Illinois offers 10 legal sportsbook apps

Illinois bettors can choose from 10 legal sportsbook apps following the state's mobile sports betting launch on June 28, 2020. The Illinois Gaming Board regulates the industry, and participants must be at least 21 years old and physically located within the state to place a wager.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the Illinois Sports Wagering Act into law on June 28, 2019. The first retail sports wagering site opened at Rivers Casino in Des Plaines in 2020, followed by BetRivers as the first online sportsbook on June 18, 2020. By March 2022, the state permanently lifted in-person mobile registration requirements, allowing residents to register remotely.

Operators offer new users several types of welcome promotions, including profit boosts, bet-and-get offers, and deposit matches. Profit boosts increase the potential payout on a qualifying wager, sometimes doubling profits if the bet wins. Bet-and-get promotions award bonus site credits after a user deposits and places a small initial wager, often as low as $5. Deposit matches boost a starting bankroll by matching a percentage or the full total of a first deposit with promotional funds.

The state's major professional teams provide popular betting options, including the Chicago Cubs and White Sox in baseball, the Blackhawks in hockey, the Bulls in basketball, and the Bears in football. Bettors can wager on college sports, but they cannot place bets on in-state schools or college player props, regardless of where the game is played.

Illinois hosts multiple retail sportsbooks located in casinos, racetracks, off-track betting facilities, and standalone operations.

Bettors are not required to be Illinois residents to participate, but they must be physically present in the state when placing a wager. There is no limit to the number of apps a user can download or use.