Getting the best pricing requires lots of sportsbooks in a state. And Indiana did pretty much everything it could to attract the big operators. While books do need to partner with a land-based operator to offer online sports betting, there are 14 total casinos, so there shouldn’t be a shortage of relationships. And the fees to enter are just. Best Sportsbook Bonuses. Sportsbook bonuses are not created equal! Some are real cash, some are match plays/free plays and almost all have different rollovers and holds before you qualify to submit for a withdrawl/payout. Although each can have their pros and cons, there is a match out there for everyone.
Colorado online sports betting kicked off on May 1, 2020. There are 16 licensed Colorado online sportsbooks. Most offer sign-up bonuses including free bets and deposit bonuses that lure players to their sites instead of their competitors. Each has its own set of terms and conditions, and we cover them below so you can find the best deal for your level of activity.
**Some of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. All bonus and promotions have Terms & Conditions that apply. 21+ for legal online gambling sites. If you think you have a gambling problem, please call 1-800-522-4700.
Best Online Sports Betting Bonuses In Colorado
While most Colorado sportsbooks offer bonuses, some are notable for new bettors. Here are the eight best welcome bonuses in Colorado:
- William Hill – Claim A $500 Risk-Free Bet
- BetRivers – Claim A $250 Deposit Bonus with 100% Match
- FanDuel – Claim A $1,000 Risk-Free Bet
- SportsBetting.com – Claim A $150 Deposit Bonus
- BetMGM – Claim A $600 Risk Free Bet Bonus – Use bonus code SHARP
- PointsBet – Claim A Two Risk-Free Bets, up to $2,000 – Use bonus code BIGBONUS
- DraftKings – Claim A $1,000 Deposit Bonus with 20% Match
- FOX Bet – Claim A $500 Risk-Free Bet
Online Sports Betting In Colorado
William Hill Colorado
Bonus: $500 Free Bet
Claim Bonus: Willaim Hill $500 Free Bet
Defense Dollars: Wager $50 or more on the pregame or full game spread on the Washington Huskies vs. Oregon Ducks game. Earn a free bet for your team’s defense:
- $1 per sack
- $2 per fumble recovery
- $3 per interception
- $7 per defensive touchdown
- $10 per safety
Remember, the risk-free bet must be used within seven days from the date it’s awarded. Don’t let that free bet go to waste!
BetRivers Colorado
Bonus: 100% up to $250 Deposit Match
Claim Bonus: BetRivers Sportsbook Bonus of $250
Colorado became the fourth state BetRivers launched in after Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Illinois. (It launched in Iowa shortly afterward, too.) BetRivers is owned by Rush Street Interactive, the same company that operates SugarHouse Online, but Coloradans won’t get access to that site. BetRivers has a number of loyalty perks and rewards to Colorado sports bettors and is offering up to a $250 match for deposits through our exclusive link. BetRivers will match each dollar bettors deposit with a site credit up to $250. Bettors also have to use that money to bet, with BetRivers releasing one site credit for every dollar in wagers. It has the best rate of reward among Colorado deposit bonuses. But it’s far from the largest.
FanDuel Sportsbook Colorado
Bonus: $1,000 Risk-Free Bet
Claim Bonus: FanDuel Sportsbook $1,000 Risk-Free Bet
FanDuel is another licensed daily fantasy sports company that entered thelegal sports betting industry in Colorado. You receive $5 in your account immediately upon signing up. You’ll receive another $5 upon making a deposit. FanDuel’s main welcome bonus is its $1,000 risk-free bet. You’ll receive a free bet for your first wager’s amount. If it loses, your account is reimbursed for the losses, up to $1,000. Winnings are eligible for cashout, but the site credits cannot be withdrawn.
SportsBetting.com
Bonus: $150 Deposit Bonus
Claim Bonus:SportsBetting.com $150 deposit bonus
SportsBetting.com launched in Colorado after partnering withJohnny Nolon’s. SportsBetting.com offers a 100% up to $150 deposit bonus for new customers.
Bonus: $600 Risk Free Bonus
Claim Bonus:BetMGM Sportsbook $600 Risk Free Bet Bonus – Use bonus code SHARP
Bet MGM is operated by MGM Resorts out of Las Vegas. It offers a risk-free bet up to $600. However, bettors must use their first bet to take advantage of this bonus. If bettors lose their first bet, then BetMGM will add risk-free bets to bettor accounts. If bettors wager $49 or less, they’ll get one risk-free bet that’s equal to their first bet. If bettors wager $50 or more, then bettors will get five risk-free bets that are each worth a fifth of their first bet. So, a $600 losing wager would get bettors six $100 risk-free bets. It’s a little confusing, but the bottom line is bettors will get their losing stake back in the form of risk-free bets.
PointsBet Colorado
Bonus: 2 Risk-Free Bets up to $2,000
Claim Bonus: PointsBet Sportsbook $2,000 Risk-Free Bets – Use Bonus Code BIGBONUS
PointsBet offers a little something different-a dual risk-free bonus bet offer. New accounts can receive two risk-free bets, one up to $500 on a fixed-odds bet, and $1,500 for PointsBetting. PointsBetting is a spread bet which allows bettors to wager on how much their team will cover the spread by. The reward multiplies depending on how far over the threshold your team is when the game concludes. If you can guess how much you’ll win, you can be rewarded exponentially. But it’s a tricky bet. Best of luck if you attempt it.
DraftKings Sportsbook Colorado
Bonus: 20% up to $1000 on deposit.
Claim Bonus:DraftKings Sportsbook Bonus of $1,000
DraftKings is best known in Colorado as a legal daily fantasy sports site. It’s been a licensed daily fantasy site in Colorado since 2016. Now you can bet on sports through DraftKings’ app and website.
New DraftKings sportsbook players can earn up to $1,000 in deposit bonuses. When making a deposit, bettors can earn $1 in site credits for every $5 they deposit, up to $1000. That means a $5,000 deposit would receive the maximum bonus. However, DraftKings also has a playthrough requirement. Bettors get $1 in site credits for every $25 they ager after depositing. Bettors have 90 days to meet the playthrough requirement to maximize this bonus. You’ll be rewarded in proportion to how much you deposit and wager, so make your first deposit and subsequent bets count!
Additional terms and conditions apply.
FOX Bet Colorado
Bonus: $500 Risk-Free Bet
FOX Bet offers new players a $500 risk-free bet on their first wager. However, it’s only good for your first wager, so make sure you don’t miss it. Bettors must place a bet on a line with odds of -200 or more to qualify. If you lose, you’ll get site credits that match your stake up to $500. If you win, then congratulations. Enjoy your winnings.
BetMonarch
Bonus: None available
BetMonarch is the first homegrown sportsbook to launch in Colorado, both owned and operated locally. The new app launched in May 2020, about a week after Colorado legal sports betting went live. As the name suggests, BetMonarch is attached to the Monarch Casino in Black Hawk, and bettors will also be able to place bets at the retail sportsbook in person once Colorado casinos reopen.
SBK
Bonus: None Available
SBK is an online sportsbook from Smarkets, a European sports betting company based in the UK. SBK launched on June 4 and gets its odds from its betting exchange overseas. That means that SBK’s odds are particularly competitive. But Colorado sportsbooks that offer bonuses or boosts can have better odds on certain lines than SBK.
Sky Ute Sportsbook
Bonus: None Available
Sky Ute Sportsbook is the online sportsbook from the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. Sky Ute Sportsbook launched on June 9 and is currently not offering a sign-up or deposit bonus.
Circa Sports
Bonus: None available
Circa Sports is an online sportsbook that started in Las Vegas at the D and Golden Gate. Colorado is its first online sportsbook outside of Nevada and promises to have high limits and great odds.
BetWildwood
Bonus: None Available
BetWildwood is an online sports betting site operated by Wildwood Casino. It offers no welcome bonuses and tends to have low odds compared to its competitors.
theScore Bet
Bonus: $1,000 Deposit Bonus with 5% Cash Back + $500 Risk-Free Bet
theScore Bet offers two welcome bonuses: the $1,000 deposit bonus and the $500 risk-free bet.
The deposit bonus rewards bettors for their first deposit, up to $1,000. But to unlock that bonus, bettors need to wager. Bettors get 5% cash back on every wager for 60 days to slowly unlock the cash bonus they earned from their first deposit. That means to get the full $1,000, bettors must:
- Deposit $1,000 on their first deposit.
- Wager $20,000 in 60 days.
Long story short, bettors will be rewarded in proportion to their play.
theScore Bet also offers a $500 risk-free bet. theScore Bet refunds your first bet if it loses for the amount bettors wagered, up to $500.
Elite Sportsbook
Bonus: $500 Risk-Free Bet
Elite Sportsbook is partnered with Red Dolly Casino. They are offering first-time users a $500 risk-free bet of up to $500 on their first bet. With a risk-free bet, the first bet is the one to go big on.
Betfred Sports
Bonus: $500 Risk-Free Bet
Betfred is a European operator that partnered with Saratoga to launch its online sportsbook in Colorado. Betfred is an official partner of the Denver Broncos and offers new players up to $500 risk-free bet when they sign up.
Superbook Sportsbook
Bonus: None Available
Superbook is a recent Colorado entrant that promises bonuses soon. Colorado is its first state after Nevada, and it’ll be heading into New Jersey next.
Colorado Sports Betting Sites Launching Soon:
888 Sportsbook
888 Sportsbook isn’t here yet. But when it is, it offers a $500 risk-free bet. However, that could change for Colorado before launching.
Bet365
Bet365 is a maybe, too. However, if it comes to Colorado, bettors would be able to claim a $100 first deposit bonus. It’d be the smallest deposit bonus in Colorado at that rate.
BetAmerica
BetAmerica is best-known as a horse racing betting company. It is owned and operated by Churchill Downs. It has been licensed in Colorado in the racing industry for years. However, its casino bonus is more generous than its sportsbook bonus. New casino players get a $500 deposit bonus. New sportsbook bettors get what appears to be a $50 risk-free bet.
Barstool Sportsbook
Barstool Sportsbook is opening a retail location in Colorado, but the app isn’t live yet. When it is, bettors can claim a $500 risk-free bet.
Colorado Sports Betting Promotions
Existing users can take part in sports betting promotions offered at many of the Colorado sports betting sites. Deposit bonuses reward bettors for how much they deposit and wager. Risk-free bets refund losing bets with site credits.
However, bettors will find ongoing bonuses that offer small wagers on popular games. There’s lots to see, so bettors should keep an eye out for new promotions.
Deposit Bonuses
Deposit bonuses appear the most enticing. They reward bettors for how much they deposit upfront. Sportsbooks seem to know that bettors who deposit money will use it, so it makes sense for them to incentivize large deposits. Deposit bonuses are awarded at a rate expressed as a percentage. A 20% deposit bonus, like DraftKings’, awards 20% of a bettor’s deposit in site credits. So, a $100 deposit would earn $20 in site credits.
However, deposit bonuses often have playthrough requirements, too. Bettors need to actually use the money they deposit before unlocking their bonuses. theScore Bet awards 5% of a bettor’s wagers up to the amount they deposited upfront. That way, sportsbooks ensure bettors are actually wagering.
Risk-Free Bets
Ironically, risk-free bets require bettors to risk their own money upfront. Risk-free bets reimburse bettors for how much they lose on their first bet. The advertised amount is often the maximum bet that bettors can be reimbursed for in full. So, a $500 risk-free bet often means that bettors can lose $500 on their first bet, then get that money back in site credits. That’s the deal bettors can find at Fox Bet. However, bettors can’t withdraw the site credits. Bettors can only get their winnings in the bank. Since these bonuses are often only good for the first bet, new bettors often miss the chance to use them. Don’t be one of them. Plan the first bet carefully.
No-Deposit Bonuses
These are small, unremarkable bonuses that bettors receive upon sign up. However, these are in the form of site credits, too. They’re not free money for bettors to withdraw and use as they please. Bettors must use those credits to wager at their sportsbook or forfeit them. They’re usually not larger than $50, so don’t get too excited about them. Barstool Sportsbook offers a $10 no-deposit bonus for signing up, knowing they’ll win that money back over time. However, they can help new and nervous bettors try betting for the first time. Sportsbooks likely use these to lure the most cautious of new bettors in, hoping they’ll wager more after using these first site credits.
Ongoing Event Bonuses
These are other small bonuses that are tied to specific events. BetMGM offers a deal where bettors wager $50 on college basketball and get a $25 free bet for college football. Little bundles like these help spread bets over all the events sportsbooks need money on.
How To Claim Online Sportsbook Bonuses In State
Claiming bonuses tends to be straightforward. First, bettors have to find the online sportsbook app they want to wager at. That’s as easy as googling the website or searching the app store. Keep in mind that some brands have state-specific apps. If the Colorado app is available, choose that one. And don’t mistake a daily fantasy sports app for a sportsbook. They’re not the same.
After that, bettors must register for accounts. Creating accounts is similar to any other website. However, sportsbooks require part or all of a bettor’s social security number. That may seem strange to new bettors. However, it’s part of an identity verification step that all licensed Colorado sportsbooks must adhere to. No one wants to award money to money launderers, after all.
Once bettors are registered, they just have to fulfill the first terms of the welcome bonus. That could mean different things for different bonuses and sportsbooks. For example, DraftKings and theScore Bet both offer $1,000 deposit bonuses. However, they have different ways to unlock the full bonus. DraftKings requires a large deposit upfront followed by a 25:1 playthrough requirement. But theScore Bet only requires a 20:1 playthrough. That means earning the full deposit bonus requires $5,000 less at theScore Bet than at DraftKings.
But risk-free bets come with their own terms, too. Their terms often hinge on the first wager. That means planning to bet big later is a poor strategy for fulfilling those terms. Read up on bonus terms before wagering if you want to take advantage of them.
Once the terms are fulfilled, bettors will find the bonus in their accounts. That could be site credits for additional betting or risk-free bets worth redeeming. Bettors should check their accounts and betslips if they’re looking for the rewards they reaped from their sportsbook bonus.
Colorado Sports Betting Bonus FAQs
21. While daily fantasy sports players only need to be 18, sports bettors must be a little older. This staves off a potentially thorny legislative issue. The idea of high school seniors gambling online is unsettling, even to gambling supporters. Raising the sports betting age got around that and likely helped keep mobile sports betting out of high schools.
Yes. Because bettors create separate accounts at each sportsbook, they can claim each sportsbook’s bonus. However, they can only claim bonuses once. Each sportsbook account is tied to a social security number. It’s hard to fake two accounts. Even if bettors could borrow a social security number, sportsbooks would suspend that account if they suspected that it was the same person. Sportsbooks have massive sets of data to use to identify duplicate accounts. Fooling them isn’t as easy as bettors may think.
Each playthrough requirement can differ from sportsbook to sportsbook. However, most of them are associated with deposit bonuses. After fulfilling the deposit requirement for a deposit bonus, bettors often have to wager their money to unlock site credits. They can take the form of fixed site credits per dollar wagered or a percentage of wagered dollars. Bettors must understand each bonus to learn how they wish to fulfill their playthrough requirements.
Bonus abuse is using multiple accounts to benefit from bonuses multiple times. Sportsbooks anticipate a certain return-on-investment from their bonuses. They expect to spend a little money to retain bettors over their full customer lifetimes. But those calculations assume one bonus per sportsbook. Any more than that is theft.
As long as bettors aren’t creating multiple accounts to profit from different bonus terms, then they’re fine. They can create single accounts at multiple sportsbooks, but creating multiple accounts at any sportsbook will get them in trouble.
DraftKings Sportsbook offers a $1,000 deposit bonus at a 20% match rate. If bettors deposit $100, they can earn up to $20 in site credits. However, bettors also have to use the money to bet. DraftKings requires its bettors to play $25 to earn each $1 of site credit. In the $20 example, a bettor would need to wager $500 for the bonus credits. For the full $1,000, bettors would need to play $25,000. Bettors are rewarded based on how much they deposit and play. As long as bettors are wagering at the pace they’ll normally wager, they’re getting a fair value of the bonus.
FanDuel offers a $1,000 risk-free bet to its new bettors. If a bettor’s first wager loses, then they’ll get site credits back equal to their losing bet, up to $1,000. Betting big on the first wager may be a good value for bettors with cash to spare. However, site credits are not the same as winnings. Bettors can withdraw winnings from their accounts. They cannot withdraw site credits. Bettors can only use site credits for betting on FanDuel.
Sometimes. Some sportsbooks require bettors to use their bonuses on bets with certain odds. Colorado sportsbooks usually set the minimum odds around -200. That way, sportsbooks don’t lose too much money giving away bonus credits and paying additional winnings. Each sportsbook bonus has its own terms, but this is the most common one. Bettors have to watch for these on risk-free bets more than anywhere else. Otherwise, bonus terms should be largely clear.
Illinois is rising in the ranks of gambling-friendly markets. The Prairie State has long had casinos and racetracks. Now, it’s staged to become a gambling leader with the introduction of Illinois online sports betting.
The BetRivers Sportsbook launched in June 2020, making it the first online sports betting site to come to the Land of Lincoln.
Governor J.B. Pritzker legalized sports betting in Illinois when he signed a gambling expansion bill. The bill also included provisions that allow for six new casinos to be built in Illinois. Although the original bills required new bettors to complete registration in person at a casino or retail sportsbook, this requirement has been suspended at least through January 9, 2021. This means bettors can complete the registration process entirely online.
Since legalizing sports betting, Illinois has launched a number of retail and online sportsbooks. BetRivers, DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet, and William Hill are all live online sports betting in the state. The Prairie State is quickly becoming a midwestern sports betting hub reporting just under $435 million on betting handle in October 2020.
Best Online Sportsbooks In Illinois
- PointsBet Sportsbook: Claim up to $2000 bonus here. Use offer code BIGBONUS to claim.
- DraftKings Sportsbook: Claim up to $1000 bonus here.
- FanDuel Sportsbook: Claim up to $1000 bonus here.
- BetRivers Sportsbook: Claim up to $250 bonushere.
Legal Online Sportsbooks In Illinois
Right now, Illinois has five online sportsbooks. Here’s a rundown of the current Illinois landscape.
BetRivers Illinois
BetRivers launched its online sportsbook in June 2020. BetRivers is the online sports betting site for Illinois’ Rivers Casino in Des Plaines. The property is partially owned by Rush Street Gaming, who developed the BetRivers app in Illinois and other legalized states. BetRivers was the top online sportsbook in Illinois in October by revenue. They took in about $11.5 million in revenue in October 2020.
BetRivers offers a 100% deposit match bonus (up to $250) when you sign up. It’s a great way to kickstart your sports betting account.
DraftKings Illinois
DraftKings was the second company to launch online sports betting in The Prairie State. Casino Queen in East St. Louis is DraftKings’ land-based partner.
Best Online Sportsbook Promotions Phone Number
DraftKings gives new players up to $1,000 in welcome bonuses via a 20% deposit match up to $1000.
FanDuel Illinois
In late August 2020, though, FanDuel announced its partnership with Par-A-Dice Casino in East Peoria, putting the rumors to rest. FanDuel launched its online sportsbook app in Illinois before the close of the month, becoming Illinois’ third online sportsbook.
PointsBet Illinois
Australia-based sportsbook operator PointsBet recently inked a deal with Hawthorne Race Course in Stickney, IL. The company launched its online sportsbook in September 2020.
PointsBet also offers some of the most competitive sign-up bonus offers for new bettors. Their best sign up bonus offers up to $1,500 in 2 risk free bets. See our review for more details
With competitive odds, unique features, and an in-person registration (if Governor Pritzker re-instates this requirement) location close to Chicago, PointsBet is staged to become a sports betting leader in Illinois.
Sign Up At PointsBet Illinois Here(Use code BIGBONUS)
William Hill
William Hill launched Illinois’ fifth online sportsbook in September. Caesars-owned Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin is the company’s license partner. William Hill has a retail sportsbook at Grand Victoria to complement its online offering.
Sportsbooks In Illinois: Companies To Expect
Though Illinois already has five online sportsbooks, it’s reasonable to expect more big players in the industry to launch in the market as soon as possible. Illinois will offer three online-only licenses 18 months into its sports betting tenure. For now, launches will be tied to a land-based tether-property. Here are a few possible online sportsbook launches to look out for in Illinois.
FOX Bet
The Stars Group runs FOX Bet as its US online sportsbook in many regulated states. For now, it’s unclear who will partner with FOX Bet in Illinois. However, it’s highly likely that FOX Bet will launch in the state regardless.
Penn National Gaming/Barstool
Penn National Gaming owns both of Illinois’ Hollywood Casinos (in Joliet and Aurora). The company also has a deal with Barstool, so we expect the team to launch an online sportsbook at some point. Thus far, Penn has been rather hush-hush about its plans in the state.
What Online Sportsbook Bonuses Are Available In Illinois?
Illinois bettors have access to a wide variety of bonuses, and that pool of promotions will only grow as new sportsbooks launch.
There are plenty of different bonus types, and sportsbook operators will often provide really competitive and lucrative promotions to gain new customers. Below are some of the most common types of bonuses and how they work.
No Deposit Bonus
This is the simplest bonus type you’ll find at an online sportsbook. Once you sign up, the site will give you a small dollar amount for free before you even make a deposit. Typically, you’ll receive between $10 and $30, enough to place one bet (or a few small ones).
No deposit bonuses are fairly straightforward, but they tend to be more common at online casinos 9where available/legal) than sportsbooks. There isn’t usually a catch, but always check the fine print when you sign up to be sure you don’t miss anything.
Risk-Free Bets
Many sportsbooks offer risk-free bets to get you started. This type of bonus requires you to place a bet with your own money, and the risk-free amount is typically capped.
With a risk-free bet bonus, you first need to select a bet. Once you identify one and place a wager, you wait for the match to play out and the result to come in. If your bet loses, the sportsbook will refund the amount you wagered back into your account. FanDuel Sportsbook currently offers a risk-free bet up to $1000.
Best Online Betting Promotions
If your bet wins, the risk-free offer goes away and you continue betting as you normally would. On a loss, you’re refunded the amount per the bonus terms and conditions, and the offer then expires.
Deposit Match
Deposit matches can be found on a number of regulated online sportsbooks. They can be some of the most valuable bonus offers available to players.
Deposit matches offer you a chance to add to the amount of your initial deposit into a sportsbook account. The dollar amount can reach up to $1000, especially with the biggest operators.
How it works: you make your first deposit using any of the approved deposit methods for the sportsbook making the offer. The sportsbook then adds a percentage of that deposit to your account. For example, if you make your first deposit for $200 at a site that offers a 100% deposit match, your wallet will jump to $400.
Watch for specific conditions surrounding these offers. Some operators require you to make your first deposit within a week from the date you create your account. Others offer a smaller percentage match.
For example, BetRivers offers a deposit match of 100% up to $250 while DraftKings matches 20% up to $1000. If you’re willing to shell out $2,500 on a single deposit, DraftKings makes it worth your while. BetRivers, on the other hand, is the more sensible option for bettors on a budget.
Refer A Friend
Refer a friend bonuses can be a nice boost to your sportsbook account.
The terms vary by operator, but the idea is the same across the board. Refer a friend to your favorite sportsbook using a unique link or code. Once your friend signs up and makes a deposit beyond a certain threshold (sometimes as low as $10), you both receive a bonus.
If you have friends interested in sports betting, these bonuses can be great. Some offer up to $50 for each friend you refer, and your friend gets a bonus, too. For example, the BetRivers Refer-A-Friend program allows you to earn free bets by recommending friends.
What Sports Can You Bet On In Illinois?
In 2018, the Supreme Court’s decision to rule the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) unconstitutional paved the way for states to build individual legislation to regulate sports betting. As a result, each state that has regulated has specific stipulations related to sports wagering.
The primary inter-state difference to keep an eye on is available sports. Not every state allows every sport at its online betting sites, and Illinois is no different. The Land of Lincoln has its own restrictions on betting.
Betting On US Pro Sports In Illinois
The good news for pro sports fans in Illinois is that there are virtually no restrictions in place on pro sports betting. Illinois bettors will be able to bet on a wide variety of professional US sports leagues, including:
- Major League Baseball
- National Football League
- National Hockey League
- Major League Soccer
- National Basketball Association
- Golf (PGA Tour and other events)
- Tennis
Professional sports undoubtedly capture the largest numbers of bettors, and Illinois looks like it will continue that trend. The state will offer plenty of pro sports bets, for both teams located in Illinois and in other states.
College Sports Betting In Illinois
Fans of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) sports have a few restrictions to keep in mind. Illinois law allows betting on NCAA contests as long as they don’t include any in-state colleges.
Unfortunately, fans of Northwestern, The University of Illinois, and other in-state colleges will be unable to place bets on matches involving Illinois schools.
Still, fans of the larger NCAA scene will find plenty to enjoy in Illinois. Out of state matches will feature sports betting. Games and tournaments like March Madness that garner national attention will surely make waves among Illinois bettors.
What International Sports Can You Bet On In Illinois?
US sportsbooks have a large library of bets for international sports. Most state sportsbooks have plenty of less common sports bets on offer, and Illinois looks as though it will follow suit.
Illinois betting enthusiasts can find bets for cricket, darts, rugby, table tennis, and many other sports popular around the world.
Will Illinois Have Esports Betting?
Whether esports betting will come to Illinois is unclear right now. However, most signs point to a “yes.”
Many states include specific legislative language either barring or allowing bets on events that are not labeled typical sports. Illinois’ law doesn’t make any mention of esports, so it’s likely esports wagering will come to Illinois.
With no strict prohibitions in place, operators will probably offer esports betting in Illinois. The fact that the law makes no mention either way with regards to esports bodes well. The absence of prohibitive language suggests a positive outlook on esports betting in the state. Once the bets are out in the open, it seems unlikely lawmakers will add restrictions surrounding esports.
What Else Can I Bet On In Illinois?
Mixed martial arts, NASCAR, boxing, motorsports, and other less traditional competitions will be available to Illinois sports bettors.
Some sportsbooks offer horse race betting as well. Illinois operators may provide these options to players, though horse racing fans already have plenty of online options for betting on those events via TwinSpires, TVG, and BetAmerica.
Bets on non-sporting events such as the Oscars (and similar awards shows) or elections are off-limits at Illinois sportsbooks.
Mobile Betting Restrictions
There are two key factors that players should keep in mind as they await mobile sportsbooks. First, the minimum age to gamble in Illinois is 21, and this extends to online sports betting. When you create an account, you’ll need to confirm your identity. Usually, this involves providing your social security number.
Second, you must be in the state to place a wager. This will be confirmed with geolocation technology. If you leave the state, your bets will still be honored but you won’t be able to place new ones or withdraw money until you return.
You can register fully online right from your phone, tablet, or computer.
Do Illinois Online Sports Betting Sites Offer Mobile Apps?
Illinois’ licensed sportsbooks offer mobile apps. All five of Illinois’ online sportsbooks have apps for iOS and Android. William Hill is unique in that it currently only offers betting via app or retail; it doesn’t have a desktop sportsbook yet.
There was a glimmer of hope for mobile bettors earlier this year when Governor Pritzker issued an executive order suspending the need for in-person registration. He later let the order lapse, resuming the in-person requirement. But the roller coaster continued through 2020 and into 2021.
In August 2020, Pritzker re-issued the executive order suspending in-person registration. As a result, players can now create an account completely online without visiting a land-based property. This remains in effect until January 9, 2020, at which point in-person registration could return or Pritzker could extend online sign-ups once more.
Apple Devices
Apple allows gambling apps on its iOS App store as long as they’re developed in Apple’s native programming language. This may seem restrictive, but the good news is that most sportsbook providers already have apps live on the iOS App marketplace. They’ll be able to launch in Illinois without issue.
If an operator doesn’t have an iOS app, your best bet is using a mobile browser or playing from a desktop computer. Fortunately, most providers have invested in iOS apps. All of Illinois’ sportsbook currently have iOS apps.
Android Devices
Google takes a slightly more prohibitive stance than Apple. It completely restricts regulated gambling apps from the Google Play Store.
That’s the bad news. The good news is that it’s still relatively easy to get a sportsbook app for an Android device. Once they launch, operators will have a “download for Android” page on their websites. Visit the page from your mobile browser and follow the prompts to install the app on your Android device.
If you see apps like DraftKings or FanDuel in the Google Play Store, those are the companies’ Daily Fantasy Sports apps, not full-fledged sportsbooks.
What Is The Biggest Online Sportsbook In Illinois By Revenue?
It’s still early, and some sportsbooks have just entered the market. We will update this page to show market leaders as Illinois sports betting matures.
A number of factors contribute to success in a given sports betting market, including launch timing, bettor acquisition, registration requirements, and more.
BetRivers originally looked staged to be a leader in Illinois, but it’s now joined by big competition. DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet, and William Hill are all big names in the sports betting world, so it could be a tight race between the five sportsbooks.
In neighboring Indiana, DraftKings and FanDuel lead, which could indicate a bright future for the operators in Illinois.
Bottom line: it’s early on in the Illinois online sports betting race, but a few companies are ready to take the market by storm.
Of course, industry leaders FOX Bet, BetMGM, and others will come ready to win in Illinois, so the crown is up for grabs. Illinois is sure to host an intriguing and competitive sports betting landscape.
What Do I Need To Create An Illinois Online Sports Betting Account?
To sign up for an Illinois sports betting account, you’ll need to provide some personal information to confirm your identity. Usually, this means providing your social security number. It’s helpful to have your social security number and a government-issued photo ID ready when you register. You’ll also have to input the following information:
- Username (not every sportsbook requires this, but some ask that you create one)
- Password (you’ll create one)
- Email address
- First and last name
- Phone Number
- Date of Birth
- Address
- Last 4 of your SSN
Right now, you can sign up online without a visit to a retail sportsbook. Online only sign-ups are slated to continue at least through January 2021. it’s possible Governor Pritzker could extend online sign-ups once again after that deadline, though.
Payment Method
If you’re ready to make a deposit, remember two things. First, have a payment method handy: credit/debit, PayPal, bank account info (for ACH transfer), Play+, and many other methods are accepted at major sportsbooks. Second, check for promo codes that offer deposit matches or risk-free bets. Once you register, you can take advantage of those offers.
After you’ve made a deposit and created your account, you can place a bet.
Legal Online Sportsbooks Versus Illegal Online Sportsbooks In Illinois
Compared to their illegal and offshore counterparts, regulated sportsbook apps offer higher levels of safety and a number of benefits.
First, legal sports betting sites can draw on a wealth of data from sports leagues, including real-time updates. This means they can offer live and in-play betting (wagers on a match that’s already in progress), something their grey market competitors can’t provide.
On a safety level, regulated sportsbooks go above and beyond. This is because they are required to and because they care about building an audience of loyal players.
At legal sports betting sites, your data is protected by high-level encryption technology. The Illinois Gaming Board, a government agency, also oversees sports betting in the state, and sportsbook providers are heald to a high standard of technology and player protection. Every operator goes through a rigorous licensing process during which their sports betting offer is vetted by experts to ensure compliance with all state and federal laws.
Offshore sites, meanwhile, have no such safeguards in place and are only responsible for upholding the laws in the country where they operate. Without dedicated oversight, they’re a much riskier option than government-sanctions sports betting platforms.
Illinois Online Sports Betting FAQs
Anyone in Illinois who wishes to participate in legal sports betting must be 21 years old or above. When you sign up for a sports betting account, you will be required to verify your age with proper ID.
Other forms of gambling available in the state, including the lottery and horse race betting, allow anyone 18 and older to participate.
Yes. DraftKings was the second online sportsbook to launch in Illinois.
DraftKings is partnered with Casino Queen in East St. Louis. You can bet online using DraftKings’ desktop site or mobile app on iOS and Android.
For new players, DraftKings offers up to $1000 as part of a 20% first deposit match bonus. Take advantage of the bonus offer here.
Yes. FanDuel is legal in the state and launched the end of August 2020 through a partnership with Par-A-Dice Casino in East Peoria, Illinois. FanDuel Sportsbook offers new bettors a $1000 risk-free bet. Check out the bonus offer here.
In terms of deposit methods, yes. Most Illinois sportsbooks will accept credit cards as a form of payment.
If you’re looking to wager on credit (bet with credit money now and pay later if you lose) at an Illinois sportsbook, you may not find much luck. Currently, major sportsbooks do not offer betting on credit. For now, you’ll have to stick to funding an account before you place a bet.
Yes, but with restrictions.
Illinois will allow wagering on college matches. But bettors will not be able to wager on any college match that 1) includes an in-state school or 2) takes place in Illinois. Instead, college sports fans will have to focus on out-of-state match-ups when betting.
No. As of right now, you can register online without visiting a land-based casino.
Keep an eye out for new developments, though. The in-person requirement has been suspended, lifted, and resuspended throughout 2020. Governor Pritzker could eventually reinstate the requirement. The lesson here is to sign up online quickly, while you still can.
All the major leagues are available for sports betting. The NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, and PGA Tour all have sports bets in Illinois. Other sports like tennis, soccer, rugby, and others can be found in sportsbooks, too.
College sports betting is legal as well, but with an exception. Sportsbooks cannot offer bets on college matches that include an Illinois school.
Elections, awards shows, and other non-sporting events are off-limits to Illinois sports bettors.
Esports betting is currently unavailable and not covered by Illinois law. It could come to the state in the future.
There are a few types of sports betting bonuses. One is deposit match. An operator will usually match your initial deposit up to a certain amount (sometimes near $500), giving you extra betting money.
Other operators sometimes give you a small dollar amount (around $10-$25) just for signing up before you even make a deposit.
Risk-free first bets are fairly common, too. Lose your first bet? The operator will refund the money so you can place a second one.
Keep an eye out for lucrative bonuses when you sign up at sports betting sites.
Government agencies regulate all sports betting sites in Illinois. Additionally, they use high-level encryption to protect your data.
Always be sure you use a licensed operator to keep yourself and your information safe and secure. Government agencies that oversee sports betting sites usually keep a running list of licensed operators.