Illinois NFL Betting Guide: Legal Sportsbooks, Bonuses & More

Since March 9, 2020, Illinois sportsbooks have been a place for Illinois bettors to wager on their favorite collegiate and professional sports teams. Betting markets in the Illinois sports betting scene run the gamut, even including niche options like esports.

Planning on getting into the Illinois sports betting market and don’t know where to begin? Consider this your Illinois sports betting FAQ. Below, you will learn more about online sportsbooks legal in Illinois, retail sportsbook establishments, and everything there is to know about Illinois betting sites.

Is Illinois Sports Betting Legal?

The Illinois sports betting law went into effect with the Illinois Sports Wagering Act. On March 9, 2020, the first legal sports betting in Illinois began. There are currently several legal Illinois sportsbooks, including Fanatics Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook, BetMGM Illinois Sportsbook, and ESPN Bet.

In addition to the litany of Illinois online sportsbooks, there are several retail sports betting establishments. Perhaps the most prominent retail sportsbook is Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort. Compared to mobile sports betting apps, sports bettors can place wagers in person at a retail sportsbook on professional and college sports.

For Illinois online sportsbooks, there is a requirement for an online sports betting license through the Illinois Gaming Board. Whether it be FanDuel Sportsbook, ESPN Bet, Fanatics Sportsbook, or Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort, all Illinois sportsbooks are required to be licensed by the Illinois Gaming Board or face massive penalties and fines.

The fun thing about sports betting in Illinois is that Illinois bettors are not limited to strictly betting on Illinois sports teams. There are restrictions when it comes to college sports betting, but most online sportsbooks that are legal in Illinois offer a wide array of betting markets with competitive odds.

What Legal Sports Betting Apps are in Illinois?

The good news is that there is a wide range of Illinois betting apps to choose from. Before you can choose from the Illinois sportsbook promos, it helps to know which online sportsbooks (and retail sports betting establishments) are worth checking out. Below is a shortlist of the best Illinois sportsbooks right now.

BetMGM Sportsbook

BetMGM Sportsbook is easily one of the best online sports betting sites in Illinois. Illinois bettors have access to a wide range of betting markets, including college sports, NFL betting, basketball, and so much more. About the only thing BetMGM Sportsbook doesn’t offer is daily fantasy sports.

When you sign up with BetMGM, you not only get one of the best Illinois sportsbooks, but one of the best promos in the business. Make your first deposit and make your first wager. With local teams like the Chicago White Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, and Chicago Blackhawks, there are plenty of sports in Illinois to bet on.

If your first bet wins, all is well. But even if your bet loses, it’s okay. That’s because BetMGM will give you up to $1,500 back in bonus bets to try again. It is important to practice responsible gambling but there is perhaps no one better than BetMGM Sportsbook in the Illinois sports betting scene.

FanDuel Sportsbook

Whether talking about Illinois Sportsbooks or national online sports betting sites, there may be no bigger name than FanDuel Sportsbook. With comprehensive betting markets, competitive odds, and one of the most recognized daily fantasy sports platforms, FanDuel is where it’s at.

When you sign up for a new Illinois online sports betting account, make sure to deposit at least $10. From there, place your first bet. If that bet wins, you will receive $300 in bonus bets instantly. With tons of opportunities to bet on local teams like the Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bears, and Chicago Bulls, that $300 in bonus bets will definitely come in handy.

Among all of the Illinois sports betting apps out there, you would be hard-pressed to do better than FanDuel Sportsbook. From NFL betting to college sports and everything in between, FanDuel Sportsbook has all of your betting markets covered. Sign up today and see why FanDuel is the king of Illinois online sports betting.

BetRivers Sportsbook

What sets legal Illinois sportsbooks apart from one another is the ability to deliver value. The sports betting industry is crowded, offering plenty of options. BetRivers stands out for delivering value through competitive odds, odds boosts, and a vast array of betting markets provided for sports bettors.

The welcome offer will show you quickly why BetRivers Sportsbook is a top Illinois sports betting site. Sign up today and make your first deposit, just be sure to have the correct promo code. If your first bet wins, happy days are ahead. But if it loses, you will get your first bet back in the form of bonus bets, up to $500. Think of it as a second chance at glory thanks to BetRivers.

Compared to any other Illinois online sports betting site or retail sportsbook, BetRivers stacks up. Sign up today, and you will quickly see why BetRivers is the best legal sports betting in Illinois.

Fanatics Sportsbook

Though it is a newer name among Illinois sports betting apps, Fanatics Sportsbook does everything right. It should come as no surprise that it has managed to rise in the rankings of Illinois sportsbooks to become one of the best in the business.

Illinois bettors are in for a treat when they sign up for an account with Fanatics Sportsbook today. Make your initial deposit of $10 or more and fire up your NFL Sunday Ticket. Each football day will see Fanatics Sportsbook give sports bettors up to $100 back. With more than $2,600 in bonus bets available, Fanatics firmly entrenches itself among the best sports betting sites.

With so many Illinois sports teams to bet on, the action never stops. There is no shortage of online sportsbooks legal in Illinois; bettors can rest easily knowing that they have a reputable option available. Fanatics is easily one of the best Illinois sportsbooks out there.

How to Choose an Illinois Sports Betting Site

Not sure how to start betting on sports in Illinois using betting apps and sites? The process is easier than it seems. Follow the steps below, and before you know it, you can begin perusing the sports betting market using legal sports betting Illinois sportsbooks.

Choose from Among the Illinois Sportsbooks

The first step for Illinois sports bettors is to select from the various retail sports betting options, as well as online sports betting sites. Though bonus bets are most common, check out the various promotions each Illinois sports betting site offers before signing up.

Make a Deposit

When betting in Illinois, there are various requirements to be met. For instance, even if the sportsbook you choose has a bonus bet promotion, you will need to follow specific criteria to trigger the event. More often than not, there is a minimum deposit requirement of $10, which is exceedingly reasonable.

Place Your First Bet

Now is the time to place your first wager. Depending on the sportsbook in question, if your bet wins, good things will happen. In some cases, it can lead to $300 in bonus bets. Make sure to check all of the fine print and requirements first.

Earn Your Bonus

Finally, with your bet in place, you can claim your bonus just like any of the other sports betting apps and promotions. In some cases, if your bet wins, you get several hundred dollars. Other times, you make your first bet and know that you are covered if it loses. All that’s left to do is enjoy sports betting apps and sites legal in Illinois!

Tips for Sports Betting in Illinois

Don’t just jump into the Illinois sports betting scene without gaining some insight first. If you plan on joining one of the various Illinois online sportsbooks, these simple tips will make your Illinois sports betting experience a smoother one.

Manage Your Bankroll

It is a vital part of betting in Illinois to know how to manage your bankroll. Coming into the betting session, have an amount you are comfortable losing in mind. After making the deposit, wager no more than 1-2% of your bankroll per bet. It might not be a sexy amount, but it will stretch your dollar out quite a bit further. 

Shop the Lines

The single best thing you can do when it comes to playing at Illinois sportsbooks is to shop for value. Looking at lines from various online sportsbooks is the best way to find that value, making the most out of each of your bets.

Know When to Walk Away

A major mistake bettors make when betting in Illinois is not knowing when to stop. Ending the day on a loss is something that most bettors swear is a sign of negative things to come. That said, it helps to know when to stop the bleeding and live to fight another day.

Start Sports Betting in Illinois Today

There is no reason to wait any longer. Legal sports betting is here to stay in Illinois, and now is the time to get registered with one of the best Illinois sportsbooks. Between bonus bets, odds boosts, comprehensive betting markets, and competitive odds, there are plenty of reasons to check out sports betting in Illinois.

When you start your online sports betting journey with one of these great Illinois sportsbooks, you get things moving in the right direction. As far as online sportsbooks go, there are more legal sports betting sites now than ever before. Sports bettors are in good hands, and the sports betting market has never been stronger.