Illinois Sports Betting Guide 2026 — Best Chicago Sportsbooks
Illinois is one of the US's largest sports betting markets, with major Chicago teams driving massive wagering volumes. This guide covers the best Illinois sportsbooks, apps, and bonuses for 2026.
Illinois Sports Betting: A Major US Market
Illinois legalised sports betting in June 2019, with mobile sports betting widely available since March 2020. The market is regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB). Illinois is the fifth largest US sports betting market by handle, with major Chicago professional teams — Bears (NFL), Bulls (NBA), Cubs and White Sox (MLB), Blackhawks (NHL), and Fire (MLS) — all generating significant wagering interest. The Chicago metro area's size makes it one of the most valuable single-city betting markets in the US.
Best Illinois Sportsbooks
Top-rated Illinois sports betting apps include FanDuel (largest market share in Illinois), DraftKings (strongest loyalty programme), BetMGM (best for casino bundle), Caesars Sportsbook (best for NFL and college football promos), and Fanatics Sportsbook (best FanCash integration for Chicago sports merchandise fans). ESPN Bet, PointsBet, and BetRivers are also available. All major operators offer same-game parlays (SGP) for all major Chicago team games.
In-Person Registration Removed
Illinois initially required players to register for sports betting accounts in person at a licensed casino or retail sportsbook — a significant barrier that limited mobile adoption. The in-person registration requirement was permanently lifted in 2022, allowing players to sign up and deposit entirely online. This change drove a major acceleration in Illinois handle growth. Mobile betting now accounts for approximately 95% of all Illinois sports wagering.
Illinois Sports Betting Bonuses
New player bonuses in Illinois are among the most competitive in the US. FanDuel's 'Bet $5, Win $200' offer is available to Illinois residents. DraftKings commonly offers a 20% deposit match up to $1,000 in sportsbook credits. Caesars Sportsbook offers a first-bet refund up to $1,000. Ongoing daily promotions at all major operators include odds boosts for Chicago team games, free-to-play pools, and refer-a-friend bonuses.
College Sports Betting Restrictions
Illinois prohibits wagering on in-state college teams — the Fighting Illini (University of Illinois), Northwestern Wildcats, and other Illinois-based college programs cannot be bet on within the state. This restriction applies to both regular season and postseason games. Out-of-state college games, including NCAA tournament games not involving Illinois institutions, can be bet freely. The Big Ten Tournament games involving non-Illinois teams are fully bettable.
Tax Revenue and State Impact
Illinois taxes sports betting revenue at 15%, rising to higher tiers based on annual revenue. Since legalisation, Illinois has collected over $650 million in sports betting taxes, which fund capital projects across the state under the Rebuild Illinois plan. The state's total handle exceeded $12 billion in calendar year 2025, making it comparable to Colorado and Tennessee as a top-five US market by volume.