Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Illinois?

Online Sports Betting Illinois: The Basics

Sports betting became legal in Illinois in March 2020 when Rivers Casino in Des Plaines accepted the state’s first official wager. At first, players had to register in person at a casino to use mobile apps. That rule ended in 2022, opening the door for full mobile signups.

Today, Illinois is one of the busiest sports gambling legal states in the U.S., generating billions in bets each year. Bettors can use licensed sportsbooks both in-person and online.

Read more: Looking for the ultimate guide to NFL betting this season? We've got you covered right here!

Is Sports Betting Legal Online in Illinois?

Yes—sports betting legal online is fully available across the state. The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) regulates every operator, sets the rules, and enforces consumer protections.

Licensed apps include FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, BetMGM, bet365, Hard Rock Bet, PointsBet, ESPN BET, and Fanatics. New operators continue to enter the market, giving players plenty of choice.

This makes Illinois stand out compared to states still waiting for legalization. Online sports betting USA maps now highlight Illinois as one of the most active hubs.

Online Sports Betting Apps in Illinois

With so many online sports betting apps available, players can compare promos, odds, and features before choosing. Each app covers NFL betting, NBA, MLB, NHL, and college sports.

Example: On FanDuel, a Bears fan can build a same-game parlay with Justin Fields to score a rushing touchdown, the Bears to win outright, and the total points to go over. That level of betting flexibility is why apps dominate the market.

Competition means players get bonuses, odds boosts, and frequent promos. Illinois bettors have the same options as players in other sports betting legal states like New Jersey or Colorado.

Online Sports Betting How To: Step by Step

If you’re new to betting in Illinois, here’s how it works:

1. Pick a licensed app from the IGB list.
   
   
2. Download it from the App Store or Google Play.
   
   
3. Create your account and verify your identity.
   
   
4. Deposit funds using debit, PayPal, or bank transfer.
   
   
5. Browse the markets—NFL betting, NBA props, or college spreads.
   
   
6. Choose your wager type: spread, moneyline, parlay, or prop.
   
   
7. Confirm and place your bet.
   
   

That’s it. Online sports betting online in Illinois is simple and regulated, giving bettors a safe and fast way to wager.

Tax Changes Impacting Bettors

In 2025, Illinois rolled out new tax rules that affect both operators and players. A per-bet tax now applies statewide: $0.25 for the first 20 million wagers, and $0.50 per bet after that.

To cover the cost, FanDuel and other major sportsbooks have started adding a $0.50 surcharge on every bet. For casual bettors who enjoy $5 parlays, this adds up quickly.

This move makes Illinois unique among sports gambling legal states. While betting remains legal and accessible, the new tax makes each wager a little more expensive.

College Sports Betting Restrictions

Illinois also limits betting on college sports. As of July 2024, bets on in-state college teams like Illinois or Northwestern are banned. That includes football and basketball markets, both online and in-person.

Bettors can still wager on out-of-state college teams, March Madness, and national title futures. But Illinois keeps its own schools off the board to protect integrity.

For NFL betting, though, the market is wide open—covering every team and prop imaginable.

Illinois Compared to Other Sports Gambling Legal States

When you line up Illinois against other states, the market stacks up well. It offers multiple online sports betting apps, generates billions in handle, and features a robust retail scene at casinos and arenas.

The only big differences are the higher taxes and the ban on in-state college betting. Otherwise, Illinois looks much like powerhouse states such as New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

For everyday fans, that means full access to the NFL betting experience other sports betting legal online markets already enjoy.

Online Sports Betting Example: Bears Game Day

Let’s say the Chicago Bears are playing the Packers on Sunday Night Football. A bettor in Illinois opens DraftKings, scrolls to NFL betting markets, and selects:

• Bears +3 against the spread
  
  
• Justin Fields over 49.5 rushing yards
  
  
• Total points over 44.5
  
  

They combine the three into a parlay and place a $20 bet. If all three legs hit, the payout is a big win—and totally legal within Illinois.

This simple example shows how accessible online sports betting online is across the state.

The Future of Online Sports Betting Illinois

With tax changes and new rules, Illinois is still figuring out the best way to balance revenue with player experience. Operators may push back on higher fees, but bettors will likely keep using the apps as NFL betting and other sports remain central to the culture.

The Illinois Gaming Board continues to oversee the market closely, ensuring sportsbooks stay compliant. That regulatory strength is one reason online sports betting legal protections here remain strong compared to gray-market states.

Final Thoughts on Online Sports Betting Illinois

Online sports betting Illinois is legal, live, and thriving. Bettors can use multiple apps, wager on pro sports like the NFL, and enjoy a competitive marketplace.

But higher taxes and college betting restrictions set the state apart from others. While Illinois remains a top sports gambling legal state, players should understand the rules before they bet.

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