Best Illinois Sportsbook Promos 

 

Based on the latest available offers, here are the leading sportsbook bonuses in Illinois:

 

 

BetMGM – Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets

 

• First bet insurance up to $1,500

• If your first wager loses, receive bonus bets back

• Use bonus code: DEALPLAY

• Bonus bets typically expire in 7 days

 

BetMGM bonus code remains one of the strongest options for high-value first-bet protection.

 

 

Fanatics Sportsbook – Up to $1,000 in FanCash

 

• Up to $1,000 in FanCash matched bets

• Earn FanCash and redeem for bonus bets or team merchandise

• No code needed - click Play Now

 

Fanatics Sportsbook promo code stands out with its integrated rewards program tied to sports apparel and memorabilia.

 

 

FanDuel – Bet $5, Get $100

 

• Bet $5, Get $100 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins

• Available on desktop, Android, and iOS

• No code required

 

FanDuel promo code is known for its user-friendly interface and strong same-game parlay features.

 

 

Caesars Sportsbook – Bet Match Up to $250

 

• First bet match up to $250

• Stream select NFL games in-app

• Use promo code: RACEBET250BM

 

Caesars Sportsbook promo code rewards points can be redeemed for hotel stays, dining, and entertainment.

 

 

DraftKings – Up to $1,200 Bonus

 

• Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins

• PLUS up to $1,000 deposit bonus

• No code required

 

DraftKings promo code also offers frequent profit boosts and seasonal prize promotions.

 

 

Illinois Sports Betting History

 

Illinois legalized sports betting in June 2019 when lawmakers passed legislation as part of a broader capital funding bill. Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the bill into law shortly after.

 

The first legal wager in Illinois was placed on March 9, 2020, at Rivers Casino, just before professional sports temporarily paused nationwide.

 

Online sports betting apps were authorized shortly thereafter, allowing statewide mobile wagering.

 

Illinois permits both retail and online sports betting at:

 

• Casinos

• Racetracks

• Professional sports venues

 

There are no tribal casinos in Illinois.

 

 

Illinois Online Sportsbooks

 

Multiple operators are authorized in Illinois, with several currently active.

 

Major sportsbook promos operating in Illinois include:

 

• BetMGM

• Fanatics Sportsbook

• FanDuel

• Caesars Sportsbook

• DraftKings

• bet365

• BetRivers

• Circa Sports

• Hard Rock Bet

• theScore Bet

 

Each operator partners with licensed Illinois casinos or racetracks under state regulations.

 

 

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Illinois?

 

Yes. To place a legal bet in Illinois, you must:

 

• Be 21 years or older

• Be physically located within Illinois state lines

 

Both residents and visitors may wager as long as they meet these requirements.

 

 

Illinois has developed into one of the more competitive Midwestern sports betting markets. With multiple national brands offering strong welcome bonuses, bettors have a wide range of options.

 

Before signing up, compare:

 

• First-bet offers

• Bet-and-get bonuses

• Deposit bonuses

• App features and rewards programs

 

Always review terms and conditions before claiming a promotion.

 

21+ | Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

 

 

Illinois Sportsbooks Without Per-Bet Fees

 

When comparing Illinois sportsbooks, many bettors look for platforms that don’t tack on a per-wager transaction fee. Avoiding those charges can help stretch your bankroll further over time.

 

Currently, the Illinois sportsbooks that do not charge a per-bet fee include:

 

• bet365

• BetMGM

 

However, Illinois’ 2025 per-bet tax structure has led some operators to pass costs directly to customers.

 

• DraftKings and FanDuel charge $0.50 per online wager

• Fanatics and Caesars charge $0.25 per wager

 

Other sportsbooks are currently absorbing the cost, but industry analysts continue to monitor whether additional operators will introduce similar fees in the future.

 

The tax structure has added financial pressure on both major operators and smaller competitors in the Illinois market.

 

 

Minimum Bet Requirements in Illinois

 

In addition to per-bet fees, some sportsbooks have adjusted minimum wager requirements.

 

While many sportsbooks allow bets as low as $0.10, the following operators have raised their minimums:

 

• BetMGM – $2.50 minimum bet

• Hard Rock Bet – $2.00 minimum bet

 

These increases are widely viewed as a response to Illinois’ transaction-based tax structure.

 

 

Illinois Retail Sportsbooks

 

Illinois allows both retail and online sports betting. Below is a snapshot of key land-based sportsbook locations:

 

Sportsbook	Retail Location	Retail Opened	Online Launch
DraftKings	Casino Queen / Wrigley Field	8/5/2020	8/5/2020
PENN Sportsbook	Argosy Casino Alton	3/12/2020	3/11/2021
Caesars	Grand Victoria	8/6/2020	9/15/2020
PENN	Hollywood Aurora	8/20/2020	3/11/2021
PENN	Hollywood Joliet	8/20/2020	3/11/2021
FanDuel	Par-A-Dice Casino	9/10/2020	8/24/2020
FanDuel	Fairmount Park	4/27/2021	8/24/2020
Circa Sports	New American Place	9/29/2023	9/29/2023

 

 

 

Timeline of Illinois Retail Sports Betting

 

Rivers Casino Des Plaines became the first Illinois retail sportsbook in March 2020. Argosy Casino Alton soon followed, though grand openings were delayed due to COVID-19 shutdowns.

 

After regulatory approvals in June 2020, several sportsbooks launched retail operations:

 

• Caesars at Grand Victoria (August 2020)

• DraftKings at Casino Queen (August 2020)

• Hollywood Casinos Aurora & Joliet (August 2020)

• Par-A-Dice Casino (September 2020)

 

In 2021, PENN Entertainment expanded retail sportsbooks across its Illinois properties.

 

As of December 1, 2025, ESPN BET officially shut down following the termination of its partnership with PENN. The brand has since been rebranded as theScore Bet, now operating in Illinois and other former ESPN BET markets.

 

 

Notable Illinois Retail Locations

 

 

DraftKings – Casino Queen & Wrigley Field

 

DraftKings operates a sportsbook at Casino Queen in metro St. Louis and also runs a high-profile retail sportsbook at Wrigley Field featuring kiosks, tellers, and a large event space.

 

 

Caesars – Grand Victoria Casino

 

Located in suburban Chicago, this sportsbook features multiple teller windows, kiosks, and comfortable viewing areas.

 

 

FanDuel – Par-A-Dice Casino

 

FanDuel launched online first and followed with retail betting in East Peoria in September 2020.

 

 

bet365 – Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort

 

bet365 entered Illinois on March 16, 2025, through a partnership with Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort, bringing its internationally recognized live betting platform to the state.

 

Illinois remains one of the more complex sports betting markets due to its tax structure, but bettors still have access to a wide variety of online and retail wagering options.

 

21+ | Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

 

 

History of Sports Betting Legislation in Illinois

 

Legal sports betting in Illinois was not a smooth or simple process. While lawmakers ultimately approved it in 2019, the path to legalization was shaped heavily by politics, compromise, and stakeholder negotiations.

 

State legislators Bob Rita and Mike Zalewski led the charge to bring sports betting to Illinois. To secure enough support, they attached sports wagering to a broader capital infrastructure bill. Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the bill into law on June 28, 2019.

 

The final legislation reflected numerous political trade-offs. Lawmakers included:

 

• A requirement to use official league data

• An 18-month in-person registration mandate

• A delay for stand-alone mobile operators

• Restrictions on wagering on in-state college teams

• Strict branding and licensing provisions

 

Although stakeholders welcomed legalization - particularly for the projected tax revenue - many acknowledged the law was more restrictive than originally hoped.

 

 

The “Penalty Box”

 

One of the most debated elements of Illinois’ law was the so-called “penalty box.”

 

In May 2019, Rivers Casino owner Neil Bluhm urged lawmakers to block FanDuel and DraftKings from entering the Illinois sports betting market for three years. He argued they had previously operated daily fantasy sports in violation of earlier interpretations by the state’s attorney general.

 

After pushback from FanDuel and DraftKings - including public lobbying efforts - lawmakers reached a compromise: an 18-month delay.

 

Despite the intended restriction, DraftKings entered the Illinois market in June 2020 via a casino partnership, with FanDuel following shortly thereafter.

 

 

The College Carve-Out

 

Another key compromise involved wagering on college sports.

 

Initially, state universities pushed for a complete ban on betting involving Illinois college teams. Lawmakers instead adopted a “college carve-out,” allowing betting on college sports generally but prohibiting wagers on Illinois-based teams.

 

In 2021, the law was amended to allow betting on in-state college teams at retail sportsbooks only - while still prohibiting such wagers online. The hybrid rule remains one of the more unusual frameworks in the country.

 

Additionally, Illinois prohibits player prop bets involving college athletes.

 

 

In-Person Registration Requirement

 

Illinois originally required bettors to register for mobile accounts in person at a casino.

 

While Governor Pritzker temporarily suspended the requirement during the COVID-19 pandemic through executive orders, it was later reinstated.

 

The requirement officially ended on March 5, 2022, when BetMGM launched under a mobile-only license. From that point forward, statewide online registration became permanent.

 

 

Official League Data Mandate

 

Illinois was one of the early states to require sportsbooks to purchase “official league data” for certain wagers.

 

Under this rule, operators must obtain data directly from professional leagues or their approved providers. Critics argue the mandate could limit competition and raise operating costs.

 

Tennessee and Michigan adopted similar policies, and Virginia later followed with comparable legislation.

 

 

Tax Structure & Revenue Changes

 

Illinois has one of the more complex and evolving sports betting tax systems in the country.

 

Initially, sportsbooks were taxed at a flat 15% of adjusted gross revenue (AGR). That changed in July 2024 when Illinois implemented a graduated tax structure:

 

• 20% for AGR up to $30 million

• Increasing up to 40% for AGR exceeding $200 million

• Additional 2% tax on wagers placed within Cook County

 

In July 2025, Illinois added a per-wager tax:

 

• $0.25 per bet on the first 20 million wagers per operator

• $0.50 per bet beyond 20 million wagers

 

These changes significantly increased operating costs for sportsbooks in the state.

 

 

Illinois Sports Betting Quick Facts

 

• Legal betting age: 21

• Betting on professional and most college sports is permitted

• Betting on Illinois college teams is prohibited online (retail-only allowed)

• College player props are not allowed

• Online registration available statewide

• Up to 23 master licenses authorized

• Three mobile-only licenses permitted

• One mobile “skin” allowed per retail operator

• Licensing fees range from $3 million to $20 million

• Sports betting tax revenue supports the “Rebuild Illinois” infrastructure fund

 

 

Responsible Gambling Programs

 

The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) administers:

 

• A self-exclusion program

• A gambling problem registry

 

Additionally, the Illinois Department of Human Services offers treatment and support programs for problem gambling.

 

 

Banking Options in Illinois

 

Most licensed Illinois sportsbooks provide multiple secure funding methods, including:

 

• ACH (eCheck)

• Online banking

• PayPal

• Skrill

• Credit/debit cards (Visa & MasterCard)

• Casino cage deposits

• Prepaid sportsbook debit cards

• Paper check withdrawals

• PayNearMe (cash deposits at 7-Eleven or CVS)

 

Availability may vary by operator.

 

Illinois’ sports betting framework reflects years of negotiation, compromise, and evolving regulation. While complex, it remains one of the most active and competitive betting markets in the Midwest.

 

21+ | Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

 

 

Illinois Professional Sports Teams

 

Illinois is home to seven major professional sports franchises, each with a passionate fan base and deep ties to the state’s sports culture.

 

 

Chicago Bulls

 

The Chicago Bulls remain one of the most recognizable brands in the NBA. While the franchise hasn’t replicated its championship dominance from the 1990s, it continues to compete in the Eastern Conference. The Bulls reached the Play-In Tournament following the 2023–24 season and are working to return to consistent playoff contention.

 

 

Chicago Fire

 

Founded in 1998, the Chicago Fire have been part of Major League Soccer since the league’s early days and captured an MLS Cup in their inaugural season. After moving between suburban and city venues, the club now plays at historic Soldier Field. While recent seasons have been challenging, the Fire maintain a loyal and energetic supporter base.

 

Chicago Sky

 

The Chicago Sky have experienced a surge in popularity in recent years. With rising WNBA talent and growing national attention on women’s basketball, the franchise continues to build momentum. The Sky remain competitive and are a major presence in Chicago’s professional sports scene.

 

 

Chicago Bears

 

Few teams command statewide loyalty like the Chicago Bears. As one of the NFL’s charter franchises, the Bears hold a special place in Illinois sports history. While recent seasons have featured rebuilding efforts, optimism surrounds the franchise’s future as it works toward returning to playoff relevance.

 

 

Chicago Blackhawks

 

The Blackhawks are in the midst of a new era after their dominant Stanley Cup runs in the 2010s. With emerging young talent leading the way, Chicago is focused on rebuilding into a playoff contender once again. Hockey remains a strong part of the city’s sports identity.

 

 

Chicago Cubs

 

The Cubs ended a 108-year championship drought with their historic 2016 World Series victory, cementing their place in baseball lore. Wrigley Field remains one of the sport’s most iconic venues and continues to attract fans from across the state and beyond.

 

 

Chicago White Sox

 

The White Sox bring a proud South Side tradition to Major League Baseball. Although recent seasons have been challenging, the team maintains a dedicated fan base and a long-standing presence in Illinois sports culture.

 

 

Sports Betting Across the U.S.

 

Sports betting is now legal and operational in 39 states, including every state bordering Illinois - with Missouri joining the list as of December 1, 2025.

 

Wisconsin currently offers sports betting only in-person at select tribal casinos, which limits statewide availability.

 

Across the country, states generally fall into three categories:

 

• States where sports betting is legal and operational

• States where legislation is under discussion or pending approval

• States with no active legalization efforts

 

As legislation continues to evolve nationwide, Illinois remains one of the more established and competitive sports betting markets in the Midwest.

 

21+ | Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.