Best Sports Betting Bonuses and Promos in Illinois

Illinois sports betting is one of the most competitive markets in the United States. Since online wagering launched in 2019, the Land of Lincoln has attracted major brands that continue to push bigger welcome offers and sharper odds. With 10 licensed sportsbooks vying for players, you’ll find everything from risk-free bets to FanCash rewards and profit boosts worth thousands. If you’re cheering for the Bears, Cubs, White Sox, or Bulls, Illinois sportsbooks are offering serious cash to new customers with over $6,700 combined in welcome bonuses across all legal apps.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Illinois?

Yes. Illinois legalized sports betting for adults 21 and older under the Sports Wagering Act of 2019. After the federal ban was overturned in 2018, Illinois moved quickly to build one of the most robust betting frameworks in the country. Online betting officially launched in March 2020.

Here’s how it works:

• Regulator: Illinois Gaming Board (IGB)
• Where you can bet: In person at casinos and racetracks, or online anywhere within state lines
• Eligibility: Must be 21+ and physically located in Illinois
• Restrictions: No bets on Illinois college teams and limited college prop markets
• Taxes: Flat-rate tax on sportsbook revenue (competitive for operators)

Illinois consistently ranks among the top-five U.S. states for total sports betting handle, regularly surpassing $1 billion in monthly wagers.

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

Best Sports Betting Bonuses and Promos in Illinois

1. BetMGM Illinois – Biggest Welcome Offer

Bonus: $1,500 First Bet Offer (Code: COVERS)

BetMGM tops the list with its massive first-bet insurance. Sign up using promo code COVERS, deposit $10+, and place your first wager. If it loses, BetMGM refunds you with bonus bets up to $1,500. Bonus funds expire after seven days.

You’ll automatically join the M life Rewards program and earn credits redeemable for hotel stays, dining, or casino play at MGM Resorts nationwide.

Best for: Players who want the largest risk-free start.

Shurzy Tip: Split your refunded bonus bets into several smaller wagers instead of one big one, you’ll stretch your value and reduce variance.

2. DraftKings Illinois – Dual Bonuses and NBA League Pass

Bonus: Bet $5, Get $300 in Bonus Bets + 3 Months of NBA League Pass

DraftKings remains a powerhouse thanks to its deep markets and two-part welcome package. Deposit $5+, place a $5 bet, and if it wins, you’ll receive $300 in bonus bets (twelve $25 tokens) plus three months of NBA League Pass.

There’s also a 20 percent deposit match up to $1,000 valid through 2025. With crisp odds, advanced player props, and a great mobile interface, DraftKings is built for experienced bettors.

Best for: Serious players who like data tools and live markets.

3. Fanatics Sportsbook Illinois – Up to $2,000 FanCash Rewards

Bonus: Up to $2,000 in No-Sweat Bets (FanCash)

Fanatics delivers a creative offer for new users. Over your first 10 days, place a qualifying wager each day. If any bet loses, you get up to $200 in FanCash per day—for a total of $2,000. FanCash can be used for more bets or redeemed for sports merch on Fanatics.com.

The app is fast and clean, with personalized promos and live-betting features tailored to casual and loyal fans alike.

Best for: Long-term rewards and merch value.

4. bet365 Illinois – Guaranteed Bonus Bets

Bonus: Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets (Win or Lose) (Code: CVSBONUS)

With decades of experience worldwide, bet365 is a top choice for Illinois bettors who want variety and speed. Register with code CVSBONUS, deposit $10+, and place a $5 bet to get $200 in bonus bets guaranteed, no matter the outcome.

It also offers early payout promos and same-game parlay profit boosts up to 30 percent. For more protection, you can select a First Bet Safety Net worth up to $1,000.

Best for: Guaranteed rewards and fast withdrawals.

Shurzy Tip: Use your bonus bets on live in-game markets where bet365 often offers better odds than competitors.

5. FanDuel Illinois – Beginner-Friendly and Fast Cashouts

Bonus: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins

FanDuel’s simplicity and speed make it a go-to option. Deposit $10, place a $5 bet, and if it wins, you earn $150 in bonus bets within 72 hours. FanDuel also provides same-game parlays, daily odds boosts, and one of the smoothest mobile apps available.

Best for: Casual bettors and mobile users.

6. Caesars Sportsbook Illinois – Profit Boosts Galore

Bonus: Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on 20 Bets (Code: COVERS20X)**

Caesars keeps things interesting with its Profit Boost Tokens. Register using COVERS20X, deposit $10+, and your first $1 bet unlocks 20 tokens that double your winnings on your next 20 bets (up to $25 each). Each token lasts 14 days.

You’ll also join Caesars Rewards, earning credits redeemable for hotel stays and entertainment perks at Caesars locations nationwide.

Best for: Unique bonuses and real-world rewards.

Shurzy Tip: Use your Profit Boost Tokens on bets with longer odds to maximize the multiplier effect.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About NBA Prop Betting

Types of Sportsbook Bonuses in Illinois

• No-Sweat Bets: Refunds if your first bet loses.
• Deposit Matches: Matches part of your first deposit.
• Bet and Get Offers: Reward bonus bets after a small qualifying wager.
• Profit Boosts: Multiply payouts on specific games.
• Loyalty Programs: Earn points for real-world rewards.

Shurzy Tip: Focus on bonuses with low rollover requirements (1x–5x). High wagering terms make cash-out harder.

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

How to Claim a Sportsbook Bonus in Illinois

1. Pick your sportsbook. BetMGM for big risk-free offers, bet365 for guaranteed rewards, or FanDuel for simplicity.
2. Register. Provide your basic info and verify your identity using the last four digits of your SSN.
3. Enter a promo code. Use COVERS (BetMGM), CVSBONUS (bet365), or COVERS20X (Caesars).
4. Deposit funds. Most require $10 minimum.
5. Place your qualifying wager. Usually $5–$10 on eligible odds.
6. Receive your bonus. Funds arrive after the bet settles use within 7–14 days.

Shurzy Tip: Keep screenshots of promo details before betting. Terms sometimes change, and proof helps if you need support to honor the offer.

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

Responsible Betting in Illinois

The Illinois Gaming Board partners with state agencies and nonprofits to support responsible gaming. Licensed sportsbooks must provide deposit limits, timeouts, and self-exclusion tools.

If you need help or know someone who does, reach out anytime:

• Illinois Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
• Gam-Anon Family Support: 1-708-802-0105
• National Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
• Problem Gambling Registry: Sign up at IGB’s official site for resources and updates

You can also join the state’s Self-Exclusion Program for five years or lifetime. Enrollment takes about 30 minutes at designated sites with valid ID.

Shurzy Tip: Set a weekly deposit cap before you start betting. It’s much easier to control spending when limits are locked in ahead of time.

Final Take — Pennsylvania’s Bonus Scene Keeps Growing

Pennsylvania is one of the top states for sports betting volume, and it’s easy to see why. With 11 licensed apps, creative promos, and more than $5,000 in welcome bonuses, players have endless opportunities.

FanDuel and DraftKings provide sleek, beginner-friendly platforms. bet365 and BetMGM stand out for reliability and odds variety. Fanatics reward loyalty with merchandise value, while Caesars caters to bettors who love real-world perks.

If you’re new, start small and test multiple apps. Use the welcome offers, compare odds, and focus on having fun.