting markets, and tons of sports betting promotions.

You can build same game parlays, chase live odds, or use the built-in sports betting calculator to track payouts.

DraftKings also has one of the best NBA prop betting menus in the state. Combine DeRozan over 22.5 points with Coby White over 2.5 threes, and you’ve got instant action.

3. BetMGM

BetMGM calls itself the “King of Sportsbooks,” and in Illinois, it earns that title. The app is reliable, user-friendly, and packed with betting options.

You’ll find point spread betting, over under totals, and prop markets across every major sport. Their Edit My Bet feature lets you tweak open wagers mid-game — a lifesaver for live bettors.

Plus, BetMGM frequently runs parlay insurance and odds boost promos on big matchups.

4. Caesars Sportsbook

Caesars Sportsbook is known for big-time sports betting promotions. New users get one of the largest welcome offers in Illinois, and existing users see daily boosts on NFL, NBA, and MLB games.

The app is easy to navigate, with all the usual markets and fast withdrawals. Caesars also gives bettors access to its loyalty program — earning hotel, dining, and ticket perks along the way.

5. BetRivers

BetRivers is headquartered in Illinois, which gives it a hometown advantage. The app offers consistent odds, simple navigation, and quick payouts.

It also features the iRush Rewards program, giving users points for every bet placed. If you’re looking for a straightforward sportsbook without the clutter, BetRivers fits perfectly.

6. Fanatics Sportsbook

Fanatics is one of the newest arrivals in Illinois, but it’s making a splash. It ties sportsbook rewards to real merchandise — bet and earn “FanCash” for your favorite team gear.

The app is sleek and built for fans who love both action and swag. If you’re betting on the Bears, Bulls, or Blackhawks, you can turn wins into merch.

Everything You Need to Know About NBA Prop Betting

How to Choose the Best Sports Betting Apps in Illinois

With so many sportsbooks, choosing the right one comes down to how you bet:

• Odds and pricing: Small differences in spreads or totals make a big difference long term.
  
  
• Promos and bonuses: Odds boosts, deposit matches, and parlay insurance can add real value.
  
  
• Sports coverage: NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, college sports, golf, soccer — check your favorites.
  
  
• User experience: A fast, clear app matters when betting live.
  
  
• Loyalty programs: Caesars, BetRivers, and Fanatics all reward regular play.
  
  

NHL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Hockey Season

Sports Betting Tips for Beginners in Illinois

Even with a stacked market, smart strategy wins long term.

• Start with spreads and totals: Point spread betting and over under are the foundation of every sportsbook.
  
  
• Use parlays sparingly: They’re fun, but high-risk. Keep stakes small and chase promos.
  
  
• Shop lines: Don’t take the first odds you see — compare apps like FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM.
  
  
• Track your bets: Know where you’re winning or losing.
  
  
• Watch tax changes: Illinois recently introduced higher per-bet taxes that may affect promos.
  
  

Sports betting today is about speed, simplicity, and a little swagger. Illinois gives you all three.

Sports Betting Promotions and Bonuses in Illinois

Competition means constant promos. Here’s what you’ll find:

• FanDuel and DraftKings: daily odds boosts and parlay insurance.
  
  
• BetMGM: “Edit My Bet” and free bet credits.
  
  
• Caesars: some of the largest welcome bonuses.
  
  
• BetRivers: iRush Rewards loyalty points.
  
  
• Fanatics: FanCash for free team merch.
  
  

These sports betting promotions are the best way to stretch your bankroll.

Final Thoughts

Illinois is one of the most dynamic states for online sports betting. With top apps like FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, BetRivers, and Fanatics all live, bettors can enjoy sharp odds, fast apps, and endless promos.

Whether you’re betting NFL spreads, NBA props, or NHL over unders, Illinois sportsbooks deliver the action — quick, clear, and made for fans who hate spreadsheets.

Check out our full betting toolset to start spotting profitable lines.

‍