Illinois legalized sports betting in June 2019, and by 2026, it’s one of the most active markets in the Midwest. Chicago alone handles over 15% of the state’s total wagers, making it a hotspot for both casual fans and serious bettors. Whether you’re placing a bet on the Bears, Bulls, or White Sox, you need to know the rules, the options, and the pitfalls. This guide cuts through the noise and gives you exactly what you need to bet legally and smartly in Illinois and Chicago.
How Sports Betting Works in Illinois
Illinois lets anyone 21 or older place bets through licensed online apps or retail locations. You don’t need to be a resident - just physically inside the state when you place your bet. The state takes a 15% tax on gross gaming revenue, which is higher than most states. That means sportsbooks have to charge slightly worse odds than in states like Nevada or New Jersey to make money.
There are no physical casinos in Chicago, but you’ll find retail sportsbooks inside casinos in nearby towns like Joliet, Aurora, and Rock Island. Most people, though, bet from their couch. Mobile apps are the main way people wager. You can download them anywhere, but you can’t place a bet unless your phone’s GPS says you’re in Illinois.
The Illinois Gaming Board keeps a public list of licensed operators. If a sportsbook isn’t on that list, it’s illegal. No gray areas. No offshore sites. Stick to the state-approved ones.
Top 5 Sportsbooks in Illinois (2026)
There are 14 licensed sportsbooks in Illinois, but five stand out based on user volume, payout speed, and bonus value in 2026. Here’s what’s working for real bettors:
- FanDuel - Still the market leader. Offers same-day cashouts, live betting on every NFL and NBA game, and a $200 bonus for new users who deposit $5 or more. Payouts hit your bank account in under 24 hours.
- DraftKings - Best for parlay lovers. Their “Same Game Parlay” builder lets you mix stats from one game into one bet. Also offers early cashouts on NFL props. Bonus: $150 in free bets after your first $5 deposit.
- Caesars - Rewards program is unmatched. Earn Caesars Rewards credits on every bet, redeemable for hotel stays, dining, or free bets. Their odds on NHL and MLB are consistently better than competitors.
- - The most detailed live stats. If you like watching games and betting at the same time, bet365’s streaming and real-time odds shifts are the best in the state. No welcome bonus, but frequent reload offers.
- WynnBET - Quiet but reliable. Offers the highest limits on big games. If you’re betting $500+ on a single game, WynnBET is often the only app that lets you.
These five apps handle over 80% of all mobile bets in Illinois. The rest are either too slow, have too many restrictions, or lack live betting.
What You Can Bet On
Illinois allows bets on every major professional league: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, and NCAA. College betting is legal, but you can’t bet on Illinois college teams. That means no bets on Northwestern, Illinois Fighting Illini, or Bradley Braves. The rule is simple: if the team is based in Illinois, you can’t wager on its games.
Prop bets are wide open. You can bet on:
- First player to score
- Total passing yards for a QB
- Number of three-pointers in a Bulls game
- Which team scores first in a playoff game
Live betting is available on nearly every event. The odds update every 15 seconds during NFL games. You can also cash out early - sometimes for 70% of your potential win - if you’re nervous.
Esports betting is legal too. CS2, Valorant, and League of Legends tournaments are available on FanDuel and DraftKings. But don’t expect the same depth as traditional sports. Markets are limited.
How to Deposit and Withdraw
All licensed Illinois sportsbooks accept:
- Debit or credit cards (Visa, Mastercard)
- PayPal
- ACH bank transfers
- Online wallets like Venmo and Cash App
- Prepaid cards (Play+ cards are common)
Withdrawals take 1-5 business days, depending on the method. ACH transfers are the fastest and cheapest - no fees. Credit card withdrawals? They’re not allowed. You can only withdraw to the same method you used to deposit, or to a bank account.
Most apps have a $10 minimum deposit. The maximum? It varies. FanDuel lets you deposit $50,000 in a single day. WynnBET caps it at $25,000. If you’re betting big, check limits before you sign up.
Where to Find Retail Sportsbooks in Chicago
There are four physical sportsbooks in the Chicago metro area:
- Hard Rock Casino Chicago - In Cicero. Open 24/7. Has a 12-screen viewing area and a dedicated betting counter.
- Rivers Casino - In Des Plaines. Features a lounge with recliners and drink service during games.
- Grand Victoria Casino - In Elgin. Smaller, but quiet and less crowded. Good for placing bets without the noise.
- Joliet Slammers Stadium - A minor league baseball park with a temporary sportsbook during NFL season. Only open on game days.
Most of these locations require you to be 21 and show ID. No one asks for proof of residency. Just a valid government photo ID. No one checks your phone’s location at retail spots - the kiosks are physically inside licensed venues, so you’re automatically compliant.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced bettors trip up in Illinois. Here’s what goes wrong:
- Betting on Illinois college teams - It’s not just against the rules - your bet will be voided and refunded. No exceptions.
- Using unlicensed apps - If it’s not on the Illinois Gaming Board’s list, it’s a scam. These apps don’t pay out. Ever.
- Ignoring geolocation - If you’re near the state border, your phone might think you’re in Wisconsin or Iowa. Always double-check the app’s location pin before betting.
- Chasing losses - Illinois has no self-exclusion program built into apps. That means you’re responsible for your own limits. Set a weekly budget and stick to it.
- Missing tax deadlines - If you win $600 or more in a single bet, the sportsbook reports it to the IRS. You’ll get a 1099-MISC. Don’t forget to report it on your state taxes too.
What’s New in 2026
This year, Illinois made two big changes:
- Live streaming - All five top apps now stream NFL, NBA, and NHL games directly in-app. You don’t need a separate subscription. It’s free if you’ve placed a bet in the last 24 hours.
- Player prop betting - You can now bet on individual player performance in college games - just not if the team is based in Illinois. So you can bet on a Wisconsin QB’s passing yards, but not a Northwestern one.
Also, DraftKings and FanDuel now offer “Bet & Get” rewards. If you bet $20 on a game, you get $5 in free bets the next day. It’s not a bonus - it’s a reward. And it stacks.
Final Tips
Don’t chase bonuses. A $200 bonus sounds great, but if the terms require 20x wagering, you’ll lose more than you gain. Look for apps with low rollover requirements - 5x or less.
Compare odds before you bet. A 10-cent difference in odds on a $100 bet adds up to $10 over time. Use an odds comparison tool like OddsJam or Action Network to find the best line.
And remember: the best bet isn’t always the one with the highest payout. Sometimes, the safest bet - like a team covering the spread by 1 point - is the one that keeps you in the game longer.
Is sports betting legal in Chicago?
Yes. Sports betting is legal throughout Illinois, including Chicago. You can bet online through licensed apps or at retail sportsbooks inside casinos. You must be 21 or older and physically in the state when placing your bet.
Can I bet on Illinois college teams?
No. Illinois law prohibits betting on any college team based in the state. That includes the University of Illinois, Northwestern, Bradley, and others. Bets on these teams will be voided and refunded.
Which sportsbook has the best odds in Illinois?
Caesars and bet365 consistently offer the best odds on NHL and MLB games. For NFL and NBA, FanDuel and DraftKings are usually the most competitive. Use an odds comparison tool to find the best line for each game.
Do I have to pay taxes on sports betting winnings in Illinois?
Yes. Any win over $600 is reported to the IRS, and you’ll receive a 1099-MISC form. You must report all winnings on your federal and Illinois state tax returns. Losses can be deducted, but only up to the amount of your winnings.
Can I use a VPN to bet from outside Illinois?
No. All licensed sportsbooks use GPS and device fingerprinting to verify location. A VPN won’t work. If you’re not physically in Illinois, your bet won’t go through. Attempting to bypass this can get your account banned.