Illinois Sportsbook Promos & Bonuses for May 2023

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Illinois offers legal online sports betting. Anyone 21 and up located within state lines can sign up at a sportsbook app and bet on various sports. You no longer need to complete registration in person at a retail casino, giving you instant access to all the best Illinois sportsbook promos:

Rank
Sportsbooks
Bonus
Features
Play
1
UP TO $1,250 Bonus
New User Bonus. T&Cs Apply.
DraftKings Promo: Bet $5 Get $200
PLUS $50 Bonus Bet On Deposit 
PLUS Up to $1,000 Deposit Bonus 
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
To Claim: Click Play Now
2
Up to $1,250
On Caesars
Stream NFL Games In App For Free
+ Get 1,000 Caesars Reward & $1,000 Tier Credits
Redeem for Bet Credits, Hotel Stays, & More!
Use Promo Code: SBBONUSFULL
3
UP TO $1,000
In Bonus Bets
$1,000 Paid Back in Bonus Bets 
Free Live Streaming - Watch Live Games 
Use Bonus Code: PLAYSPORTS
5
$1,000
No Sweat First Bet
Up to $1,000 No Sweat First Bet
Available on Desktop, Android & iOS
To Claim: Click Play Now

Best Illinois Sports Betting Promo Codes And Bonuses

Here are the best Illinois sports betting promotions you can claim today:

  1. DraftKings Illinois: Best for a $50 bonus bet on $5+ deposit, plus a 20% deposit-match up to $1,000
  2. Caesars Illinois: Up to $1,250 on Caesars + 1000 Tier Credits + 1000 Reward Credits® with promo code: SBBONUSFULL
  3. BetMGM Illinois: Best for a bonus bet up to $1,000 if you don’t win and parlay profit boosters up to 40%
  4. BetRivers Illinois: Best for if your first wager loses, receive a Bet Credit equal to your stake up to $500!
  5. FanDuel Illinois: Best for No Sweat First Bet up to $1,000

Illinois Online Sportsbooks Bonuses May 2023

Illinois has some of the best online sportsbooks available in the United States. Here’s a quick rundown of the current Illinois sportsbook promo codes, followed by more detailed information about these welcome offers and why they’re worth utilizing.

DraftKings Illinois

Get $50 bonus with $5 deposit

Available States: AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV & WY

Caeasars Sportsbook IL

First Bet Is On Caesars Up To $1,250 back

Available States: AZ, CO, IN, IA, IL, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA & WV

BetMGM Illinois

Bet bonus up to $1,000 back

Available States: AZ, CO, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, MS, NJ, OH, NV, NY, PA, TN, VA, WV & WY - Note: Offer not available in DC, MS, NV or NY (Not valid in NY and MS)

BetRivers Illinois

2nd Chance Bet up to $500

Available States: AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, LA, MD, MI, OH, NJ, NY, PA, VA & WV (NY up to $100)

FanDuel Illinois

$1,000 No Sweat First Bet

Available States: AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV & WY

Top 6 Illinois Sports Betting Promo Codes & Bonuses

1. DraftKings Illinois

  • Best for a $50 bonus bet with minimum deposit, plus a 20% deposit match up to $1,000
  • Available on iOS, Android, and desktop
  • Great odds and tons of ongoing promotions

Claim the DraftKings Illinois promo code for a $50 bonus bet on deposit

With the DraftKings Illinois promo code, new signups can deposit $5 or more for a $50 bonus bet with our exclusive link above. That’s like a 1,000% deposit-match bonus, which is one of the most generous offers in Illinois. You’ll also receive a 20% deposit-match bonus on however much you start with (minimum $5 for a $1 bonus), up to $1,000. If you plan on betting at DraftKings Sportsbook for the long term, then you’ll probably benefit from going for a big initial deposit to maximize the Illinois promo code.

2. Caesars Illinois

  • Best for bet credit up to $1,250 back
  • Available on iOS, Android, and desktop
  • Connected to the popular Caesars Rewards loyalty program

Use Caesars Sportsbook Illinois promo code: SBBONUSFULL to claim up to $1,250

The Caesars Illinois Sportsbook promo code is SBBONUSFULL for a bet credit offer up to $1,250. That means you can place a $1 bet all the way up to a $1,250 bet, and Caesars will refund it with a bet credit of equal value if it loses. If it wins, you simply get the winnings and wager for a full payout that’s immediately available for cashout.

Betting via the Caesars Illinois Sportsbook online also earns Caesars Rewards points, which can also be earned in-person at all Caesars Entertainment properties, including the Illinois casinos Harrah’s Joliet, Harrah’s Metropolis, and Grand Victoria Casino Elgin as well as Horseshoe Hammond, located just outside of Chicago in Indiana.

3. BetMGM Illinois

  • Best for parlay bettors due to the 40% profit booster from the Parlay Plus feature
  • Available on iOS, Android, and desktop
  • Top-rated app and a huge selection of bets

Use BetMGM Illinois bonus code: PLAYSPORTS for a $1,000 in bonus bets first bet offer

The newest Illinois sportsbook will be BetMGM, one of the most popular online sports betting apps in the US. BetMGM Illinois launched on March 5, 2022, as the state’s first online-only sportsbook. That means it’s not partnered with a retail casino in Illinois.

The BetMGM Illinois bonus code is PLAYSPORTS for a first bet offer up to $1,000 back.  Once you’re a member, you also get access to the Parlay Plus feature, which boosts parlay profits by up to 40%. Sign up at BetMGM Illinois with bonus code: PLAYSPORTS to claim today.

4. BetRivers Illinois

  • Best for first-time bettors. If your first wager loses, receive a Bet Credit equal to your stake up to $500 with a 1x wagering requirements
  • Available on iOS, Android, and desktop
  • Excellent $500 2nd Chance Bet for New Sports Bettors

Use BetRivers bonus code: BONUSPLAY for up to $500 in bet credits today

The BetRivers Illinois bonus code is BONUSPLAY for a 2nd Chance Bet up to $500. Best of all, it only has a 1x wagering requirement, so you only need to bet the bonus amount once (with no odds minimum) on any sports market to withdraw winnings. That makes it one of the best deals in town despite being a lower bonus amount than its competitors.

BetRivers is the online sports betting site for Rivers Casino in Des Plaines. The property is partially owned by Rush Street Gaming, which developed the BetRivers app in Illinois and other legalized states.

5. FanDuel Illinois

  • Up to $1,000 First Bet No Sweat (regular offer)
  • Available on iOS, Android, and desktop
  • Multiple deposit and withdrawal options

Claim the FanDuel Illinois promo code today

FanDuel offers an exceptional app as well as a well known Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) platform. An account at either gets you access to both, including utilizing the same bankroll.

6. PointsBet Illinois

  • Best for 5 second chance bet credits up to $250
  • Available on iOS, Android, and desktop
  • Unique “PointsBetting” wager to earn multipliers on totals bets

Get five second chance bet credits up to $250 with the PointsBet promo code: Click to Claim

The PointsBet promo code is Click to Claim for 5 second chance bet credits totaling up to $250. The deal lets new signups get up to 5 x $50 Bet Credits if your first Fixed-Odds cash bet of the day loses (1 per day for 5 days).

What’s a PointsBetting wager? It’s an over/under totals bet where the final number of points over or under the total becomes a multiplier. For example, 10 points over would be a 10x multiplier that applies to your wager. So a losing bet would be multiplied by 10x, but so would a winning bet. It’s risky, but it’s potentially rewarding. PointsBetting wagers are not part of this promotion.

Sign up at PointsBet Sportsbook with promo code: Click to Claim to lock in the deal.

What Can You Bet On In Illinois?

All Illinois online sportsbooks offer lines on every major league sport as well as most professional sports around the world. NCAA Division 1 games are also available for betting (with some restrictions on in-state college schools, which we describe in the next section). The most popular sports for betting in Illinois include:

  • NFL
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • College Football
  • College Basketball
  • MLS, EPL, and other pro soccer leagues
  • Tennis
  • MMA
  • Golf
  • NASCAR

The list goes on. From odds on Super Bowl 2023 to table tennis matches in China, you can find it all at Illinois sportsbooks.

What Bets Are Restricted In Illinois?

Bettors in Illinois can now bet on in-state college teams in-person at retail sportsbooks. Simply visit the nearest brick-and-mortar Illinois casino to place bets on the games. However, betting on in-state college teams is restricted online. Further, college player prop bets and in-game live betting is still restricted, even in-person.

How Do I Cash Out Winnings At An Illinois Sportsbook Online?

The best Illinois sports betting apps make cashing out your winnings fast and easy. Simply request to withdraw the money in your account and select the payment method of choice. These include:

  • Online Bank Transfer
  • PayPal
  • Skrill
  • Play+ Card
  • Cash in-person at retail sportsbook
  • Check by mail

The minimum for cashout is usually $5 to $20. However, it can be $300 or more if you choose check by mail instead. But for payment methods like PayPal and online bank transfer, you can expect the minimum to be around $10.

All Legal Illinois Online Gambling

Online Gambling TypeStatus In Illinois
Online Sports BettingLegal in Illinois
Sweepstakes CasinosLegal in Illinois
Online Horse Race BettingLegal in Illinois
Online LotteryLegal in Illinois
Daily Fantasy SportsLegal in Illinois

Other ways to legally win money online in Illinois include:

  • Promotional Sweepstakes Casinos: Play casino-style games using premium credits that can be redeemed for cash prizes and more. The best social casinos in Illinois include Chumba, Pulsz, and Funzpoints.
  • Horse Race Betting: Bet on horse races taking place across the US and around the world from anywhere within Illinois state lines.
  • Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS): Players 18 and up can participate in DFS contests at DraftKings DFS and elsewhere, where competitors build teams of real-life players to win contests for cash prizes.
  • Illinois Online Lottery: Buy a variety of lottery tickets directly on the Illinois Lottery website, including Powerball and Mega Millions tickets.

Neighboring States with Online Sports Betting

Three of Illinois’ neighboring states legalized online sports betting:

Missouri and Wisconsin have not legalized sports betting yet, but both states are decently likely contenders for legalization within the next couple years.

Best Legal Illinois Online Casinos – Top Social Casinos

Social CasinoSign Up OfferPurchase Offer
🥇 Chumba Casino:2,000,000 Gold Coins and 2 FREE Sweeps Coins10,000,000 Gold Coins for $10 + 30 FREE Sweeps Coins.
🥈 Pulsz Casino:2.3 Free SC at signup1. Get 173,500 Gold Coin for $9.99 and receive 15 FREE Sweeps Coins.
2. Get 362,000 Gold Coin for $19.99 and receive 30 FREE Sweeps Coins.
3. WOW Vegas:4.5 SC on Sign Up30 SC on first purchase of $9.99 WOW Coins package
4. Luckyland Slots:7,777 FREE Gold Coins & 10 FREE Sweeps Coins50,000 Gold Coins for $4.99 (Normally $10). Plus, 10 FREE Sweeps Coins.
5. Global PokerN/A200,000 Gold Coins for $20 (Normally $40). PLUS, 40 FREE Sweeps Coins
6. Funzpoints: Get 250 Premium Funzpoints at signup. A value of $2.50100% first purchase match up to $20. That gets you 2000 premium Funzpoints.

About Social Casinos In Illinois

With no real-money online casinos, Illinois players can join sweepstakes and social casinos instead. These sites, such as Pulsz Casino and Funzpoints, offer casino-style games and use a sweepstakes model to legally offer their product in states where traditional online casinos are prohibited. 

Social casinos offer their services for free, including the chance to win prizes without making a purchase. That’s why you always get something for signing up. If you win using the free site tokens, you can redeem them for a cash prize, or gift card, with no purchase necessary.

Players can receive additional sweepstakes credits or tokens for free in the following ways:

  • Log in daily at Pulsz Casino for up to 1 free SC every 24 hours based on your login streak
  • Spin the prize wheel at Funzpoints every 3 hours for entries to the daily $1,000 jackpot prize pool
  • Participate in social media contests on Pulsz and Funzpoints’ Instagram and Facebook channels
  • Opt-in to regular promotions, such as the weekly prize pool tournaments at Pulsz Casino
  • Purchase coin offers that come with FREE SC or Premium Funzpoints

See all the Pulsz Casino promo codes for existing members

How Are Social Casinos Different From Online Gambling Sites?

Traditional online gambling sites use dollars instead of Sweeps Coins to offer real-money slots and other casino games. You deposit money into your account, place bets in the currency you deposited, and then withdraw whatever is left. It’s simple and straightforward.

Social and sweepstakes casinos use a dual coin or ‘token’ system. You receive free sweepstakes coins (premium coins), and you can get Gold Coins (site tokens on Chumba and Global Poker) free or by making a purchase. You can then play the games for fun using Gold Coins or play for a chance to redeem cash prizes, gift cards, and more with the free sweepstakes coins (Sweeps Coins on Chumba and Luckyland). Whatever you win using your FREE Sweeps Coins on Chumba Casino or Luckyland Slots, for example, is available to be redeemed for a cash prize or gift card as long as it meets the minimum threshold for prize redemption. The minimum for redemption at Pulsz is 100 sweepstakes coins ($100), while the minimum at Funzpoints is 2,000 Premium Funzpoints ($20).

Because of this distinction, sweepstakes sites and social casinos are legal in almost all US states. Meanwhile, legal online casinos are only available in five states (There are excellent online casino bonuses in Michigan which is the closest state to Illinois).

Yes, one of your options is to redeem your Sweepstakes Coins, SC (Sweeps Coins) winnings for cash prizes at sweepstakes casinos and social casinos like Chumba Casino, Pulsz, and Funzpoints. When you’ve won enough Sweepstakes Coins (premium credits at Pulsz) or Premium Funzpoints, you can redeem the credits for a cash prize. In the same way as a traditional online casino, players at social casinos are directly rewarded for how well they play casino-style games.

Also worth mentioning, Illinois does not cap potential winnings at social casinos. States like Florida and New York have a $10,000 prize maximum. There are no such limitations in the Land of Lincoln.

Welcome Bonus

You’ll receive free premium and standard credits when you first join a social casino or poker site. This satisfies the Illinois law that sweepstakes can’t require a purchase for participation.

You can also receive free Premium credits by mailing a request to their PO box or participating in their social media contests. See the specific info on the promo sweeps site to learn more, as you have to follow very specific instructions to qualify.

Also worth noting, aside from the first signup bonus, FendOff does not have daily login bonuses.

Purchase Bonus

A purchase at a social casino may include FREE Sweeps Coins, a reduced price on Gold Coins, or sometimes a combination of both. For example, the Pulsz promo code gets new signups 2.3 FREE SC, plus 15 FREE SC for $9.99 and 30 FREE SC for $19.99. At Funzpoints, the purchase offer is a 100% coins boost up to 2,000 free Premium Funzpoints (for 4,000 Premium Funzpoints total).

You can find a wide range of slots at Pulsz, Chumba, and other social casinos. Like a traditional online casino, sweeps slots represent the widest variety of casino-style games.

The types of slots available in social casinos include classic three-reels, five-reel video slots, unique games like the Wheel of Fortune online slot, and massive progressive jackpot pools. In fact, Pulsz Casino offers slots that pay out over 1 million SC.

Every time a player uses Sweepstakes Coins (at Pulsz) or Premium Funzpoints on a progressive slot, the total jackpot increases. One percent to ten percent that each player uses is added to the running total. When a lucky person hits the jackpot, it resets at its starting amount and continues to increase.

Sometimes, a progressive jackpot is shared between more than one slot. These are known as “progressive slots” networks, such as “The Big One” at BetMGM Casino, a real-money online casino available in Michigan.

More Illinois Online Gambling

Sports betting isn’t the only real-money gambling option in the state. Illinois also boasts the following options for betting enthusiasts:

Illinois residents may have access to casino gaming at sweepstakes and social casinos, but real money online casinos have yet to come to fruition. Like with Iowa online casinos, Illinois casino players are at the mercy of their state representatives to expand online gambling in the state to include online slots, blackjack, roulette, and more.

Online horse race betting is legal and available to anyone 21 years old within state lines. 

The state has three racetracks and various off-track betting facilities as well. 

Racing enthusiasts should have no trouble finding a site that powers horse race betting in Illinois. TVG, BetAmerica, and TwinSpires are all live in the state.

The best part? These sites don’t limit you to races held in-state. Instead, they offer races from around the globe, including high-profile derbies and festivals. BetAmerica, for example, features wagering options for all three Triple Crown races. 

Choosing a horse race betting site in Illinois is simply a matter of preference. They all offer live streams and a plethora of betting options. 

Online lottery is still somewhat rare in the US, with a few regions offering limited options. Illinois is one of the exceptions to that trend. Players 18 or older in Illinois can purchase lottery tickets online.

Whether through the Illinois Lottery app or website, purchasing tickets is easy. Players must register first, a process outlined on the Illinois Lottery’s webpage

Players can purchase single drawings or subscriptions to Powerball, Mega Millions, and lotto games online in Illinois. In addition, subscriptions to Lucky Day Lotto, Pick 3 and Pick 4 are also available online. 

Once you’ve created an account, you can also:

  • View previous wins/check your numbers
  • Receive deposits immediately for any win up to $600
  • Set notification reminders for draw times and any wins

In recent years, Illinois has tried and failed to formally legalize Daily Fantasy Sports. No law expressly prohibits DFS operators from providing their services in Illinois. However, the Attorney General issued an opinion that DFS was illegal in 2015. 

The state legislature’s move to legalize sports betting added more complexity to the DFS issue. The Illinois sports betting bill originally included a suggested 18-month penalty for illegal DFS operators wishing to launch online sportsbooks in the state. However, the penalty did not formally make the final draft of Illinois’ sports betting law.

However, the final legislation does include a stipulation that allows three online-only sports betting licenses to be granted in the state 18 months after the initial launch of sports betting. This led FanDuel and DraftKings to seek land-based partners in Illinois in order to circumvent any waiting period. 

Concerning DFS, that legal battle rages on, and there’s no clear indication of how it will turn out. For now, FanDuel, DraftKings, and other operators offer DFS to Illinois players unhindered. 

Illinois Online Gambling History

Online gambling is a new frontier in Illinois’ rich gambling history, with roots that reach as far back as 1927 with the advent of pari-mutuel horse race wagering. 

The state evolved throughout the past 100 years, offering new forms of gambling in a slow trickle of legislation. 

The biggest spark that drove Illinois to embrace online sports betting was the United States Supreme Court decision in May 2018 that declared the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) unconstitutional.

While many believe this legalized sports betting across the United States, the truth is a bit more complex. Instead, The Supreme Court decision on PASPA opened the door for each state to make its own ruling on sports betting. In the two years since 22 states and Washington D.C. have authorized some form of legal sports betting. Illinois is among them. 

In June 2019, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the Illinois Gambling Act. The law expanded land-based gaming in the state and finalized Illinois’ sports betting framework. 

The Prairie State is just beginning to see the fruits of this bill. Two online sportsbooks launched in the first half of 2020, and three more followed later in the summer, with Barstool joining in 2021. More are on the way, marking a new era for Illinois betting enthusiasts. 

Live Gambling In Illinois

Illinois launched regulated horse race betting in 1927. That was the only form of gambling available for some time, until 1974, when the state launched its lottery. 

In 1990, Illinois became the second state (following its neighbor Iowa) to authorize casino riverboat gambling. As a result, riverboat casinos still have a significant presence in the state. 

2009 brought another win to Illinois: The Video Gaming Act. The law allowed retail locations such as bars, restaurants, and truck stops to place a limited number of VLT (video lottery terminals) on their properties. VLTs look and play like slot machines, but they use lottery math models. 

In 2012, Illinois shook things up by authorizing online lottery sales. Only a small selection of states offer this option to this day. 

Finally, in 2019, Illinois passed its law regulating sportsbooks for both the retail and online markets. 

Illinois Gambling Overview

Is lottery legal in Illinois?Yes, both retail and online
Does Illinois have racetracks?Yes
Does Illinois have casinos?Yes
What is the minimum gambling age in Illinois?21 (18 for lottery, horse race betting, and Daily Fantasy Sports)
Who regulates Illinois gambling?The Illinois Gaming Board
Where else can I gamble in Illinois?Offtrack betting facilities (horse racing). Bars, restaurants, truck stops (Video Lottery Terminals). Online horse race betting sites. Online sportsbooks (not yet launched).

Illinois Casinos

The Prairie State hosts 10 casinos. More are on the way as part of the recent bill that also legalized sports betting. The Illinois Gambling Act approves six more casinos in the state, including one near Chicago. 

Here’s a rundown of Illinois casinos:

CasinoLocation
Argosy CasinoAlton
Casino QueenEast St. Louis
Harrah’s Joliet Casino and HotelJoliet
Grand Victoria CasinoElgin
Hollywood Casino JolietJoliet
Rivers CasinoDes Plaines
Par-A-Dice Hotel CasinoEast Peoria
Harrah’s Metropolis Casino and HotelMetropolis
Jumer’s Casino and HotelRock Island
Hollywood Casino AuroraAurora

Casino Companies In Illinois

Several gaming industry juggernauts control Illinois casinos. Most casino owners are big-name corporations, but a few of Illinois’ casinos are outliers.  

Churchill Downs owns a controlling stake in Des Plaines’ Rivers Casino and the Arlington International racetrack nearby. Rush Street Gaming operates Rivers Casino as a minority owner. 

Caesars Entertainment Corporation is heavily invested in Illinois casinos. It owns Harrah’s properties (Joilet and Metropolis) and Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin. Caesars came to own Grand Victoria through its merger with Eldorado Resorts.

Penn National Gaming owns both Hollywood casinos in Illinois: Aurora and Joliet. 

Three other companies each own a single casino in Illinois: Boyd Gaming owns Par-A-Dice, Delaware North owns Jumer’s Casino and Hotel, and Casino Queen in East St. Louis is employee-owned. 

Laws To Know

Anyone 21 or over can play at an Illinois casino with proper identification. 

Illinois prohibits smoking in gambling properties.

The in-person registration requirement for online sportsbooks expired on March 5, 2022, so bettors can complete registration entirely online from anywhere in the state.

Illinois Lottery

The Illinois Lottery launched in 1974 and has been active ever since. In 2012, the state changed its laws to allow the online sale of lottery games. As a result, players can purchase and play lottery games on the internet and even collect prizes up to $600 directly on the Lottery’s website. 

The Illinois Lottery website is an excellent resource for players. It includes how-to-play guides for each game. You can also purchase tickets for many draw games on the site. If you are a frequent player, you can set up a subscription to buy tickets on a regular basis. 

Lottery Games

Huge jackpots are available in Illinois games like Powerball, Mega Millions, and Lotto Extra Shot. These games offer massive prizes, but they have the slimmest odds. So simply pick your numbers and keep your fingers crossed they hit when the time comes for the drawing. 

Pick 3 and Pick 4 offer smaller but more frequent prizes of up to $500 and $5,000, respectively. In addition, both games have drawings twice daily for maximum chances to win. 

Instant tickets offer prizes up to $1 million, and they’re easy to purchase and play. However, instant tickets are not available online. Instead, players must buy them at a licensed retail location, which can be found on the Illinois Lottery website or app. 

Illinois Horse Racing

Horse racing has long been ingrained in Illinois gambling culture. The state began allowing pari-mutuel racing bets as early as 1927. 

Illinois has three racetracks in addition to various off-track betting facilities. 

RacetrackLocation
Arlington International RacecourseArlington Heights
Fairmount ParkCollinsville
Hawthorne RacecourseCicero

Horse race betting in Illinois is allowed for anyone 18 or above. In addition, the state allows online horse race wagering through sites like TVG, Xpressbet, BetAmerica, and TwinSpires. 

Illinois Gambling Information

Illinois Online Gambling FAQs

Yes. Illinois authorized riverboat casinos in 1990. It was the second state to do so after its midwestern neighbor, Iowa. Ten casinos currently operate with full licenses in the state.

In June 2019, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a law that expands casino gaming in Illinois. The bill also legalized sports betting and authorized the construction of six new casinos in Illinois. The move drastically expands Illinois’ gambling presence. 

DraftKings has a Daily Fantasy Sports app and a sportsbook app for Illinois players. The DraftKings sportsbook app launched in August 2020 and is available on Android or iOS devices. The company is partnered with casino Queen in East St. Louis. You must visit the casino to register at the online sportsbook.

Yes. Online sports betting is legal in Illinois. There are several online sportsbooks live in the state, including DraftKings, BetMGM, PointsBet, BetRivers, Caesars, FanDuel, and more. Bettors over 21 can register for any online sportsbook and begin betting on sports within minutes.

Penn National Gaming owns two of Illinois’ casinos. Caesars owns both Harrah’s properties plus Grand Victoria Elgin, which it acquired via its merger with Eldorado.

Churchill Downs owns Rivers Casino. 

Boyd Gaming owns Par-A-Dice, Delaware North owns Jumer’s Casino and Hotel, and Casino Queen in East St. Louis is employee-owned. Par-A-Dice announced its partnership with FanDuel Sportsbook in late August 2020.

You’ll find a wide variety of games offered at Illinois’ casinos. Blackjack, roulette, craps, poker variants, and many more are available in The Prairie State’s gambling properties. Slots are also common, with some casinos offering more than 1,000 machines. 

No. Though many other forms of gambling, both in-person and online, are available to Illinois players, the state remains steady in its stance against Illinois online casinos

Sweepstakes casinos are available, but they use a unique model that allows players to win cash prizes by playing with special in-game currency. 

It’s possible that Illinois could legalize online casino gaming for real money in the future, but that looks to be a distant possibility rather than a near-future one. 

18. You need to be at least 18 years old to play on a social casino site in Illinois. The site will likely have you verify your identity before a cash prize is awarded. At Global Poker, you must verify your age and identity before you receive your Sweeps Coin bonus.

In Illinois, the online gambling age is 21. If you’re under 21 and want to win cash prizes by making sports picks, you’ll need to play at FendOff rather than an online sportsbook.

You can win cash prizes at social casinos in Illinois by playing at Funzpoints Casino and elsewhere. To redeem a cash prize, players must win $20 worth of Premium Funzpoints, which is the lowest prize redemption minimum out of all the promotional sweepstakes, and social casinos.

Over a million. Global Poker boasts a user base of over a million members. While that’s not indicative of their monthly users, that’s a massive number of profiles that few other poker sites can claim. Day or night, you can find a large number of ring games going on at Global Poker. They also host tournaments that end as late as 3 AM and start as early as 5 AM.

To redeem a cash prize at social casinos or social poker sites, you need to have a minimum number of won Sweeps Coins in your account. FREE Sweeps Coins are not cleared for redemption until they’re used to play the games. They will then send you your money through a trusted source like via Skrill e-wallet. From there, you can transfer the cash prize to your regular bank account.

About the Author
Mike Epifani

Mike Epifani

Casino Content Manager
Mike Epifani is a gambling expert and professional writer. His current role is Brand Content Manager at Bonus.com, part of the Catena Media network. Mike spoke on the affiliate marketing panel at G2E 2022 in Las Vegas and won "Casino Affiliate of the Year" at the 2022 SBC Awards North America in NYC.

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