Illinois Sports Betting Grows Into One of the Top US Markets by Handle
Illinois has grown into one of the top US sports betting markets by total handle since launching in March 2020, driven by Chicago's large urban population, the removal of an initial in-person registration requirement, and robust competition among licensed operators.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois launched retail sports betting on March 9, 2020, with mobile following in June 2020
- An initial requirement for bettors to register in person at a casino was later removed, accelerating mobile adoption
- Illinois is consistently one of the top five US states by total monthly sports betting handle
- The Illinois Gaming Board regulates sports betting under the Sports Wagering Act (2019)
- Major operators include DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, BetRivers (Rivers Casino Chicago), and others
- Illinois levies a 15% GGR tax on sports betting revenue
Why It Matters — Players
Why It Matters — Operators
Illinois has established itself as one of the largest legal sports betting markets in the United States, consistently ranking among the top five states by monthly handle — driven primarily by Chicago's status as the third most populous US city and a major sports market with deep fan bases supporting the Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, and Chicago Blackhawks.
Legislative Background
Illinois enacted the Sports Wagering Act in June 2019, authorising sports betting at licensed casinos, racetracks, and through mobile apps. The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) was designated as the regulatory body. Retail sports betting launched on March 9, 2020 at Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, Illinois — the first retail sportsbook to open under the state's new framework. Mobile sports betting followed in June 2020.
The In-Person Registration Requirement
Illinois's initial mobile sports betting framework included an unusual requirement: players had to register their mobile accounts in person at a licensed casino before they could place online bets. This requirement — intended to connect mobile betting to existing brick-and-mortar operations — created friction for new customers compared to states that allowed fully remote digital registration. The requirement was eventually suspended and then removed, enabling the fully digital account creation process used by other major US sports betting states. The removal of in-person registration was a significant catalyst for mobile sports betting adoption in Illinois.
Market Size and Operators
Post-registration reform, Illinois mobile sports betting grew rapidly. Major licensed operators competing for Illinois customers include DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, BetRivers (linked to Rivers Casino Chicago, operated by Rush Street Interactive), PointsBet, and Barstool Sportsbook (later ESPN Bet). The competition for Chicago-area customers has made Illinois one of the more promotional US markets.
The Illinois Gaming Board publishes monthly sports betting revenue reports that provide a detailed breakdown of handle and GGR by operator and betting type, making the state one of the most transparent US betting markets in terms of public data availability.
Tax and Revenue
Illinois levies a 15% GGR tax on sports betting, with revenue supporting various state government priorities. The state's large population base means Illinois tax revenue from sports betting represents a meaningful contribution to state finances.
- Source:
- PlayUSA
- Published:
- July 1, 2023
- Original Article:
- View Source
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