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Illinois is the second-biggest sports betting market in the US, behind only New York, with about $15.5 billion wagered in 2025, and it has some of the highest sportsbook taxes in the country. Since July 2025, sportsbooks have paid a tax on every bet on top of a graduated revenue tax of up to 40%, and several now pass part of it on to bettors as a per-bet fee. Ten online sportsbooks are live, led by DraftKings, FanDuel, Fanatics, BetMGM, Bet365 and Caesars Sportsbook.
Every one of these Illinois sports betting sites has a welcome offer. DraftKings gives new players $200 in Bonus Bets plus three months of NBA League Pass for a $5 first bet, and the Bet365 bonus code DIMERS unlocks Bet $10, Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose in Illinois.



Open DraftKings

Open DraftKings

| Legal status | Legal online and at retail sportsbooks |
|---|---|
| Launch dates | March 9, 2020 (retail); June 18, 2020 (online) |
| Regulator | Illinois Gaming Board |
| Online sportsbooks | DraftKings, FanDuel, Fanatics, BetMGM, Bet365, Caesars Sportsbook, BetRivers, Hard Rock Bet, theScore Bet, Circa |
| Minimum age | 21 |
| Where you can bet | Anywhere inside Illinois (remote sign-up allowed since March 5, 2022) |
| Restrictions | No bets on Illinois college teams; no high school sports |
| Tax | 20% to 40% of each sportsbook's revenue, plus 25 or 50 cents per online bet; Chicago adds a 10.25% city tax |
| Sportsbook | Illinois welcome offer | Full details |
|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | Spend $5+, Get $200 in Bonus Bets (paid over 21 days) + 3 months of NBA League Pass | DraftKings promo code |
| FanDuel | Get $350 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 7 days ($50 Bonus Bets per day) | FanDuel promo code |
| Bet365 | Bet $10 Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose with bonus code DIMERS | Bet365 bonus code |
| BetMGM | Get up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if your first bet doesn't win | BetMGM bonus code |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Bet $1, Double Your Winnings | Caesars Sportsbook promo code |
| Fanatics | Get up to $1,000 Matched in FanCash | Fanatics promo code |
Must be 21+ (18+ in some states) and present in a state where the sportsbook operates. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Full terms for each offer are at the bottom of this page.
For every current deal in one place, see our sportsbook promo codes page.
Illinois has changed its sports betting taxes twice in two years, and the second change shows up on bettors' slips:
Most big sportsbooks pass some of the per-wager tax on to bettors. FanDuel brought back a 50-cent fee on qualifying bets in October 2026; straight bets of $25 or more, parlays of $10 or more and bets placed with bonus bets are exempt. DraftKings also charges a per-bet fee, and other sportsbooks use small fees or higher minimum bets instead. The fee appears in the bet slip before you confirm, so check it, and consider fewer, larger bets rather than many small ones.
The Illinois Gaming Board publishes figures for every sportsbook each month. July 2026, the latest month with official figures, was boosted by the World Cup:
| Measure | July 2026 |
|---|---|
| Total handle | $1.05 billion (up 21.7% on July 2025) |
| Adjusted sportsbook revenue | $116.5 million (up 30%) |
| State tax collected | $29.6 million, including $5.4 million from the per-wager tax |
| Sportsbook | July 2026 handle | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | $382.7 million | 36.4% |
| FanDuel | $286.1 million | 27.2% |
| Fanatics | $89.1 million | 8.5% |
| BetMGM | $67.7 million | 6.4% |
| Bet365 | $61.3 million | 5.8% |
| BetRivers | $40.9 million | 3.9% |
Over the 2026 fiscal year, from July 2025 to June 2026, Illinois bettors wagered more than $15 billion across more than 319 million bets, about 99% of them online, and the state collected $593 million in sports betting tax.
We rate every sportsbook on the same criteria (see how we rate sportsbooks). In Illinois, we also look at how each book handles the per-wager tax.
DraftKings is Illinois' biggest sportsbook, with 36.4% of July handle. It has one of the deepest prop menus for Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox and Blackhawks games, plus Same Game Parlay and SGP+ tools and fast live betting. Its retail sportsbook is at Casino Queen in East St. Louis; it stopped taking bets at its Wrigley Field sportsbook at the end of May 2026, citing the cost of operating in Illinois.
New customers who sign up with DraftKings and place a first bet of $5 or more get $200 in Bonus Bets, paid out over 21 days, plus three months of NBA League Pass. The first bet doesn't have to win, and no DraftKings promo code is needed. Read our DraftKings Sportsbook review.
FanDuel is Illinois' second-biggest sportsbook. Its app is fast and its Same Game Parlay builder is one of the easiest to use. Note its 50-cent fee on smaller bets: it doesn't apply to straight bets of $25 or more or parlays of $10 or more.
New customers get $350 in Bonus Bets when they wager $5 a day for seven days, with $50 in Bonus Bets issued for each day. Bets placed with bonus bets are exempt from FanDuel's fee. See our FanDuel promo code page and FanDuel Sportsbook review.
Bet365 had 5.8% of Illinois handle in July. Its in-play betting is among the best in the US, and it's strong on soccer, which matters for Chicago Fire fans and World Cup-season bettors.
Illinois customers who enter the Bet365 bonus code DIMERS can Bet $10 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets, win or lose. Illinois and Tennessee get the $150 version of the offer; most other states get $200. Read our Bet365 Sportsbook review.
BetMGM is strong on futures and runs daily odds boosts, and it links to the MGM Rewards program.
New customers can get up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if their first bet doesn't win. See our BetMGM bonus code page and BetMGM Sportsbook review.
Caesars Sportsbook runs the retail sportsbook at Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin and links every bet to Caesars Rewards.
New users get the Bet $1, Double Your Winnings offer: profit boost tokens that double the winnings on qualifying bets of up to $25 each, with up to $2,500 in extra winnings per token. You must register with an eligible promo code, so check our Caesars Sportsbook promo code page first.
Fanatics Sportsbook is Illinois' third-biggest sportsbook, with 8.5% of July handle, and it runs retail sportsbooks at Argosy Casino Alton and Hawthorne Race Course. Its rewards come as FanCash, which you can turn into bonus bets or spend on Bears, Bulls and Cubs gear.
New customers can get up to $1,000 matched in FanCash: place a $1+ cash bet at odds of -200 or longer every day for your first 10 days, and Fanatics matches each qualifying bet in FanCash, up to $100 a day. See our Fanatics promo code page.
BetRivers took Illinois' first online bet in June 2020 and is linked to Rivers Casino Des Plaines, the state's first retail sportsbook. Hard Rock Bet launched in August 2024 and runs the sportsbook at Hard Rock Rockford, theScore Bet took over from ESPN Bet in December 2025, and Circa runs the sportsbook at American Place in Waukegan.
Step 1: Pick a sportsbook and tap our link, such as DraftKings, FanDuel or Bet365, or download the app from the App Store or Google Play.
Step 2: Create your account. You must be 21 or older, and you can sign up from anywhere in Illinois.
Step 3: Enter a promo code if the offer needs one, such as the Bet365 bonus code DIMERS.
Step 4: Verify your identity and turn on location services. Illinois sportsbooks check that you're inside the state before they accept a bet.
Step 5: Make your first deposit, check any per-bet fee in the bet slip, and place your qualifying bet to unlock the welcome offer.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the Sports Wagering Act on June 28, 2019. Rivers Casino Des Plaines took the first legal bet on March 9, 2020, and BetRivers launched online betting on June 18, 2020. For much of the first two years, new customers had to register in person at a casino, until remote sign-up returned for good on March 5, 2022.
Dimers simulates every game thousands of times. Use the results before you bet with any Illinois sportsbook:
The Illinois Gaming Board lists 12 retail sportsbooks that are open, mostly in casinos:
| Venue | Location | Sportsbook brand |
|---|---|---|
| Rivers Casino Des Plaines | Des Plaines | BetRivers |
| Grand Victoria Casino | Elgin | Caesars Sportsbook |
| American Place | Waukegan | Circa |
| Casino Queen | East St. Louis | DraftKings |
| Hollywood Casino Aurora | Aurora | theScore Bet |
| Argosy Casino Alton | Alton | Fanatics |
| Hawthorne Race Course | Stickney | Fanatics |
| Hard Rock Casino Rockford | Rockford | Hard Rock Bet |
| Par-A-Dice Casino | East Peoria | Retail sportsbook |
| Hollywood Casino Joliet | Joliet | Retail sportsbook |
| Wind Creek Chicago Southland | East Hazel Crest | Retail sportsbook |
| Bally's Quad Cities | Rock Island | Retail sportsbook |
Four of Illinois' neighbors also have legal online sports betting: Indiana sports betting sites, Iowa sports betting sites, Kentucky sports betting sites and Missouri sports betting sites. Across Lake Michigan, see our Michigan sports betting sites guide. Your Illinois account works there as long as the same sportsbook is licensed in that state, and Bet365's welcome offer is bigger than Illinois' $150 in every one of them. For the national picture, see our list of the best sports betting sites and the best betting apps.
DraftKings is the best Illinois sportsbook, with the state's biggest market share and an offer of $200 in Bonus Bets plus three months of NBA League Pass for a $5 bet. Add the Bet365 bonus code DIMERS for $150 in Bonus Bets and FanDuel's $350 in Bonus Bets to compare prices across three books. With per-bet fees in play, fewer, better-researched bets make sense, so check our guide to the best live betting sites and the Dimers tools above before you bet.
Yes. Illinois legalized sports betting in June 2019, retail betting started on March 9, 2020, and online betting on June 18, 2020. Ten online sportsbooks are live, and you can sign up from anywhere in the state.
The Bet365 bonus code in Illinois is DIMERS. Use it to Bet $10 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets, win or lose.
Since July 1, 2025, Illinois has taxed sportsbooks 25 cents on each of their first 20 million online bets a year and 50 cents on every bet after that. Several sportsbooks pass part of that tax on. FanDuel, for example, charges 50 cents on qualifying bets, but not on straight bets of $25 or more, parlays of $10 or more, or bets placed with bonus bets.
DraftKings is Illinois' biggest sportsbook, with 36.4% of July 2026 handle, and new customers get $200 in Bonus Bets plus three months of NBA League Pass for a $5 first bet.
No. Illinois doesn't allow bets on its own college teams, including Illinois, Northwestern, DePaul and Loyola Chicago. You can bet on other college games.
You must be 21 or older to bet online or at a retail sportsbook in Illinois.
DraftKings terms: GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA).
Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR).
21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new Sportsbook customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: http://dkng.co/offer. Get 1 promo code to redeem a 3-month NBA League Pass subscription, complimentary of DraftKings. Subscription auto-renews monthly at then-current price (currently $16.99/mo); cancel anytime. Terms, restrictions, and eligibility requirements apply. Redeem League Pass by 12/19/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Addt’l terms: http://support.watch.nba.com/hc/en-us/articles/9165532876183-League-Pass-Terms-of-Use_. Ends 11/29/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
FanDuel terms: Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY)
21+ (18+ D.C., KY, WY) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com
Bet365 terms: This Referral Code is used for marketing/tracking purposes only. Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 or greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/MO/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (21+ KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/MO/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.
BetMGM terms: Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR)
21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico. This promotional offer is not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico. Minimum $10 deposit required. Bonus bets expire in 7 days. One new player offer.
Caesars terms: Must be 21+ and physically present in AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, NJ, NY, NC, MO, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY or Washington, DC. New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. Min. qualifying bet amount: $1. Tokens max. bet amount: $25 per token. Tokens bet max. add'l winnings: $2,500 per token. Token(s) expire 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Know When To Stop Before You Start®. Gambling Problem? CO, IL, KY, MD, MI, NJ, OH, TN, VA, WV, WY, Washington, D.C., KS, LA, ME, NC, PA (Affiliated with Harrah's Philadelphia): If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) or MD: visit mdgamblinghelp.org or WV: visit 1800gambler.net; AZ: Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP; IN: Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT; IA: Call 1-800-BETSOFF. ©2024, Caesars Entertainment
Fanatics terms: Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or call 1-800-MY-RESET www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), (800) 327-5050 or gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call (877)8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), (888) 789-7777 or ccpg.org (CT), or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), morethanagame.nc.gov (NC). New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, or WY (excludes NY). Apply promotion in bet slip and place a $1+ cash wager (min odds -200) daily for 10 consecutive days starting day of account creation. FanCash rewards will equal the qualifying wager amount (max $100 FanCash/day). FanCash issued under this promotion expires at 11:59 p.m. ET 7 days from issuance. Terms, incl. FanCash terms, apply—see Fanatics Sportsbook app.
Playing at online sportsbooks, real money casinos, and sweepstakes sites should always be safe and enjoyable. Keep control of your activity by following responsible gambling guidelines such as:
Decide on a budget you’re comfortable with and stick to it. Once it’s gone, stop playing.
Trying to recover losses often leads to overspending.
Avoid playing under the influence, or when angry, stressed, or tired.
Take breaks and ensure gambling doesn’t cut into time with family or friends.
Learn the rules, bet types, odds, and payouts before playing to avoid mistakes.
Make use of features like budget limits and self-exclusion.
If you or someone you know is struggling to gamble responsibly, these free, confidential resources can help:
To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Damien Souness as part of our fact-checking process.
Disclaimer: All of the information on this site is for entertainment purposes only. We do NOT accept bets of any kind. The information we provide is accurate and trustworthy to help you make better decisions. When you click or tap on a link on Dimers that leads to a third-party website that we have a commercial arrangement with (such as an online sportsbook), we may earn referral fees. Dimers does not endorse or encourage illegal or irresponsible gambling in any form. Before placing any wagers with any betting site, you must check the online gambling regulations in your jurisdiction or state, as they do vary. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-MY-RESET or 1-800-GAMBLER.
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