Best Betting Sites in Illinois – Top Online Sportsbooks for 2025
Updated: 30.09.2025
As someone who has studied the Illinois sports betting market closely, I've created this 2025 guide to highlight the safest and most trustworthy online sportsbooks. Since Illinois legalized and regulated online betting, players have access to licensed operators that offer strong odds, attractive bonuses, and reliable payouts. My goal is to provide an expert, unbiased review so you can choose the sportsbook that best suits your playing style.
How to Choose the Best Betting Site in Illinois
Finding the right sportsbook in Illinois takes more than just looking at welcome bonuses. The state now has ten online sportsbooks. Each platform brings something different to the table, depending on your betting priorities.
Odds Quality & Market Coverage
Your chances of winning big money instead of just breaking even really depend on the quality of the odds. BetRivers stands out with better odds than other Illinois sportsbooks. You should look for platforms that give you these betting options:
- Players and game props
- Futures markets
- Parlays and teasers
- Live betting options;
DraftKings and FanDuel lead the pack with the most betting markets, especially for NFL and NBA games.
Deposit & Withdrawal Options
Managing your money is simple with Illinois sportsbooks' payment choices. Most platforms let you use:
| Payment Method | Deposit Speed | Common Withdrawal Time |
|---|---|---|
| Credit/Debit Cards | Instant | N/A (IL banned 4/2025) |
| Online Banking/ACH | Instant | 1-3 days |
| PayPal | Instant | 24 hours |
| Casino Cage | Instant | Instant |
| Play+ Prepaid Card | Instant | 24-48 hours |
PayPal and other e-wallets get you your money fastest, while bank transfers need more time.
Mobile & In-Play Betting Features
Illinois bettors love live betting. The best in-play betting experience needs:
FanDuel scored a 4.6/5 for its betting interface in an independent study and received high marks for ease of use. BetMGM and bet365 offer great "Edit My Bet" features and allow you to watch live streams of some events.
Customer Support & Trustworthiness
The Illinois Gaming Board must license all legitimate sportsbooks in the state. Good customer service matters too:
Some betting sites help you 24/7 through live chat and email. They also take phone calls from 11 AM to 8 PM EST. Others have detailed help sections and fast support teams.
Reading player reviews about payout speed and how fast problems get fixed will help you bet smoothly.
Popular Sports to Bet on in Illinois
The sports betting scene in Illinois thrives on the state's deep love of sports. Local bettors wager on everything from their hometown teams to global sporting events.
Major Leagues: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL
The Chicago Bears hold a special place in the hearts of Illinois bettors. The team's history dates back to 1920 with their memorable Super Bowl victory in 1985. Basketball fans flock to the Chicago Bulls throughout the NBA season. They can easily choose from moneylines, point spreads and player props.
Baseball betting hits its peak during summer months as both Chicago teams draw heavy action:
- Chicago Cubs: The team broke its historic 108-year championship drought in 2016
- Chicago White Sox: The team won its World Series title in 2005 after waiting 88 years;
Hockey fans can bet on the Chicago Blackhawks, one of the NHL's Original Six teams that last won the Stanley Cup in 2014-15.
College Sports Betting
Illinois has specific rules for college sports betting:
| College Betting Rules | Details |
|---|---|
| Out-of-state teams | Fully available on all sportsbooks |
| In-state teams | Recent bill changes have relaxed previous restrictions |
| Player props | Prohibited for college athletes |
College football and basketball generate huge betting volumes, especially during March Madness and bowl season, even with these rules in place.
International Events & Soccer
Soccer betting has exploded in popularity across Illinois, offering betting options worldwide:
The Chicago Fire represent local soccer interests and have been playing since 1998 with one MLS Cup win. Bettors can also bet on Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, Champions League and World Cup matches.
Soccer's live betting markets move fast based on game action, making them popular among bettors.
Local Sports Preferences & Trends
Illinois became the second largest sports betting market in the country in 2024. The state posted an impressive 2.50 million handle in July 2025, second only to New York, despite the typical summer slowdown.
Baseball keeps bettors busy during the summer, but football leads in overall handle. Chicago's massive sports fan base has helped the betting industry thrive. The state has generated more than .30 billion in gross revenue since legalizing sports betting.
Responsible Betting in Illinois
Sports betting options have expanded in Illinois, and responsible gambling practices are more important than ever. Statistics show that compulsive gambling affects about 1% of U.S. adults, with some groups at higher risk. My experience shows that knowing the right resources helps build a healthy relationship with sports betting in Illinois.
Illinois Helplines & Player Support
Several support channels have proven to work well:
| Support Resource | Contact Method | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Problem Gambling Helpline | 1-800-GAMBLER | 24/7 |
| Text Support | Text "GAMB" to 833234 | 24/7 |
| Online Resources | AreYouReallyWinning.com | 24/7 |
Trained specialists use proven methods to help callers through these channels.
Deposit Limits & Self-Exclusion Tools
Illinois sportsbooks offer players several tools to protect themselves. Setting deposit limits helps control daily, weekly or monthly account funding. The state's Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program (SEP) allows players to block access to all Illinois casinos and sportsbooks.
Tips for Betting Responsibly
My years with Illinois sportsbooks taught me these important lessons:
- Betting should be fun, not a source of income
- Money and time limits must be set before you start
- Bigger bets won't help recover losses
- Betting isn't the answer to emotional struggles
Where to Get Help if Needed
These resources are a great way to get support:
- Illinois Council on Problem Gambling provides screening tools
- Gam-Anon supports affected family members
- Gamblers Anonymous holds meetings throughout Illinois
- IDHS coordinates professional counseling services
Our verdict
Illinois has become a powerhouse in sports betting and is now the second largest market in the country. I tested each platform and found that sportsbooks offer unique advantages based on your betting priorities.
You should consider these key factors to pick your ideal Illinois sportsbook:
- Competitive odds and market depth
- Accessible mobile interface for in-play betting
- Fast, reliable payment methods
- Responsive customer support
- Ongoing promotions beyond welcome offers;
Remember that responsible betting should be your priority. Illinois' help lines and self-exclusion programs help maintain a healthy relationship with sports betting. You can prevent problems by setting strict deposit limits before you start betting.
Legal sportsbooks in Illinois provide a safe, regulated environment for betting on the Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox or Blackhawks. The market continues to grow, offering better odds, more markets and improved features to bettors across the Prairie State.
