Is Sports Betting Legal in Illinois?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Illinois. In 2019, the state passed legislation legalizing sports betting, both in-person and online. This means that anyone over the age of 21 can legally place bets on sports events in the state of Illinois.
In-person sports betting in Illinois is available at a variety of locations, including casinos, racetracks, and sports stadiums. You can place bets on a variety of sports, including professional and college sports. In-person sports betting is regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board.
Online sports betting in Illinois is also legal and widely available. To place bets online, you'll need to create an account with a licensed sportsbook. There are currently several sportsbooks operating in Illinois, and more are expected to launch in the coming months. Online sports betting in Illinois is also regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board.
It's worth noting that sports betting is only legal in Illinois for individuals over the age of 21.
| Interesting: |
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| In June 2019, Illinois passed a law allowing sports betting, becoming the 15th state to do so. |
| The Illinois Gaming Board estimated that sports betting could generate up to $350 million in annual revenue. |
| In the first six months of legal sports betting in Illinois, the state’s sportsbooks took in $214.5 million in wagers. |
| The total amount of sports betting handle in Illinois in 2020 was $2.2 billion. |
| The total amount of sports betting revenue in Illinois in 2020 was $160 million. |
| The most popular sports to bet on in Illinois are football, basketball, and baseball. |
| The most popular sportsbook in Illinois is DraftKings, with a market share of 38%. |
| The second most popular sportsbook in Illinois is FanDuel, with market share of 33%. |
| The average bet size in Illinois is $106. |
History of Sports Betting in Illinois
The history of sports betting in Illinois is a relatively recent one. The state only legalized sports betting in 2019, and since then, the industry has grown rapidly.
| In June 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a federal law that prohibited sports betting in most states. This paved the way for individual states to legalize sports betting if they chose to do so. |
| In 2019, Illinois passed legislation legalizing sports betting, both in-person and online. This was a significant milestone for the state, as it opened up a new source of revenue and entertainment for residents and visitors alike. |
| In March 2020, the first legal sports bet was placed in Illinois at Rivers Casino in Des Plaines. This marked the official launch of in-person sports betting in the state. |
| In June 2020, the first online sportsbooks in Illinois launched, including BetRivers and DraftKings. This gave Illinois residents the ability to place bets on their favorite sports teams from the comfort of their own homes. |
| In August 2021, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed legislation allowing for the creation of additional casinos in the state, which is expected to further boost the sports betting industry. |
While the history of sports betting in Illinois may be short, it has already seen significant growth and progress. As more sportsbooks launch in the state and regulations continue to evolve, we can expect to see even more exciting developments in the world of sports betting in Illinois.
Taxes on your Winnings
In Illinois, any winnings from sports betting, both in-person and online, are subject to state and federal taxes. Specifically, all gambling winnings, including sports betting, are considered taxable income in the eyes of the IRS.
In Illinois, the state tax rate on gambling winnings is currently 4.95%, which is lower than some other states. Additionally, some cities in Illinois, such as Chicago, may impose their own taxes on gambling winnings.
When it comes to online sports betting in Illinois, taxes are typically automatically withheld from any large winnings. For example, if you win more than $600 on a single bet, the sportsbook will typically issue a W-2G form to you and the IRS, which reports the winnings and any taxes withheld.
It's worth noting that if you win a large amount of money from online sports betting in Illinois, it's always a good idea to consult with a tax professional to ensure that you're meeting all of your tax obligations.
Top Illinois Online Sportsbooks
Ready to start betting on your favorite sports events in Illinois? With so many online sportsbooks in the state, it can be tough to know where to start. That's why we've compiled a list of the top Illinois online sportsbooks to help you make an informed decision.
Whether you're looking for competitive odds, a wide variety of betting options, or a user-friendly platform, these sportsbooks have it all. So, without further ado, let's take a closer look at the top online sportsbooks in Illinois: BetMGM Illinois, Caesars sportsbook Illinois, FanDuel Illinois, DraftKings sportsbook Illinois, and Barstool sportsbook Illinois. With any of these options, you can bet with confidence and enjoy all the excitement of online sports betting in Illinois.
| BetMGM |
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BetMGM is a popular sportsbook in Illinois, known for its excellent mobile app and competitive odds. The platform offers a wide range of sports to bet on, including football, basketball, baseball, and more. BetMGM is also partnered with the MGM Grand Detroit casino, which gives it a strong foothold in the Illinois market.
| Caesars Sportsbook Illinois |
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Caesars is a well-established brand in the gambling industry, and its sportsbook in Illinois is no exception. The platform is user-friendly and offers a wide range of betting options, including live in-game betting. Caesars is also partnered with the Harrah's Joliet casino, which helps it to stand out in the competitive Illinois market.
| FanDuel Illinois |
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FanDuel is one of the most popular sportsbooks in the country, and its Illinois platform is no exception. The platform offers a wide range of sports to bet on, including football, basketball, baseball, and more. FanDuel is also known for its innovative betting options, such as its "Same Game Parlay" feature.
| DraftKings Sportsbook Illinois |
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DraftKings is another popular sportsbook that has made a name for itself in the Illinois market. The platform is user-friendly and offers a wide range of betting options, including live in-game betting. DraftKings is also known for its frequent promotions and bonuses, which help to keep bettors engaged and coming back for more.
| Barstool Sportsbook Illinois |
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Barstool is a newer player in the Illinois sports betting scene, but it has already made a name for itself thanks to its strong social media presence and unique betting options. The platform offers a wide range of sports to bet on, including football, basketball, and baseball. Barstool is also partnered with the Hollywood Casino Aurora, which helps it to stand out in the crowded Illinois market.
Top Sports Betting Apps in Illinois
If you're a fan of sports betting in Illinois, then you'll be happy to know that there are plenty of great mobile apps available for iOS and Android devices. These apps make it easy and convenient to place bets from anywhere in the state, whether you're at home or on the go.
So, without further ado, let's take a closer look at the top sports betting apps in Illinois: Bet Rivers Illinois, Bet365 Illinois, Illinois PointsBet, Unibet Illinois, and FOXBet Illinois.
| Bet Rivers Illinois |
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Bet Rivers is one of the most popular sports betting apps in Illinois, and for good reason. The platform offers a wide range of betting options, including live in-game betting, and features competitive odds. Bet Rivers also offers a generous welcome bonus for new users, making it a great option for first-time bettors.
| Bet365 Illinois |
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Bet365 is a popular sports betting app around the world, and its Illinois platform is no exception. The app offers a wide range of sports to bet on, including football, basketball, baseball, and more. Bet365 is also known for its user-friendly interface and excellent customer service.
| Illinois PointsBet |
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PointsBet is a unique sports betting app that offers a variety of betting options, including its exclusive "PointsBetting" feature. This feature allows users to potentially win more money based on the accuracy of their bet. PointsBet also offers competitive odds and a user-friendly platform.
| Unibet Illinois |
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Unibet is a well-established brand in the gambling industry, and its sports betting app in Illinois is no exception. The app offers a wide range of sports to bet on, as well as live in-game betting options. Unibet also offers frequent promotions and bonuses, which help to keep users engaged and coming back for more.
Online Sports Betting in Illinois
Sports betting has become increasingly popular in Illinois since it was legalized in 2019, and there are many sports that players from Illinois enjoy betting on online.
| Football | Football is one of the most popular sports for betting in Illinois and across the country. This includes both professional and college football. During football season, it's common to see a surge in online betting activity, with popular teams like the Chicago Bears and the Illinois Fighting Illini generating a lot of interest. |
| Basketball | Basketball is another popular sport for online betting in Illinois. This includes both professional and college basketball, with popular teams like the Chicago Bulls and the Illinois Fighting Illini generating a lot of interest. During the annual NCAA March Madness tournament, basketball betting activity in Illinois reaches its peak. |
| Baseball | Baseball is a beloved sport in Illinois, and many residents enjoy betting on it online. This includes both professional and college baseball, with the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox generating a lot of interest. During the baseball season, online betting activity in Illinois is typically high. |
| Hockey | While hockey may not be as popular as some other sports in Illinois, it still has a dedicated fan base, and many residents enjoy betting on it online. This includes both professional and college hockey, with the Chicago Blackhawks generating a lot of interest. |
| Golf | Golf is a popular sport to bet on, both in-person and online. Many major golf tournaments, such as The Masters and the U.S. Open, generate a lot of interest and online betting activity. In Illinois, residents can bet on a variety of golf events, including the BMW Championship and the John Deere Classic. |
| Horse Racing | Horse racing is another popular sport to bet on in Illinois, both in-person and online. The state is home to several racetracks, including Arlington International Racecourse and Hawthorne Race Course. Online bettors can place wagers on horse races around the country, including major events like the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes. |
| Esports | Esports is a growing industry in Illinois and around the world, and many residents enjoy betting on it online. Esports refers to competitive video gaming, and there are a variety of leagues and tournaments that online bettors can wager on, such as the League of Legends World Championship and the Overwatch League. |
Illinois Sportsbook Promos
If you're looking to bet on sports online in Illinois, then you'll be happy to know that many sportsbooks offer a variety of bonuses and promotions to new and existing users. These promotions can range from deposit bonuses to free bets and more.
| Deposit Bonuses | Deposit bonuses are one of the most popular types of sportsbook promotions in Illinois. These bonuses typically match a portion of your initial deposit, giving you extra funds to bet with. For example, a sportsbook might offer a 100% deposit bonus up to $500, meaning that if you deposit $500, you'll have $1,000 to bet with. |
| Free Bets | Free bets are another popular type of sportsbook promo in Illinois. These promotions give you a certain amount of money to bet with, without requiring you to make a deposit. For example, a sportsbook might offer a $50 free bet to new users who sign up and verify their account. |
| Risk-Free Bets | Risk-free bets are a type of promotion that allows you to place a bet without any risk. If you lose the bet, the sportsbook will refund your wager up to a certain amount. For example, a sportsbook might offer a $100 risk-free bet to new users, meaning that if you lose your first bet, you'll receive a refund of up to $100. |
| Sport-Specific Bonuses | Many sportsbooks in Illinois offer sport-specific bonuses, which are tailored to certain sports or events. For example, a sportsbook might offer a bonus for the Super Bowl, such as a free bet or enhanced odds on certain bets. Or, a sportsbook might offer a bonus for a specific league, such as the NBA or NHL. |
Illinois Sportsbook Payment Methods
If you're looking to bet on sports online in Illinois, then you'll need to know what payment methods are accepted by the various sportsbooks. Here are some of the most common payment methods accepted by online sportsbooks in Illinois:
| VISA/Mastercard | Most sportsbooks in Illinois accept credit and debit cards, such as VISA and Mastercard. These transactions are typically processed quickly and securely, making them a convenient option for many users. |
| PayPal | PayPal is a popular e-wallet that is accepted by many sportsbooks in Illinois. It's a convenient way to transfer funds between your bank account and your sportsbook account, and transactions are typically processed quickly. |
| Neteller | Neteller is another popular e-wallet that is accepted by many sportsbooks in Illinois. It allows you to transfer funds between your bank account and your sportsbook account quickly and securely. |
| American Express | While less commonly accepted than VISA and Mastercard, some sportsbooks in Illinois do accept American Express. If you prefer to use an Amex card, be sure to check if it's accepted before signing up. |
| Google Pay | Google Pay is a mobile payment option that is becoming increasingly popular with sportsbooks in Illinois. It allows you to make deposits quickly and securely using your mobile device. |
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How do I sign up for sports betting in Illinois?
Overall, signing up for sports betting in Illinois is a straightforward process, but be sure to choose a licensed sportsbook and always gamble responsibly.
Choose a licensed sportsbook
First, you'll need to choose a licensed sportsbook to sign up with. There are a variety of options available, including BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel.
Visit the sportsbook's website or download their app
Once you've chosen a sportsbook, you can visit their website or download their app to get started.
Click "Sign Up" or "Register"
On the sportsbook's website or app, look for a button or link that says "Sign Up" or "Register."
Provide your personal information
To create your account, you'll need to provide some personal information, such as your name, address, and date of birth. You'll also need to create a username and password.
Verify your identity
The sportsbook will likely ask you to verify your identity by providing a copy of your government-issued ID and/or a recent utility bill.
Make a deposit
Once your account is set up and verified, you'll need to make a deposit to start betting. Most sportsbooks offer a variety of deposit options, such as credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers.
Claim any available bonuses or promotions
Some sportsbooks offer bonuses or promotions to new users, such as deposit bonuses or free bets. Be sure to check if any are available and claim them if you're interested.
Start betting
With your account set up and funded, you're ready to start betting on sports. Most sportsbooks offer a wide range of betting options, including point spreads, moneylines, and more.
What types of sports betting are legal in Illinois?
In Illinois, all types of sports betting are legal, including online and in-person betting on professional and college sports. This includes popular sports like football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and more.
Where can I place sports bets in Illinois?
Sports bets can be placed in Illinois at licensed sportsbooks, both in-person and online. There are a variety of sportsbooks to choose from, including well-known brands like BetMGM, Caesars, and DraftKings.
What is the minimum age for sports betting in Illinois?
In Illinois, the minimum age for sports betting is 21 years old. Anyone under the age of 21 is not legally allowed to place bets on sports, either in-person or online.
What tax rate applies to sports betting winnings in Illinois?
The tax rate on sports betting winnings in Illinois is 15%. This tax applies to all gambling winnings, including those from sports betting.
What professional and collegiate sports teams call Illinois home?
Illinois is home to several professional and collegiate sports teams, including the Chicago Bears and Chicago Bulls (NFL and NBA, respectively), as well as the Illinois Fighting Illini (NCAA).
Are there any restrictions on betting on Illinois-based teams?
No, there are no restrictions on betting on Illinois-based teams. However, some sportsbooks may offer certain restrictions or limitations on betting options for local teams or events.
How do I create an account with an Illinois sports betting operator?
To create an account with an Illinois sports betting operator, you'll need to visit their website or download their app and follow the registration process. This typically involves providing personal information, verifying your identity, and making an initial deposit.
What deposit and withdrawal methods are available through Illinois sports betting operators?
Illinois sports betting operators offer a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods, including credit and debit cards, e-wallets like PayPal and Neteller, and bank transfers. Some sportsbooks may also accept payment options like Google Pay and Venmo.
What types of bets can I make through Illinois sports betting operators?
Illinois sports betting operators offer a wide range of betting options, including point spreads, moneylines, over/unders, parlays, teasers, and more. Some sportsbooks may also offer prop bets and in-game betting.
What are the odds for betting on Illinois-based teams?
The odds for betting on Illinois-based teams can vary depending on the sport, the team, and the specific betting option. Odds are determined by a variety of factors, including past performance, current form, and betting patterns, among others. It's important to shop around at different sportsbooks to find the best odds for your preferred betting options.
Cassius Mercer
Cassius is among our pioneering authors, boasting a wealth of expertise in various sports analytics withing the US. Thanks to his profound knowledge and remarkable skills, Cassius swiftly ascended to the role of Betsmaster.com's principal content editor in a remarkably short span of time.
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