Another NFL odds aftershock rattled the AFC Wednesday when the Kansas City Chiefs traded WR Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins. Hill becomes the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history after signing a 4-year, $120 million contract extension.

The deal gives the Dolphins a boost in their quest for relevance in the AFC East but still leaves them far behind division-rival Buffalo when it comes to NFL futures betting markets.

The Bills were one of the biggest beneficiaries in the AFC on betting sites and at sportsbooks. Their edge over Kansas City swelled after the swap. The Bills are now +375 at Caesars Sportsbook to win the AFC. Buffalo was +400 before Hill became a Dolphin. Meanwhile, the Chiefs slid from +450 to +500.

The Bills are -190 at DraftKings to win the AFC East for the third straight season. The Dolphins are +400, tied with New England. The Dolphins beat the Patriots twice last season. The Jets, who were the runner-up in the Hill sweepstakes, are overpriced at +2200.

The Bills and Chiefs remain the only AFC teams with odds lower than +1500 at Caesars to win Super Bowl 57.

Deal Moves The Needle In The AFC

Here’s a look at how the AFC title odds changed when Tyreek Hill was traded from Kansas City to Miami. Five teams saw their prices change, which is quite remarkable considering just one starting player was dealt.

2022-23 AFC Champion Odds Before & After Tyreek Hill Trade

Current odds via Caesars Sportsbook and subject to change

AFC Roiled By Major Changes

Since the end of last season, the AFC has welcomed five new head coaches, seen four teams land new starting QBs, and multiple key players change uniforms.

AFC QB Shifts

Here’s a look at the AFC teams that have changed QBs this offseason so far.

AFC Coaching Shifts

Here’s a look at the AFC teams that have changed coaches this offseason. They are listed with their new coach and the coach from the final game of the 2021-22 season.

Is Miami Now A Playoff Contender?

Miami has not reached the playoffs since 2016. The Dolphins have appeared in the postseason just twice in the past 20 years.

McDaniel enters his first season as a head coach. The addition of Hill came a day after the Dolphins landed Pro Bowl tackle Terron Armstead. Running backs Raheem Mostert and Chase Edmonds, and receiver Cedrick Wilson, have also signed with the Dolphins.

Dolphins Futures Odds Movement

Here’s a look at the NFL betting market at DraftKings for the Dolphins to win the Super Bowl, AFC and AFC East before and after the Hill trade.

The Dolphins – for now – are sticking with Tua Tagovailoa at quarterback. Former Dolphins head coach Brian Flores never had full faith in Tagovailoa. That may have hindered the QB’s performance. There will be no such excuses in South Florida this season.

Jaylen Waddle and Hill now form one of the fastest WR tandems in the NFL. Hill gives Miami a deep threat the team has been lacking for several seasons.

Chiefs Left Behind In AFC West?

The Chiefs and QB Patrick Mahomes II are now left to play catch-up in the AFC West, even though they remain betting favorite to win the division for a seventh straight season. The Chargers are bringing back Justin Herbert and Mike Williams. The Broncos have Russell Wilson and Nathaniel Hackett at the helm. And the Raiders have Josh McDaniels manipulating an offense that includes Derek Carr, Hunter Renfrow, Darren Waller and Davante Adams.

Hill caught 67 TD passes in his four seasons with the Chiefs. He went over 1,000 yards receiving each year, was named to the Pro Bowl three times and won a Super Bowl.

Chiefs Futures Odds Movement

Here’s a look at the odds at DraftKings for the Chiefs to win the Super Bowl, AFC and AFC West before and after the Hill trade.

The public portion of the deal for Hill developed quickly. A series of big-money WR contracts this free-agency period was the trigger. Hill ended up with an extension that includes $72.2 million in guaranteed money. That’s something he could not have gotten in Kansas City due to the Chiefs’ salary cap limitations.

Adams ended up in Las Vegas after being hit with a $20.14 million franchise tag by the Packers. Adams made it known he was unhappy with his deal in Green Bay and ended up with a 5-year, $142.5 million extension with $67.5 million guaranteed. The Panthers gave WR D.J. Moore a 3-year contract extension worth $61.884 million. The Buccaneers franchised WR Chris Godwin, but soon extended him for 3 years with $40 million guaranteed.

The 2022 MLB betting season will go a full 162 games and begin on April 7. The players’ union and owners agreed to the terms of a new labor deal on Thursday, ending a 99-day-old lockout. The biggest changes in 2022 will be a universal DH and an expanded playoff field.

What should bettors do now?

Free agency began once the deal is official Thursday night and spring training officially begins Monday in camps across in Arizona and Florida.

Last week, MLB said the first two series of the season were canceled. Those games remain off the schedule and will be made up in a way to be determined. The last time MLB games were missed because of contract concerns was in 1995, when the season was cut to 114 games after a 232-day players’ strike. That strike also wiped out the World Series in 1994.

Baseball wagering has been a staple of sports betting for more than 120 years. The 1919 Chicago Black Sox Scandal left a scar on the game for decades. Legal sports betting has become a new source of revenue for teams. DraftKings and BetMGM are co-exclusive official sports betting partners of MLB.

In the wake of the 2020 pandemic-related stoppage, sportsbooks and betting apps are prepared for pretty much anything when it comes to cancelations and postponements.

What To Watch Now That There Is A Deal

The MLB lockout froze free-agency signings and trades. Among the notable names expected to be popping up on the “Transaction” wire are infielders Carlos Correa, Freddie Freeman and Trevor Story.

© USA Today

Most of the impactful moves – especially those concerning pitching – were squeezed into the brief period between the end of the World Series and the onset of the 12-week lockout.

The LA Dodgers are the MLB odds favorite to win the World Series. The Dodgers took a hit this offseason, losing Max Scherzer (Mets) and Corey Sanger (Rangers) to free agency. Clayton Kershaw and closer Kenley Jansen are free agents and could be lost. And the baseball fate of 2020 NL Cy Young Award winner Trevor Bauer remains uncertain.

The Yankees are again the favorites to take the AL pennant on MLB futures markets. The Bombers remain stacked with top-tier stars who continue to underperform when it matters most.

The implementation of the universal DH will deliver an immediate impact. MLB pitchers logged 4,196 at-bats and 50.9% of those ended with a strikeout. A total of 78% of the 462 total hits pitchers collected were singles. Players like Nelson Cruz, who turns 42 this year but hit 32 HR with 86 RBI and a 2.0 WAR last season, can now find a home in the National League.

5 Best MLB Futures Bets To Back Now

Value lies aplenty in the MLB futures market. Grabbing some of these wagers now that there is a CBA allows for any sort of a hedge later in the season. Here are our five best value plays (over +500) to back now we have a CBA.

Red Sox Win AL Pennant

Odds: +1000 at BetMGM

BUZZ: Boston eliminated New York and Tampa Bay during the 2021 postseason. For many in New England, that’s as close to winning a World Series without winning a World Series as it can get. Boston strengthened its defense with the return of Jackie Bradley Jr. in the outfield and will have a fully healthy Chris Sale to anchor its rotation.

With the addition of two playoff teams in each league and an additional short series for most teams, pitching will be more crucial than ever in the postseason. Boston’s lineup is solid 1-6. Even without the benefit of outside assistance, Alex Cora should have this team clicking when it matters.

Padres Win NL Pennant

Odds: +700 at BetMGM

BUZZ: The Padres wilted in September after keeping pace with the torrid Dodgers and Giants. A new manager (Bob Melvin) and some expected key moves in free agency (namely an addition in the outfield) will help, as will the addition of a reliable DH (see Cruz, above).

San Diego has what any teams needs to win: A solid rotation and a reliable bullpen. A closer will likely emerge during spring training.

Phillies Win NL East

Odds: +700 at FanDuel

BUZZ: Don’t be dissuaded by the current gaps in the Phillies lineup. Dave Dombrowski LOVES to spend other people’s money and the Phillies will be “in” on most of the big names mentioned above, some others (see Kyle Schwarber) and be aggressive in the trade market to fill holes for this season. Bryce Harper (above) won the 2021 MVP and anchors a core that can keep pace with the Mets and Braves. This is a terrific price.

Ronald Acuña Jr. Wins NL MVP Award

Odds: +900 at DraftKings

BUZZ: Ronald Acuña was tracking to win this award in 2021 before his knee was destroyed just before the All-Star Game during a game in Miami. A torn ACL ended his season. The Braves won the World Series without him. While the Braves may face the after-effects of a post-World Series hangover, not to mention the potential loss of Freddie Freeman, Acuña should resume his rampage in 2022.

He’s just 24. That’s also the same number of home runs he delivered in just 82 games last season. He delivers style and numbers, which always helps when it comes to MVP balloting, especially if there isn’t a clear favorite. While returning from an ACL injury is inherently fraught with peril, Acuña’s youth, confidence and talent make him a great bet at this price.

Lucas Giolito Wins AL Cy Young Award

Odds: +1100 at DraftKings

BUZZ: The White Sox are no longer anyone’s surprise pick to make a run in the postseason. If anything, Chicago’s finish last year was a major disappointment, as all four starters fizzled in the ALDS against Houston. Giolito emerged as the ace of Chicago’s rotation last year and posted a 2.65 ERA after the All-Star Game. His 11-9 record included only two losses after the break.

He missed a month last year due to injury and will have to be healthy for 162 games this time around. But there will be no shortage of motivation, given last October’s flop. Giolito’s teammate Dylan Cease got the ball 32 times last season, struck out 12.28 batters per nine innings and closed with a 13-7 record and 3.69 ERA. Cease is +1200 at DraftKings if you’re looking for a tandem play.

As a state, Illinois is no stranger to sports betting. Retail sports betting launched in March 2020, with mobile betting following suit within a few months. Illinois brings in a massive sports handle month-to-month, making it one of the most robust betting states in the industry. Now that customers can register for sports betting accounts online (as of March 5, 2022), the market in Illinois should continue growing steadily.

And as that happens, we want to help you identify the best sportsbook site Illinois has to offer. In the sections that follow, we'll examine the ins and outs of Illinois sports betting online, including its history, popular teams to bet on, an Illinois sports betting FAQ and much more.

Online Sports Betting in IL: Best Illinois Sports Betting Sites

There are seven online Illinois betting apps to pick from, but where do you start? Well, you can start right here by looking at our favorites — and the unique qualities that make them great.

1. BetMGM Illinois Sportsbook

Not only will new Illinois sports betting fans now have full access to online registration for Illinois betting sites, but they'll have a new online sportsbook Illinois to try out in the coming days! BetMGM has made Illinois its 16th licensed state for online sports betting. In Illinois, that means customers can experience the operator's highly-rated app, while enjoying a slew of recurring promotions and racking up points with MGM Rewards.

• BetMGM Bonus Code Welcome Offer: First-bet offer worth up to $1,000

• Live Since: March 5, 2022

• States Available In: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming (and D.C.)

• App Offered: Via the App Store and Google Play

2. Caesars Sportsbook Illinois

After initially entering the Illinois sports betting market under the William Hill name, Caesars Sportsbook has revamped its Illinois sports betting site and mobile app since the rebrand. Illinois sports bettors who sign up with Caesars Sportsbook IL should expect one of the biggest risk-free bet offers in the industry, as well as a selection of creative promotions for existing customers and an exciting rewards program. Grand Victoria Casino (in Elgin) houses Caesars Sportsbook's retail sportsbook Illinois.

• Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code Welcome Offer: Up to $1,250 on Caesars + 1,000 Tier Credits and 1,000 Reward Credits

• Live Since: August 2021

• States Available In: Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia (and D.C.)

• App Offered: Via the App Store and Google Play

3. FanDuel Illinois Sportsbook

FanDuel Illinois Sportsbook is one of the foremost brands in the world of daily fantasy sports, but there's more to enjoy about this Illinois online sports gambling site than that. With a wide selection of sports to bet on and an Illinois sports betting app that's easy to use, you'll find that FanDuel is one of the best sports betting sites Illinois for rookie and veteran bettors alike.

In East Peoria, Par-A-Dice Casino offers FanDuel's retail IL sports gambling location — but there's another one seemingly on the way. FanDuel has partnered with the United Center (home of the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks) to bring a multi-story FanDuel Sportsbook lounge to the arena.

• FanDuel Promo Code Welcome Offer: $1,000 No Sweat First Bet

• Live Since: August 2020

• States Available In: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia

• App Offered: Via the App Store and Google Play

4. DraftKings Illinois Sportsbook

If you know anything about sports betting, there's a really good chance you've heard of DraftKings. The mega sports betting platform, based in Boston, helped gain extensive brand recognition through its daily fantasy sports platform, and its venture into sports wagering has continued that process. At DraftKings Sportsbook, Illinois sports bettors will find one of the most user-friendly IL online betting sites around. You can check out DraftKings IL's retail location, too, at Casino Queen in East St. Louis.

Given that the Chicago Cubs count DraftKings as their exclusive partner for sports betting and daily fantasy sports, it's not difficult to envision a retail location of DraftKings Sportsbook popping up at Wrigley Field sometime down the road.

• DraftKings Promo Code Welcome Offer: First deposit match worth up to $1,000

• Live Since: August 2020

• States Available In: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming

• App Offered: Via the App Store and Google Play

5. BetRivers Illinois Sportsbook

One thing to know about BetRivers IL is that it led the way for all other Illinois sportsbooks. The first retail Illinois sports gambling wager came at BetRivers' Rivers Casino in Des Plaines on March 9, 2020. Roughly two months later, BetRivers' mobile sports betting Illinois app accepted the state's first online wager. Owned by Chicago-based Rush Street Interactive, BetRivers has local roots that set it apart from its online sports gambling Illinois competitors. The Illinois sportsbook app has tapped into that local connection by forming an exclusive sportsbook and casino partnership with the Chicago Bears.

• BetRivers Promo Code Welcome Offer: First deposit match worth up to $250

• Live Since: June 2020

• States Available In: Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia

• App Offered: Via the App Store and Google Play

Promo Codes for Illinois Sports Betting Sites

Every betting site in Illinois offers a welcome bonus of some kind, and some of those bonuses require a promo code. If you need a promo code to access a particular bonus, rest assured we'll provide it for you. In many cases, the promo codes grant you a bonus on your first deposit, a set value of free bets or a risk-free offering on your initial wager at the sportsbook. You can see the top sportsbook promo code offers above.

Bet on Sports in Illinois

We're confident that you'll find whatever sport you want to bet on at one or more of the legal sports betting apps in Illinois, whether it be Aussie Rules football, American football or anything in between. Here, we've listed the most popular leagues to bet on, along with a bring synopsis of what each one entails.

Football Betting (NFL)

The NFL is the king of live sports in North America, based on its TV audience, and it's the continental king of sports betting, too. No other league has as many prop bets and weekly specials as the NFL, which makes it an exceptionally popular market during the fall season. Autumn Sundays are jam-packed with action, and the Super Bowl is the crown jewel of the sports betting world.

Hockey Betting (NHL)

Hockey betting has a consistent "puck line" spread of +/- 1.5 goals, which sometimes makes moneyline wagering more enticing. The best nights of the week for NHL parlays are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Be mindful of goalie matchups and see if either team is playing a long road trip (or is on the back end of a back-to-back slate).

Basketball Betting (NBA)

On any night, a superstar in the NBA can take over a game in a way that isn't replicable in other sports. Many bettors may have a favorite team, but it's also important to track which players are on hot streaks (and which ones are sitting out due to load management). For optimal NBA parlay opportunities, keep an eye on the Wednesday, Friday and Sunday schedules.

Baseball Betting (MLB)

One of MLB's greatest strengths in a sports betting sense is its volume of events (162-plus games for 30 teams over six months). We also enjoy the opportunities MLB provides for live betting, given how many stoppages there are for pitching changes and half-inning breaks.

Illinois Professional Sports Teams

Count yourself luck, Illinois sports betting fans. You've got a ton of local teams to root for and bet on, including at least one in each of the four major pro sports leagues (not many states can say that).

Chicago Cubs (MLB)

The Cubs' 2016 World Series title is well in the past now, as all of the core players have moved on to play elsewhere. Wrigleyville is now mired in a rebuild, but anything can happen in the unclaimed NL Central.

Chicago White Sox (MLB)

Could a championship team finally be emerging on the South Side? The White Sox took their time working through a rebuild, and now they're legit World Series contenders for the first time in 15 years. That's what a deep pitching staff and a surplus of young sluggers can do.

Chicago Bears (NFL)

Much of the hope for the faithful at Solider Field rests on the shoulders of quarterback Justin Fields, who the Bears traded up for in the 2021 NFL Draft. The stories Bears franchise hasn't won a playoff game in more than a decade.

Chicago Bulls (NBA)

In unexpected fashion, the Bulls are among the top teams in the Eastern Conference right now, and they've got a shot at their first 50-win season since 2014-15. A lot of that is thanks to DeMar DeRozan, a first-year Bull who's having his best NBA season at the ripe age of 32.

Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)

An epic dynasty in the early-2010s (three Stanley Cups between 2010-15) has given way to ineptitude of epic proportions. Since their 2015 Stanley Cup win, the Blackhawks haven't won a single playoff series and are currently on track to miss the playoffs for a fourth time in five years.

Chicago Fire (MLS)

The Fire won the MLS Cup in 1998 as an expansion team, though they've largely struggled in recent years. A new season recently got underway, bringing with it a new sense of hope.

Other Popular Betting Options for Illinois Bettors

Daily Fantasy Sports Betting

DFS giants such as DraftKings and FanDuel are operational within Illinois, thanks to a 2020 Illinois Supreme Court decision that found "some" daily fantasy sports contests to be games of skill.

Horse Racing

Horse race wagering is legal in Illinois, with two racetracks — FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing, and Hawthorne Race Course — offering live events to bet on now that Arlington International Racecourse is shuttered. There are also more than a dozen off-track betting locations throughout the state, which allow for horse race betting as well. Mobile horse race betting is legal too, through platforms such as TVG and TwinSpires.

Elections

Betting on elections is not permitted in Illinois. 

eSports Betting

Betting on eSports has not been authorized in Illinois to this point, but it hasn't been explicitly prohibited, either. So, while you can't bet on eSports right now, perhaps it will be allowed in the future.

Promotions & Offers At Illinois Online Sportsbooks

When you're looking for an Illinois betting site, take advantage of the fact that each IL sportsbook wants your business. That means they're going to throw a series of promotions and offers your way, so it's helpful to understand what each of those offers entails.

Risk-Free Bets

With a risk-free bet, customers are assured of winning something regardless of how their bet fares. If they win, they'll claim a cash profit. If they lose, they'll claim a refund of their initial stake, which is generally paid out in site credit. That credit can't be withdrawn, but winnings from it can be.

Deposit Match

With a deposit match, customers receive a bonus on the value of their first deposit. It could be a full or partial match, paid out in cash or site credit.

Referral Bonuses

With a code or link that is unique to each bettor, you can refer a friend and collect a bonus. When your friend signs up using your code or link, both you and the friend will receive some kind of reward (typically site credit).

How to Choose an Illinois-based Online Sportsbook

In addition to a welcome bonus, you'll want to choose an Illinois sportsbook that fits your preferences in a handful of critical categories. We've outlined some of those categories here.

Variety Of Bets Offered

Maybe you already have a preferred type of bet you like to place (or sport you like to bet on), and that's great! But we will always find value in sportsbooks that offer a wide variety of betting types and sports markets. Who knows, you could be exposed to something new that enhances your experience.

Competitive Lines and Odds 

Not all lines and odds will be the same across Illinois sports betting apps, but the important thing is that they're competitive. We only review licensed and regulated Illinois sportsbooks, with the expectation that fair odds will be applied to the consumer. It helps that the Illinois online sports betting market is as competitive a market as it is, because that competition fuels fairness in the odds markets.

Frequency Of Betting Bonuses

Why settle for fewer bonuses when you can have more? Some Illinois sportsbooks offer recurring betting bonuses every week, which can make sports gambling even more fun. If your Illinois sports betting site is lacking in betting bonuses for its existing customers, it could be time to switch.

Ease Of Deposits and Withdrawal

Fortunately, most Illinois online sports betting apps have a similar baseline of banking options, which include credit and debit cards (for deposits), as well as PayPal, banking transfers, Play+ cards and more. We'll go through the best banking options at Illinois sportsbooks in a later section.

Customer Support

You may not think much about customer support — until you have to use it. Phone support, email services and live chat, along with FAQ articles, are the forms of customer support we most often look for at Illinois sports betting apps.

Bet Types & Sports Wagers At Legal Illinois Sportsbooks

Moneyline

Predict which team will secure an outright win. Odds at Illinois online sports betting sites will be shown as minus-odds for favorites, such as -150, and plus-odds for underdogs, like +200. Minus-odds represent how much you must wager to win $100; positive odds are the profits you'd reap from a $100 bet.

Totals

Predict whether the total score of a game will be over or under the predetermined total provided by the sportsbook.

Point Spreads

Predict which team will "win" based on the predetermined margin of victory or defeat laid out by the Illinois online sports betting site. If the Bears are -7.5-point underdogs, and they lose by four points, they'll cover the spread (and thus "win" the bet).

Parlays

Group two or more individual wagers together onto one bet slip, with the understanding that each wager must succeed for the parlay as a whole to succeed. Your risk will increase when you bet this way, but so will your reward.

Futures

Predict an event that will take place sometime in the future. It could be days away, but more often it's weeks or months (e.g., Super Bowl champion or NBA MVP). NFL futures are typically the most popular on betting apps in Illinois.

Prop Bets

Predict whether an event will occur or not occur, such as a two-point conversion in football or a goal in the first 10 minutes of a hockey game. There are player props for many sports, too, including anytime home run hitters in baseball and over/under lines or assists in basketball.

Illinois Sportsbook Revenue Projection

From March 2020 through December 2021 (the most current data we could gather), nearly $9 billion worth of sports wagers have been placed in the state of Illinois. Throughout 2021, the revenue generated by sports betting IL generally ranged from $30-50 million per month, with a high of $78.2 million (November) and a low of $26.8 million (August).

Illinois Legal Online Sports Betting Tax Rate 

Illinois online sports betting revenue is taxed at 15% in the state of Illinois, which is right around the middle of the pack when compared to other legal sports betting states. Since legalized sports gambling in Illinois began, the state has collected more than $100 million in tax revenue. A chunk of that revenue is invested back into the state through the "Rebuild Illinois” fund, which helps fund efforts related to education, road improvements and more. 

Who Regulates Sports Betting Sites in Illinois?

The regulating body for sports betting in the Prairie State is the Illinois Gaming Board, which is tasked with outlining and enforcing Illinois sports betting law. Additionally, the board reviews applications for sports betting licenses, ensures that problem gamblers have access to a variety of resources and publishes detailed reports regarding the betting handle per sportsbook in the state.

How to Deposit and Withdraw from Illinois Sports Betting Sites

The best part about deposits is that they're processed quickly (often within seconds). So, if you need some funds for a game that's about to start, you shouldn't have an issue. And you'll have plenty of deposit options at your disposal, including credit and debit cards (particularly VISA and MasterCard), PayPal, PayNearMe, prepaid Play+ cards, ACH transfers, cash and paper checks. For cash and paper checks, you'll have to make your way to a retail IL sports betting location.

When it comes to withdrawals, the process won't be quite a swift — but most methods will allow you to receive your money within a few days. PayPal is arguably the fastest, and other online options include bank transfers and Play+ cards. At a retail sportsbook or casino, you can withdraw cash or request to have a check mailed to you.

How Illinois Sports Betting Compares to the Other Legal States

Illinois has a ton of local professional sports teams, which helps stir up a ton of interest in sports betting within the state. Illinois consistently has one of the top sports betting handles from month to month, which is an indicator that the Illinois sports betting market is in solid shape. There are some restrictions when it comes to sports betting in Illinois, though. As of now, bettors can only place wagers on college games involving local teams (e.g., Northwestern, DePaul, Northern Illinois) if those wagers are placed in person. There is also no eSports gambling allowed.

The largest hurdle in using Illinois sports betting apps had been the necessity to register in person — but as of March 5, 2022, that is no longer required.

Retail Sports Betting vs. Mobile Sports Betting

Up until March 5, 2022, retail and mobile sports betting Illinois were intertwined due to the fact that customers were required to complete an in-person registration process — whether they intended to bet at an online sportsbook Illinois or not.

Now, thanks to the approval of online registration, bettors have the convenience of enjoying all aspects of mobile betting (registration, deposit, wagering, withdrawals) from anywhere in the state. There are still some benefits to retail sports betting, such as the social aspect of gambling at a casino or racetrack, but mobile betting has a distinct edge in terms of convenience.

Illinois Legal Sports Betting Legislation Timeline

March 5, 2022: As a result of the successful passing of House Bill 3136, Illinois will now allow online registration for sports betting. Previously, bettors had to register in person (even if they intended to wager on Illinois sports betting apps only).

Dec. 17, 2021: Governor J.B. Pritzker signs legislation to lift the ban of betting on local collegiate teams. The new Illinois sports betting law stipulates that wagers involving in-state colleges must be placed in person (i.e., not on a mobile app), and they must pertain to the game's outcome as opposed to individual performances. The ban will be reinstated in two years unless another bill is passed.

January 2021: With more than $581 million generated in January sports betting handle, Illinois becomes the fourth state to surpass the $500-million mark in a single month. Illinois would go on to clear $500 million in sports betting handle in nine of the next 12 months.

June 18, 2020: BetRivers launches its Illinois sportsbook app, becoming the first mobile sports betting platform in the state. Six other online sports betting apps have joined since then.

March 9, 2020: Former Chicago Blackhawks star Eddie Olcyzk places the first legal sports wager at Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, signaling the start of legal retail sports gambling in Illinois.

June 28, 2019: Gov. Pritzker signs the Illinois Sports Wagering Act into law, paving the way for legal sports betting to come to Illinois.

May 14, 2018: The Supreme Court strikes down the federal ban on sports betting, enabling Illinois to begin realistic consideration of bringing legal sports betting to the state.

Responsible Illinois Sports Betting

To ensure that retail and online sports betting Illinois are carried out responsibly, the Illinois Gaming Board provides a self-exclusion program for problem gamblers (and it requires every legal sports betting Illinois operator to do the same). When you visit an Illinois sports betting app, you'll find options to self-exclude, or to place limits on quantity of deposits, wagers, and time spent on the platform.

For additional resources, bettors can call a problem gambling hotline or text "ILGAMB" to 53342. Both support options are 24/7, and they will help problem gamblers access the resources they require.

Where to Bet in Illinois: Retail Sportsbooks

Bettors have 11 retail sportsbooks to choose from in Illinois, though some will be more or less convenient based on their location. Here's the list of sites for retail sport betting in Illinois:

• Rivers Casino, Des Plaines (BetRivers)

• Grand Victoria Casino, Elgin (Caesars)

• Casino Queen, East St. Louis (DraftKings)

• Par-A-Dice Casino, East Peoria (FanDuel)

• FanDuel Sportsbook & Horse Racing, Collinsville (FanDuel)

• Hawthorne Race Course, Stickney (PointsBet)

• Club Hawthorne, Prospect Heights (PointsBet)

• Club Hawthorne, Crestwood (PointsBet)

• Argosy Casino, Alton (Unibet)

• Hollywood Casino, Aurora (Barstool)

• Hollywood Casino, Joliet (Barstool)

Final Thoughts on Sports Betting in Illinois

Aspiring Illinois sports betting fans have had two years to give sports betting a try; now, it's never been easier. The allowance of mobile registration should work wonders for the Illinois sports betting market, which is already one of the most robust markets in the country. With BetMGM on board, there are seven mobile sportsbooks to pick from, in addition to the 11 retail sportsbooks that exist around the state. That creates ample opportunity to find the sports, betting types and Illinois online sports betting bonus codes you're looking for (and it doesn't hurt to have a bunch of in-state pro sports teams to root on, does it?).

There's no reason to wait any longer. Go ahead and give one or more of the legal sports betting Illinois sites a try.

Illinois Online Sportsbook FAQs

Is Sports Betting Legal in Illinois?

Yes, legal sports betting Illinois has been active since June 2020, and it's been one of the top states in the nation ever since.

Does Illinois have sports betting?

Yes, legalized sports gambling in Illinois is available for eligible customers who are physically present in the state. The latest sports betting in Illinois update is that registrations can now take place online (prior to March 5, 2022, bettors were required to register in person for betting apps in Illinois).

How old do I need to be to bet on sports in Illinois?

The Illinois sports betting age is 21 years of age and older.

Will Illinois residents pay taxes on betting?

The IRS deems gambling winnings as taxable income, so yes, Illinois residents will pay taxes on betting (at least if they win). The flat rate for Illinois state tax is 4.95%.

Where can I bet on sports Illinois?

There are 11 retail sportsbooks and casinos in Illinois with sports betting right now, operated by IL betting companies such as BetRivers, PointsBet, DraftKings and FanDuel. More retail options are likely on the way at the United Center and Wrigley Field, subject to Illinois sports betting regulations.

On the Illinois online sports betting side, there are now seven sports betting apps Illinois for customers to choose from (and possibly more down the road).

When will sportsbooks open in Illinois?

Under Illinois sports betting law, sportsbooks have been open for business since the spring of 2020. Illinois online sports betting opened its virtual doors a few months after that.

Are there Illinois sports betting apps?

Yes, there are seven apps that provide legal sports betting in Illinois. It's a great situation for customers, who can pick and choose the app and welcome bonus that's best for them — or try them all!

Will I need to be an Illinois resident to bet online?

No, online betting Illinois does not involve a residency requirement. You just have to be physically located in Illinois when placing bets (if you're using betting apps in Illinois, geolocation services will need to be turned on).

Who can offer Illinois sports betting?

Right now, retail and mobile betting Illinois is limited to casinos, race tracks and mobile apps. We should see a sportsbook or two in professional sports arenas down the road as well.

When is the Illinois sports betting start date?

If you're still wondering, "When can I bet on sports in Illinois?" we'll spell it out one more time: You can do it right now! The start date for sports betting IL was in 2020, and customers have enjoyed legal sports betting apps in Illinois ever since.