Since the legalization of sports betting in June 2019, Illinois has grown to host nine sportsbooks, offering diverse betting opportunities for fans of teams like the Cubs and Bears. Each sportsbook app offers a seamless mobile experience, allowing bettors to place wagers, stream live sports, and take advantage of features like Same Game Parlays and Live Betting. With easy registration processes, secure deposit methods, and fast payouts, these apps provide convenience and flexibility for Illinois sports fans looking to bet on their favorite teams. Here’s a concise look at Illinois’ top sportsbooks as we approach 2024.
Illinois Sportsbook Apps, Bonus Code and Promo Bets 2024
Leading Sportsbook Apps in Illinois
| Sports Betting Site | App Highlights |
|---|---|
| BetRivers Illinois | Tailored markets for local sports enthusiasts |
| BetMGM Sportsbook IL | Premium mobile experience with rich rewards. Bonus code: USDOTBET |
| DraftKings | Top choice for live sports betting |
| FanDuel | Wide payment options and efficient withdrawals |
| ESPN Bet | Simplified registration and innovative features |
| Bet365 Illinois | Coming soon. Promo code: USB365 |
FanDuel Illinois
FanDuel, launched in March 2020, offers a Bet $5, Get $200 bonus, making it an easy entry point for bettors in Illinois. A key feature of FanDuel is its Same Game Parlay option, allowing users to combine multiple bets within a single game for enhanced payouts. The app is also highly rated for its quick withdrawals, with most transactions processed within 2 hours. FanDuel regularly boosts odds on popular sports events, especially NFL and NBA, and provides an excellent live betting platform with real-time micro-betting options for in-game wagers.
BetMGM Illinois
Entered the market in March 2022, BetMGM provides Illinois bettors with a $1,500 free bet with BetMGM Illinois code USDOTBET, perfect for those looking to wager larger amounts. One of its standout features is the live streaming option, which allows users to watch and bet on events simultaneously. The app also offers a comprehensive multi-game parlay builder and provides teaser bets with competitive odds, making it ideal for more strategic bettors. BetMGM supports a strong loyalty program, covering a wide range of sports, including niche markets like rugby and motorsports.
BetRivers Illinois
BetRivers, A pioneer since June 2020, offers a $250 second-chance bet as part of its welcome bonus with the code USBTRV, catering to new bettors who seek a simpler, user-friendly platform. The app is a good choice for live sports betting and offers in-app streaming for various sporting events, allowing users to watch games directly from the app. It also provides Parlay Insurance, refunding part of your wager if one leg of your parlay loses, offering added protection. A wide range of deposit options is possible, including PayPal and Apple Pay.
DraftKings Illinois
DraftKings provides a Bet $5, Get $250 bonus, and is well-known for its customizable user interface. Launched in August 2020. The app supports same-game parlays and fantasy points betting, appealing to those who enjoy player-specific wagers. DraftKings also excels in live betting, offering a vast range of markets with quick odds updates. Its strong loyalty program regularly rewards users with exclusive promotions, and the app’s reliability and vast selection of betting options make it a favorite among Illinois bettors.
Fanatics Illinois
Fanatics Sportsbook is relatively new to the betting; they offer new customers up to $1000 in Bonus Bets match offer. The app excels in live betting and often provides enhanced odds for local teams. Fanatics Sportsbook stands out with its integration of sports merchandise, allowing bettors to earn rewards that can be redeemed for fan gear, adding a unique layer to the betting experience.
ESPN Bet Illinois
ESPN Bet, powered by Penn Entertainment, offers new sign-ups a first wager on the house, meaning that if your first wager loses, you will get a $1000 bonus. No ESPN BET promo code is required. The ESPN Bet app stands out for its expert analysis and integration with ESPN content, giving users access to data-driven insights and exclusive promos. ESPN Bet also offers competitive welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions, with special focus on major sports like NFL, NBA, and MLB. The platform is a great fit for bettors who enjoy a mix of expert sports coverage and wagering.
Illinois Sportsbooks Compared
| Sportsbook | Sign-Up Bonus | Key Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FanDuel | Bet $5, Get $200 + 3 weeks of NFL Sunday Ticket | Same Game Parlays, fast payouts, and Live Betting | User-friendly interface, fast withdrawals, great for NFL betting | Fewer niche sports markets compared to competitors |
| BetMGM | Up to $1,500 back in bonus bets if your first bet loses | Live Streaming, Multi-Game Parlays, and loyalty program | Extensive market variety, live streaming, good for parlay builders | Occasionally slower processing during live betting |
| DraftKings | Bet $5, Get $200 | Same-Game Parlays, customizable user interface, fantasy integration | Strong loyalty program, good for in-depth player props | Less attractive odds on some parlays |
| BetRivers | $250 second-chance bet | In-App Streaming, Parlay Insurance | Easy-to-use app, great for live betting | Outdated interface, smaller welcome bonus |
| Fanatics | $1,000 Match Bonus on first deposit | Merchandise rewards, competitive odds, Live Betting | Unique rewards program, strong promotions | Newer platform, fewer features than established sportsbooks |
| ESPN Bet | $1,000 in bet insurance | Expert Analysis, Live Streaming, odds boosts | Strong integration with ESPN content, great for major sports | Limited customization options, fewer betting types |
Online Sports Betting in Illinois: Overview
Illinois’ sports betting scene is set for expansion, with current offerings ranging from in-person to mobile betting. Legal for those 21+, the state restricts betting on college games involving Illinois teams.
Illinois offers a dynamic sports betting environment, with each app bringing unique features to the table. Bettors can enjoy a variety of options, from live betting to engaging with local team games, as the market continues to evolve.
Illinois Best Sportsbook Offers and Promo Codes
- New players only, 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
- USDOTBETNew players only, 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Welcome offer not available in NY and DC. Full T&C apply.
- USBTRVBetRivers offers Illinois bettors a full array of pregame and in-play betting options, with competitive odds and a user-friendly platform.
- 250DMTCThe state of Illinois collects a 0.38% surcharge on winnings wagers. Wagering in UK and Irish races not permitted via TVG.
Illinois Online Horse Betting
Horse racing fans in the Land Of Lincoln get plenty of live racing to view and the view covers the best of both worlds. Bettors can wager on the thoroughbreds at Fairmount Park in Collinsville. Hawthorne Park in Cicero offers both live thoroughbred and standardbred meets each year. There’s also fair racing offered each August at the Illinois State Fair and DuQuoin State Fair.
TVG, 1/ST BET, NYRA Bets, TwinSpires, and DRF Bets all offer access to their horse race betting online sites and mobile apps to Illinois horse bettors. Use promo codes to claim welcome bonuses.
Illinois Horse Betting Sites / Apps
| Horse Racing Sites | Betting Bonuses |
| DRF Bets | $200 first-deposit match, unlimited DRF Classic and Formulator Past Performances |
| TwinSpires Illinois | $200 signup bonus, exacta insurance: get a bet back of up to $10 |
| TVG online | Get up to $200, live streams from tracks around the US and beyond |
DRF Bets Illinois
It is the official ADW provider for Hawthorne. Newcomers can get a 100 percent matching first deposit DRF Bets bonus worth up to $200.
Betting Features: stakes preview, unlimited DRF Classic and Formulator Past Performances, Free Beyer Speed Figures.
TwinSpires Illinois
TwinSpires offers a $200 signup bonus to new customers. The $200 bonus cash will be credited instantly after $500 in completed wagers are played.
Betting Features: Live races and highlights of previous races both on the website and the app, 15% boost on a winning Trifecta bet every Tuesday.
NYRA Bets Illinois
At NYRA Bets, newcomers receive a $25 free bet, as well as a 100 percent matching first deposit bonus worth a maximum of $200.
Betting Features: Free live video streaming (HD live and replay), free handicapping tips, swap positions quickly for Exacta, Tri & Supers.
TVG Illinois
TVG invites first-time players to their site with a 50 percent matching signup bonus on their first deposit. This offer comes with a maximum amount of $250.
Betting Features: TVG Expert Picks for everyday, Free Past Performances Program, Money Back Special on select races.
1/ST BET Illinois
At 1/ST BET, all new players receive a $10 site credit, along with $1,000 in bonus funds.
Betting Features: Rewards points every Tuesday and other weekly offers.
Popular Online Horse Bet Types & Races
Offerings of straight bet wagers include a place bet (finish first or second) and a show bet (finish first, second, or third). There’s also the option of playing an across-the-board bet. With this wager, the bettor gets all three options. That means a winning horse would also pay out on its place and show prices.
Exotic wagering options offer the chance of minimal risk for maximum return. Bets of this type include exactas, picking the top two finishers of the race, trifectas (the top three finishers), superfectas (the top four finishers), and quinellas (the top two finishers in either order).
Daily doubles require selecting the winners of two consecutive races. There are also Pick 3, 4, 5, and 6 options as well as a Pick All option for selecting the winner of every race on a card.
To increase their chances of a win, exotic bettors frequently box horses. The group in their box can finish in any order. Bettors might also key one horse into an exotic wagering position while wheeling other horses around that horse to also try to maximize their chance at a win.
Major US Horse Betting Events That You Can Bet On In Illinois
| Date | Event | Location | Recommended Sites |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-05 | 2024 Kentucky Derby Betting Offers & Best Bets | 700 Central Ave, Louisville, KY, 40208 | TVG |
| 18-05 | 2024 Preakness Stakes Betting Promos & Offers | 5201 Park Heights Ave, Baltimore, MD 21215 | AmWager |
| 7-06 | The Best 2024 Belmont Stakes Betting Offers & Promotions | 2150 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont, NY 11003 | AmWager |
The Hawthorne Derby for three-year-olds headlines the fall thoroughbred racing season each October. Covering 1⅛ miles on Hawthorne’s turf course, it goes for a purse of $100,000. Hawthorne holds its Night Of Champions for harness horses every September.
Fairmount Park, now known as FanDuel Sportsbook Horse Racing, offers the $250,000 St. Lous Derby, an open three-year-old race at 1 1/16 miles.
The Illinois Department of Agriculture sponsors Illinois Sires Stakes events that are held at Hawthorne and at state fair tracks.
It’s uncertain what the future will hold for the several stakes races that were held at Arlington and if they will be discontinued or relocated to one of the other Illinois tracks.
Illinois Horse Racing Betting Legal Overview
An era of horse racing in the state of Illinois came to a conclusion in 2021 when Arlington International Racecourse closed its doors for the final time. Opened in 1927, in its prime Arlington offered world-class thoroughbred racing. The highlight of the program each year was the Arlington Million. Secretariat was among the legendary horses that raced at Arlington.
It was in 1927 that Illinois legalized pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing. The history of horse racing in the state extends back into the 1830s. During the 1930s, Chicago offered six tracks featuring live horse racing, the most of any major metropolitan center in the USA.
In 2015, Balmoral Park and Maywood Park, which both offered live harness racing, shut down.
Off-track betting locations in Illinois
If you’re a horse racing enthusiast in the Land of Lincoln, you’ll be pleased to know that there are several off-track betting (OTB) locations where you can enjoy the thrill of horse betting in Illinois. These OTB locations provide a convenient and exciting way to experience the excitement of horse racing without having to travel to the racetrack.
Whether you’re in Alton, Aurora, Crestwood, or any other part of the state, you’re sure to find a nearby OTB location to indulge in your passion for horse betting.
One of the notable OTB locations in Illinois is Time Out OTB in Alton, situated at 315 Belle Street. This establishment offers a comfortable and welcoming environment where you can place your bets and watch the races unfold on large screens. If you’re in Aurora, you can head to The Piazza at 85 Executive Drive, which provides a similar experience with a variety of betting options available.
Crestwood OTB in Crestwood is another popular choice for horse betting enthusiasts. Located at 13148 Rivercrest Dr., this OTB location offers a vibrant atmosphere where you can socialize with fellow horse racing fans and enjoy the races on high-definition televisions. Similarly, Evergreen Park OTB in Evergreen Park at 2517 W. 95th St. provides a lively setting for betting and viewing horse races.
Illinois Racetracks
Hawthorne Race Course – 3501 S. Laramie, Stickney/Cicero, IL 60804. Offering live thoroughbred racing from March-April and October-December and live harness racing from May-September.
Fairmount Park – 9301 Collinsville Rd, Collinsville, IL 62234. Offering live thoroughbred racing from April-September.
Illinois Horse Betting FAQs
Fairmount Park and Hawthorne Park both offer simulcast wagering on races from around the world. There are also OTB parlors sprinkled throughout the state. Hawthorne Park offers its Club Hawthorne app which provides mobile wagering options. Illinois horse bettors can also live stream races via DRF Bets, TwinSpires, NYRA Bets, TVG and 1/ST BET.
18 for pari-mutuel horse wagering.
TVG, TwinSpires, NYRA Bets, and 1/ST BET are the top horse wagering platforms in the state.
