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Illinois Sports Betting 2026: Best IL Sportsbooks & Betting Apps

This page will feature all you need to know about  Illinois sports betting apps, including the top Illinois sportsbook promos. Since online sports betting in Illinois became legal in 2020, it has been a booming business that has allowed sports fans to engage with sporting events through Illinois sportsbooks. Let's get started. 

Best Illinois sportsbooks

Best Illinois sports betting promos

The top Illinois sports betting sites are all offering enticing welcome offers for new users. Here is a breakdown of the best sportsbook promos currently available in IL.

SportsbookWelcome offerPromo code

FanDuel

Bet $5, Get up to $1,000 in Bet Reset Tokens

Just click here

BetMGM

Up to $1,500 in bonus bets back if your first bet loses

CBSSPORTS

Fanatics

10x$100 Bet Match in FanCash

CBSFAN26

DraftKings

Spend $5+, get $200 in bonuses instantly

Just click here

bet365

Bet $10, get $150 in bonus bets, win or lose

CBSBET365

FanDuel Illinois promo code

Once known as a leading force in daily fantasy sports, FanDuel expanded into sports betting and has become a force in the space, including sports betting in Illinois. 

The current FanDuel promo code grants up to $1,000 in bet reset tokens if a user bets $5 for five days in a row. For every day the user places a $5 wager within the first five days of their use of the code, they will receive a bet reset token.

FanDuel Sportsbook's top features:

  • Integration with FanDuel's DFS platform
  • Fast withdrawals and payouts
  • Extensive live betting options

BetMGM Illinois promo code

One of the legacy names in betting, BetMGM Illinois launched in March 2022 and has brought with it some of the most expansive betting markets available in the industry.

By using the BetMGM bonus code CBSSPORTS, new customers can receive up to $1,500 in bonus bets should their first bet lose. If the bet wins, the bettor will be paid their winnings in cash (as usual). If it loses, the stake will be matched in bonus bets. The bonus bets expire seven days after they are issued, and there is a minimum $10 deposit required to be eligible for the promo.

BetMGM Sportsbook's top features:

  • Live streaming within the BetMGM app
  • Accrue points with MGM Rewards
  • "Edit my bet" feature

Fanatics Sportsbook Illinois promo code

Fanatics Sportsbook does not offer a website, with all sports betting done through its mobile app. FanCash earned from Fanatics Sportsbook can be used toward future bets or to purchase sports apparel from the Fanatics website.

Through the Fanatics Sportsbook promo code, CBSFAN26, users can get up to $1,000 in FanCash. It works out as up to a $100 bet match for 10 consecutive days after account creation. Just place a bet, up to $100, each day for any wager with odds of -500 or longer, and Fanatics will match your bet amount in FanCash. FanCash for this promotion expires after seven days. 

If you see the 10x$100 Bet Match offer in the app, then entering the promo code is not necessary to claim.  

Fanatics Sportsbook's top features:

  • Earn FanCash on every bet
  • Promotions personalized to each user
  • Fair Play initiative

DraftKings Illinois promo code

As sports betting became legal, DraftKings expanded its daily fantasy expertise into the online sports betting domain, where it has become one of the industry leaders.

Patrons will earn $200 in bonus bets with the DraftKings promo after an initial $5 is spent. Bonus bets expire after seven days if not used.  

DraftKings Sportsbook's top features:

  • Regular odds boosts and promos for existing users
  • Integrated with DraftKings' DFS platform
  • Intuitive, user-friendly interface

bet365 Illinois promo code

After previously being a force in European sports betting, bet365 entered the American market in recent years. The bet365 welcome bonus is particularly inviting as users will earn their bonus bets whether their initial bet wins or loses.

When using the bet365 bonus code CBSBET365, new users can receive $150 in bonus bets after placing an initial wager of at least $10. The bonus bets are awarded regardless of whether that first bet wins or loses.

bet365 Sportsbook's top features:

  • Early payouts
  • Live in-play betting
  • Frequent odds boosts

Prediction markets in Illinois

Beyond traditional sportsbooks, Illinois bettors can also access prediction marketswhere they trade on the probability of real-world outcomes, from sports results to political events. Two of the leading options available to Illinois residents are the Kalshi promo code and the Polymarket referral code.

PlatformWelcome offerPromo code
Kalshi$15 bonus after your first $15 in tradesCBSSPORTS
PolymarketDeposit $20+, get $50 in trading creditsCBSSPORTS

Unlike traditional sportsbooks, prediction markets let you buy and sell shares on event outcomes, with prices reflecting the crowd's assessed probability. They're a compelling complement to standard sports betting for Illinois residents who want a different angle on the action.

Betting on Illinois sports teams

Illinois features many sports teams for fans to bet on at Illinois betting sites. At the professional level, especially, there are many passionate fan bases that have stuck by teams through the highest of highs and lowest of lows. Take a look at Illinois' top professional sports teams, with their championship futures odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook (last updated July 9, 2026).

Chicago Bears (+2500)

Founded in 1919, the Bears have a deep history and a passionate fan base. While Bears fans value winning, there is always a desire to see the team stick to the tradition of running the football and playing hard-nosed defense. In their history, the Bears have won nine NFL championships, but only one in the Super Bowl era (1985).

The Bears have partnered with BetRivers, and the sportsbook is promoted by the team at Soldier Field.

Chicago Cubs (+1600)

In 2016, the Cubs won the World Series, ending a 108-year World Series championship drought. It was a great moment for a passionate fan base that had waited generations for success while being tagged as "lovable losers."

DraftKings is an official betting partner of the Cubs, and an in-person betting experience is available at DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field.

Chicago White Sox (+4500)

The White Sox, like the Cubs, have a deep history in MLB. In 2005, the White Sox won the World Series, snapping an 88-year championship drought that was often overlooked by similar droughts suffered by the Cubs and the Boston Red Sox. The club has fallen on hard times since that win.

Chicago Bulls (+70000)

Decades later, the Chicago Bulls are still defined by the Michael Jordan era. When the best basketball player in the world leads a team to six NBA championships, that's to be expected. Since Jordan's retirement, the Bulls have not won another conference championship, let alone an NBA championship. Another rebuilding season is likely in store in 2026, led by forwards Norman Powell and Caleb Wilson.

FanDuel is an official sports betting partner of the Bulls.

Chicago Blackhawks (+25000)

One of the "original six," the Blackhawks are a staple of the NHL. The team has won six Stanley Cups in its history, most recently winning the championship in the 2014-2015 season.

Circa Sports, a Las Vegas-based sportsbook operator, has a multi-year partnership with the Blackhawks, and a Circa Sports patch is featured on the Blackhawks' home jerseys.

Betting on college sports in Illinois

In Illinois, sports betting on college athletics is subject to specific restrictions. While residents can legally bet on out-of-state college teams through legal sports betting apps, sports betting Illinois collegiate teams, such as the University of Illinois, Northwestern, or DePaul, is prohibited. This ban applies to all forms of betting, including both online platforms and in-person sportsbooks.

Additionally, prop bets on individual college athletes' performances are not permitted, regardless of the team's location. These regulations are enforced by the Illinois Gaming Board to uphold the integrity of collegiate sports and protect the athletes.

Illinois sports betting facts and figures

The Illinois Sports Wagering Act was passed in 2019, and March 2020 saw the first sports bet placed in Illinois since the act's passing. 

Year sports betting in Illinois became legal

2020

Number of sportsbooks in Illinois

10 (as of July 2026)

Minimum Illinois betting age

21

Betting regulator in Illinois

Illinois Gaming Board

New Jersey, Nevada and New York are the only states that have accumulated more sports betting revenue than Illinois. With so many local teams, all of which are deeply rooted in their respective sports, there is added incentive for fans to spice up their viewing by placing wagers on games.

Here is a look at some recent revenue numbers from sports betting in Illinois:

MonthHandleRevenueHold

April 2025

$1.28 billion

$104.9 million

8.2%

May 2025$1.27 billion$120.5 million9.5%
June 2025$960.4 million$113.7 million11.8%
July 2025$857.91 million$89.8 million10.5%
August 2025$993.2 million$105.3 million10.6%
September 2025$1.38 billion$98.7 million7.1%
October 2025$1.55 billion$123.6 million7.9%
November 2025$1.65 billion$144.6 million8.7%
December 2025$1.44 billion$150.5 million10.5%
January 2026$1.43 billion$205.9 million14.3%
February 2026$1.16 billion$162.8 million13.9%
March 2026$1.39 billion$196.05 million14.0%

Where does Illinois sports betting tax revenue go?

In Illinois, sports betting tax revenue is allocated to the State Gaming Fund, which supports various state programs, including education and infrastructure projects. 

Responsible gaming in Illinois

Illinois promotes responsible gambling through a range of programs overseen by the Illinois Gaming Board and the Department of Human Services. Bettors can access tools like the Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program and 24/7 help via the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline or by texting "ILGAMB" to 833234.

The state also offers educational campaigns like "Are You Really Winning?" and partners with organizations such as the Gateway Foundation to provide counseling and support for those affected by problem gambling.

Illinois sports betting FAQ

Is sports betting legal in Illinois?

Yes, Illinois sports betting is legal at regulated Illinois sports betting apps. The Illinois Sports Wagering Act was signed into law on June 28, 2019, allowing both retail and online sports wagering for anyone 21 or older.

Do I need to be a resident in order to bet in Illinois?

You do not need to be an Illinois resident to bet in Illinois. You do, however, have to be 21 or older and within Illinois state borders to bet in Illinois.

Which sports can I bet on in Illinois?

Basketball, football, baseball, soccer, tennis, hockey, golf, boxing, mixed martial arts and more are all available to bet on in Illinois, with many available at the international or collegiate levels. For more fringe or niche sports, check a variety of sportsbooks to see what offers are available.

How old do I have to be to bet on sports in Illinois?

The legal gambling age for sports betting in Illinois is 21 years old.

What sportsbooks are legal in Illinois?

Legal Illinois online sportsbooks include FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Fanatics Sportsbook and bet365.  

What betting markets are available in Illinois?

Any betting market you would see in a different state is available in Illinois. These markets cover all expected sports at the professional, collegiate and international levels. However, you cannot bet on Illinois-based colleges in the state of Illinois.

Is mobile betting available in Illinois?

Illinois online sports betting is available in the state, both in the form of online sports betting and casino gaming.

Does Illinois have sportsbook promos?

Yes. There are several IL sports betting promos available to users in the state. 

What is the best betting app in Illinois?

Several Illinois betting apps contend for the title of best in the state. For those interested in a clean user interface, bet365 and FanDuel remain strong options. Those looking for bigger Illinois sportsbook promos might be more interested in BetMGM or Fanatics.