Illinois Sports Betting
Online betting available
Large competitive market launched 2020.
Yes, sports betting is legal in Illinois as of October 26, 2026. The state offers regulated online sportsbooks overseen by the Illinois Gaming Board, and 11 betting apps are currently tracked here. You must be 21 or older, and you must be physically within Illinois to bet.
Legal Status
Online betting available
College Player Props
Restricted, Props allowed for out-of-state teams; pregame only.
Sportsbook Apps Available in Illinois
The following major sportsbook apps are listed as operating in Illinois. Availability can change as operators launch, exit, or shift partnerships, always confirm current access and age requirements before creating an account.
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How to Start Betting in Illinois
Confirm you're eligible
You must be 21 or older, and you must be physically located in Illinois when you place a bet. Sportsbooks verify your location with geolocation technology.
Choose a licensed sportsbook
Pick from the operators licensed in Illinois (listed above). Each is regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board.
Create and verify your account
Registration takes a few minutes and requires your legal name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number for identity verification.
Deposit and place your first bet
Add funds with a supported payment method, then browse markets. Start small, set a budget before you play, and use the operator's responsible-gaming tools. New to reading a betting line? Start with how betting odds work.
About the Illinois Sports Betting Market
Large competitive market launched 2020. The market is overseen by the Illinois Gaming Board, which licenses operators, enforces consumer protections, and publishes the official list of approved sportsbooks. With 11 apps tracked here, Illinois bettors have a range of choices for odds, markets, live betting, and promotions.
Before signing up, it’s worth comparing operators on the things that matter to you, odds quality, the breadth of markets, live/in-play betting, payout speed, and rewards. Our sportsbook directory compares coverage across states, and you can check Illinois’s college prop rules before placing any NCAA wagers. The promos page tracks each operator's current welcome offer.
Illinois College Player Prop Rules
| College Player Props | In-State Team Rule | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restricted | No in-state team props | Props allowed for out-of-state teams; pregame only. |
Sports Betting in States Near Illinois
Each neighboring jurisdiction licenses its own sportsbooks. An app only works while you are physically inside the state that licensed it, so crossing a border changes what you can use.
Indiana sports betting →
Online betting available 10 apps tracked
Iowa sports betting →
Online betting available 10 apps tracked
Kentucky sports betting →
Online betting available 8 apps tracked
Missouri sports betting →
Online betting available 8 apps tracked
Wisconsin sports betting →
Retail only No statewide app
Illinois Sports Betting FAQ
Is sports betting legal in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois offers legal online sports betting regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board.
Which betting apps are legal in Illinois?
As of October 26, 2026, 11 sportsbook apps operate legally in Illinois: Fanatics Sportsbook, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, FanDuel, theScore Bet, BetRivers, bet365, Bally Bet, Circa Sports and Hard Rock Bet. You must be physically in Illinois to place a bet; the full list is above.
How old do you have to be to bet in Illinois?
You must be 21 or older to place a sports bet in Illinois, and you must be physically located within Illinois when you wager.
Do you have to live in Illinois to bet there?
No. You don’t need to be a resident, you only need to be physically inside Illinois when placing a bet. Sportsbooks confirm your location with geolocation before accepting wagers.
Are online sportsbooks in Illinois safe and legal?
Sportsbooks licensed by the Illinois Gaming Board are legal and subject to state oversight, including identity verification, fund protection, and responsible-gaming requirements. Avoid unlicensed offshore sites.
Can you bet college player props in Illinois?
Props allowed for out-of-state teams; pregame only.
Who regulates sports betting in Illinois?
Sports wagering in Illinois falls under the Illinois Gaming Board.
Sources for this Illinois guide
- Illinois Gaming Board: the state regulator
- Sports Wagering Act, 230 ILCS 45 (2019): The act lets licensed operators take sports wagers in person and online under the Illinois Gaming Board.
- Minimum age rule
- Illinois legislature: bill search