Illinois Sports Betting Apps

Rank

Sportsbook
Bonus
Rating
Bet Now
1
$1,200 in Bonus Bets
2
$1,000 No Sweat Bet


Illinois Sportsbook Apps Reviewed

Illinois is one of the latest states to launch sports betting operations. Sports betting laws ran into some resistance on their way to finally being passed. Various proposals were brought to the floor of the Illinois legislation, but residents in the Land of Lincoln were left waiting at the altar.

After more than a year of legislative proposals, Illinois finally enacted laws to allow sportsbooks and online sportsbook apps to open in the state. Illinois included provisions for online betting as well, but with restrictions.

First, we'll review the history of sports betting in Illinois. We'll discuss the timeline of sports betting in the state and talk about why it took longer than expected. Finally, we'll review the two currently active online sportsbook apps, plus those that are on the doorstep to launch.

Illinois Sports Betting History

Sports betting changed almost immediately in the United States in May 2018. The U.S. Supreme Court stuck down the 26-year federal law that prohibited states from allowing sports betting.

The court ruled that the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was unconstitutional. This opened a wave of states that began discussing the legislative steps necessary to reap the revenue benefits of legal sportsbooks.

Illinois was one of the states to begin discussions almost immediately. However, the progress by Illinois' lawmakers wasn't as fast as that of other states. Neighboring Indiana beat Illinois in the race to allow sportsbooks to open.

Lawmakers quickly watched as millions of dollars walked across the state line from cities such as Chicago. The Chicago Tribune post an article within days of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision to change the sports betting landscape of America.

Much of the reporting on the progress of Illinois sports betting didn't begin in earnest until May 2018. In fact, a number of Illinois lawmakers were working on legislation in anticipation of the U.S. Supreme Court's favorable ruling.

The Illinois General Assembly had already sent five draft proposals to the governor's office for consideration. However, even after the changes in 2018 at the federal level, Illinois lawmakers spent nearly a full year stuck in negotiations.

By late May 2019, lawmakers had a deal in place. Illinois Senate Bill 690 (SB690) was sent to the desk of Jay Robert Pritzker. The paperwork for legal sports betting in Illinois laid on the governor's desk for nearly a month.

However, on June 28, 2019, Pritzker signed SB690 into law. Despite opening the door for legal sports betting, the legislation still put off until 2020 the ability for sportsbooks to start taking bets officially. There are currently seven physical sportsbook locations where Illinois residents can place a bet.

Following guidelines in the Illinois Constitution, there were a series of public hearings and a number of application reviews held over the next 10 months. On May 9, 2020, the first legal sportsbooks in Illinois finally launched.

Unfortunately, about three days later, most of the sports betting world was put on hold. Once again, Illinois residents would have to play a waiting game. The legislation initially provided for 23 master licenses for physical sportsbook locations.

Lawmakers restricted the number of mobile app only sportsbooks to three and also put a time restriction of 18 months before they could officially launch. This part of SB690 is being renegotiated. Now let's discuss the pair of active sportsbook apps, plus three big names ready to launch in Illinois.

Best Illinois Sportsbook Apps

Despite taking longer than expected, Illinois sports betting laws included provisions for online betting options in the initial legislation. There were restrictions on who could immediately enter the Illinois sports betting market, and the process required to gain a license.

BetRivers was the first to secure a spot, following soon after by DraftKings. Both are taking sports bets from anyone with an account inside the Illinois state lines. Three other prominent names in online sports betting will be coming soon. Let's look at all five.

DraftKings Sportsbook App

DraftKings brings their strong reputation for a wide range of sports bet types and a massive customer base to Illinois. The initial legislation actually prohibited the launch of any online sports betting until late in 2020.

The launch of the two currently active Illinois-based sportsbook apps is somewhat of a surprise. DraftKings negotiated a deal with the Casino Queen in East St. Louis. The initial launch will be physically at the casino location.

DraftKings offers new users a $1,000 deposit bonus and a $50 bonus bet. The deposit bonus is a deposit match at a 20% rate. The bonus does have play-through requirements before you can withdraw.

DraftKings brings one of the more diverse betting platforms to Illinois. All major sports and standard betting line are available. DraftKings posts odds on unique sports like lacrosse, snooker and swimming. DraftKings is ready to be a leader in the Land of Lincoln.

DraftKings Sportsbook Promo

FanDuel Sportsbook

fanduel

Our next app is one of the most successful sportsbook apps in nearly every state they are active. FanDuel gradually pushed past the competition in states such as New Jersey and Pennsylvania. They are active in other states as well.

Like DraftKings, FanDuel brings a large customer base from their years as a leader in daily fantasy sports. FanDuel has already launched an Illinois sportsbook app sign up page. New accounts cannot legally bet on games as of yet.

But, notification of the FanDuel launch will be made immediately available to all registered accounts. We expect the promotional offers for the FanDuel Sportsbook app in Illinois to mirror those they offered in other states.

New account holders can expect an initial no sweat bet in the neighborhood of $1,000. There is some sense that first-time deposits may also earn a matching bonus. The FanDuel mobile app is available for iOS and Android devices.

There are many who envision FanDuel linking with a physical sportsbook first, to avoid being bumped by the limitations SB690 placed on the number of mobile-only licenses Illinois would initially approve.

There are also discussions about amending this restriction. Sportsbook apps in Illinois appreciate it is a matter of time before they will have to contend with one of the most successful sportsbook apps in the country.

FanDuel Promo Code

BetMGM Sportsbook

BetMGM is another global betting operation primed to open a sportsbook app in Illinois. New Illinois customers who sign up for a BetMGM account will automatically receive up to a $1,000 first bet offe. This applies to your first eligible wager with the sportsbook

BetMGM recently inked a partnership agreement with the PGA. They have also entered into a joint venture with Buffalo Wild Wings. The two are ready to offer prediction-type games in states where BetMGM has yet to secure a license, or the state is waiting to legalize sports betting.

BetMGM Bonus Code

BetRivers Sportsbook App

BetRivers owns the distinction of being the first official sportsbook app to launch in Illinois. Their user-friendly platform has generated enormously positive reviews. BetRivers sportsbook app is has a supportive affiliation with Rush Street Interactive.

Rush Street Interactive powers the impressive online performance of the BetRivers app. The Illinois casino partnership for BetRivers is at the Rivers Casino Des Plaines, just outside of Chicago. BetRivers was primed to enter the Illinois market.

By having all their licensing documents and registration requirements in order, they were ready to launch immediately upon official approval of SB690. This strategy allowed BetRivers nearly a month head start on new customer registrations.

Besides an early lead in new bettor accounts, BetRivers also sets the pace in other areas. They provide an excellent array of popular sports bets, plus in-play betting lines. New accounts can receive up to $250 in deposit matching bonus money.

BetRivers has live game streaming, plus an assortment of new daily promotions. The deposit bonus only requires a single play-through to gain access to the funds. BetRivers has an excellent rewards program for dedicated customers.

While a number of sporting events were canceled immediately after BetRiver's launch, they still enjoy the advantage of an early start. As the first online sportsbook app to launch, we expect BetRivers to be a huge success in Illinois.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sports betting online legal in Illinois?

While it took more time than expected, sports betting legislation SB690 was signed into law on June 28, 2019. After months of negotiations about licensing and registrations, the official launch occurred on March 9, 2020. Seven physical locations are open, and two sportsbook apps have been cleared.

Are there mobile betting apps live?

The early prediction for when mobile betting apps would be available in Illinois was near the end of 2020 at best. However, two sportsbook mobile betting apps have already been given the green light to launch, and many others followed in the next few months. Now there are several sportsbooks like PointsBet and William Hill to add to the list of sportsbooks in Illinois.

How big is the Illinois betting market?

The nationwide demand for sports betting has exceeded even the loftiest expectations. The Illinois sports betting market is lucrative. Chicago alone provides massive potential. The Windy City has two MLB teams, plus teams in every other professional sports league. The market is immense.

Is the FanDuel Sportsbook in Illinois ?

FanDuel has already started to register new Illinois sports bettors. While they are restricted to the registration process only, everyone who signs up for a new FanDuel Illinois Sportsbook app account will receive instant notification when they officially launch.

Is the DraftKings Sportsbook in Illinois?

DraftKings is the second sports betting app to launch in Illinois. The popular betting platform officially launched in August 2020. The DraftKings license partnership is with the Casino Queen in East St. Louis. Once registered, sports bettors can bet legally on DraftKings from anywhere in the state.

Can you bet on college sports on apps in Illinois?

When new seasons begin, BetRivers and DraftKings are set up to offer betting lines for NCAA men's basketball and football. Those sportsbook apps with pending launch dates will undoubtedly include these two very popular college sports on their list of odds.