Despite online sports betting becoming legal only a few years ago, sportsbooks in Illinois have already surged in popularity. To make your search easier, we’ve put together a list of our top five favorite platforms so you can quickly find the sportsbook that best fits your style.
Whether you’re brand new to online sports betting or simply looking for a fresh option to try, this guide has you covered. Our top five picks —Fanatics, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, and FanDuel — are all well-established, highly trusted operators. Each one also offers an exciting sign-up bonus you can claim as a new player.
Can I sign up to online sportsbooks in Illinois?
Online sports betting has been legal in Illinois since 2019, regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board. Whether you're a casual bettor or a seasoned handicapper, you'll find a solid selection of licensed platforms to choose from. Be sure to check out our Illinois sportsbook promos page to find the latest sign-up offers and deals available in the state.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets Guaranteed - When You Bet $5 for 7 Days!
New DraftKings Customers: Bet $5+ Get $100 in Bonus Bets Instantly!
Pros and cons Illinois sportsbooks
- Around 11 online sportsbooks available
- Place bets across popular sports and major leagues
- Mobile betting available
- Not available in other states
Top five online sportsbooks in Illinois
Now that we've talked a little bit about sports betting in Illinois, let's move onto which sportsbook you might want to choose. We've pulled together this list of our top choices which all feature generous welcome offers, hundreds of betting markets across all major leagues, and downloadable mobile apps for easy betting on the go. And if you're curious about betting options in other states, you can check out our sports betting in New York guide.
| Illinois online sportsbooks | Welcome offer |
| bet365 | Bet $5 get $150 in bonus bets Up to $1000 in bonus bets safety net |
| BetMGM | Bet $10, get $150 in bonus bets Up to $1,500 in bonus bets safety net |
| FanDuel | Bet $5, get $300 in bonus bets |
| Caesars | Up to $1,000 safety net bet |
| Fanatics | $25 Game Day Guarantee 100% Profit Boost Token |
BetMGM: Choose between two sign up offers
- Mobile app available for Android and Apple devices
- Available in 21 states
- Comprehensive sports coverage
- Not available to all US bettors
If you've been betting on sports for a while, then it's very likely that you've heard of or even bet on BetMGM. It's a popular online sportsbook available in Illinois known for its wide market coverage and fantastic promotions. You'll have the option to choose between two sign up offers: the 'bet $10, get $150 in bonus bets' offer and the first bet safety net offer.
To claim the first offer simply place any qualifying $10 wager within seven days of signing up and if your bet loses, then you'll receive $150 in bonus bets. If you prefer to grab the safety bet offer then all you need to do is place any qualifying wager and if your bet loses, you'll receive the same amount back as bonus bets. You can also use a BetMGM Bonus Code when registering to unlock the best available welcome offer.
FanDuel: A highly rated online sportsbook
- Variety of betting markets
- DFS contests
- Downloadable mobile app
- Not available in all states
FanDuel is one of the top online sportsbooks primarily due to its fantastic sports market coverage and super competitive odds. The site is really easy to use and you can either access it through the desktop site or download the mobile app. FanDuel is also known for offering generous promotions, including a great sign up offer.
If you decide to join FanDuel, you'll have the opportunity to claim a welcome offer of $300 in bonus bets. All you need to do to claim it is place a qualifying $5 bet on any eligible game and if your bet wins, then you'll receive $300 in bonus bets. Your bet winning is an important caveat to note here, because if your bet loses, you won't be eligible to unlock the full offer. Entering a FanDuel Promo Code at sign-up can also boost your welcome package.
Caesars: An online betting icon
- First bet safety net offer
- Dedicated mobile app
- User-friendly platform
- Live chat and phone support
- Not available in all states
When it comes to US based online betting, this is likely one of the most iconic names. Caesars has been around for years which makes it a super trustworthy option for any Illinois bettor. The site itself is really easy to use, the odds are competitive, and for those that prefer mobile betting, there's a downloadable app too.
If you would like to sign up to Caesars, you'll have the opportunity to claim a safety net bet welcome offer. With this you'll get your first bet back in the form of bonus bets up to the value of $300 if it doesn't win. If your bet wins, you'll collect your winnings as usual; if your bet loses, you'll receive your bet amount back as bonus bets. You won't be able to withdraw these directly, but you'll be able to place any wager you like with them. Use a Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code at registration to make sure you're getting the best deal available.
Fanatics: Collect FanCash with the welcome offer
- NFL live game streaming
- Quick deposit and withdrawals
- Personalized promotions tab
- Strong brand credibility
- Mobile-only, no desktop version
Another great option for Illinois bettors is Fanatics, with a variety of betting markets available across all major leagues. It's also one of the most generous online sportsbooks with two Illinois-specific promotions available to claim. You can only choose one so here's an overview of each to help you decide. The first offer is 'bet $50, get $250 in FanCash' split over five consecutive days. To claim this offer simply opt-in to the promotion in your bet slip and place a wager of at least $10 each day for your first five days.
Your second option is to claim the No Sweat Bets FanCash offer where you could grab a safety net of up to $2,000. All you need to do is opt-in to your chosen promotion and place a wager of at least $1. If your bet loses, then you'll receive your bet amount back as FanCash. You can also apply a Fanatics Sportsbook Promo Code during sign-up to maximize your welcome bonus.
DraftKings: A powerhouse in US sports betting
DraftKings is one of the most recognizable names in US sports betting, offering a deep selection of markets across every major sport and league. Illinois bettors can enjoy a smooth experience on both the desktop platform and the highly rated mobile app. The platform's same-game parlay builder and live betting features make it a popular choice for experienced bettors. New users can get started with a strong welcome offer — use a DraftKings Promo Code at sign-up to unlock the best available bonus.
How to sign up to sportsbooks in Illinois
Now that we've talked through some of the available online sportsbooks in Illinois, you're likely wondering how you can sign up. The process is pretty straightforward and probably familiar to you if you've signed up to similar sites before. Signing up is the first step to claiming any of the sportsbook welcome offers. To sign up simply:
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Click on our page banners for your chosen Illinois sportsbook to head straight over to the home page.
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Find either the Join or Sign Up button in the top right hand corner which will open up the registration form.
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You could choose to complete the registration manually or sometimes sites will allow you to login using your Google or Apple account to save time.
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If signing up manually, enter your personal details including full name, birth date, address and so on.
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Read through the T&Cs, accept them and submit your registration form.
Once you've verified your account, you'll then be able to claim your welcome offer. You'll need to follow the individual steps outlined for each available sign-up offer, but you will usually have to opt-in to your chosen promotion. You of course need to be located in a legal state like Illinois to sign up. You'll also need to be at least 21 years old, although some states may have different requirements so be sure to double check this before signing up. It's also worth browsing the latest sportsbook promos before committing to a platform, as offers change regularly.
Final thoughts on sports betting in Illinois
So there you have it, our top online sportsbooks for Illinois bettors. Whether you're just starting out in the world of sports betting or perhaps you want to expand your horizons into different platforms, you can't go wrong with DraftKings, Fanatics, Caesars, FanDuel, or BetMGM. Each of these online sportsbooks offers some generous sign up offers — some even have more than one to choose from — hundreds of betting markets, super user friendly platforms, and mobile betting features.
The most important thing is that you choose the online sportsbook in Illinois that's right for you. No matter what your favorite sport is or how you like to usually bet, you'll have plenty of ways to get involved in all the action across all recommended sites. To sign up simply click on our page banners, complete the registration, verify your account, and claim your welcome offer. If you also want to keep up with the latest expert analysis before placing your wagers, check out our free picks to help inform your decisions. For more detailed information on each operator, visit our comprehensive all reviews section.
The best online betting bonuses in 2026
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets Guaranteed - When You Bet $5 for 7 Days!
New DraftKings Customers: Bet $5+ Get $100 in Bonus Bets Instantly!
Illinois sportsbooks FAQs
Are online sportsbooks legal in Illinois?
Yes, online sports betting has been legal in Illinois since 2019. There are 11 online sportsbooks currently available for Illinois bettors including FanDuel, DraftKings, Fanatics, Caesars, and BetMGM. All of these sportsbooks are regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board so that you can place your wagers with complete peace of mind.
How old do I need to be to sign up to Illinois sportsbooks?
You'll need to be at least 21 years old to sign up to any of the licensed online sportsbooks and place your desired wagers in Illinois. When you sign up you'll also be required to verify your identity and account by completing a verification process. This will involve uploading a copy of your government-issued ID such as a driver's license or passport.
Which sportsbooks in Illinois have the biggest welcome offers?
This depends on the type of offer you're looking for. All of the online sportsbooks provide some sort of 'bet and get' bonus, while Caesars and BetMGM also offer a safety net bonus option for new users.