Illinois Online Sports Betting 2021

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If you are a sports enthusiast from Illinois, there is some good news for sports wagering. This state has finally passed laws that allow for wagering to take place. Check out the information we provide here. You can learn all about the laws pertaining to sports betting as well as Illinois online sports betting.

Illinois is another US state that now offers legal sports betting. In 2019, a bill was passed to allow wagering on sports games and events. The new law allows for retail sports wagering at casinos, OTB parlors, racetracks, and sports venues. It also allows for mobile betting sites to operate. Mobile licenses will not be issued to any venue until 18 months after the retail license was issued.

Learn more about the legality of IL sports betting below and find out about Illinois online sports betting as well.

2019 Legislation

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Photo on Visualhunt

Sports betting Illinois became legal in 2019 when a new betting law was finally passed. The new law provides the ability for physical and mobile betting. As for mobile online betting, this cannot start until 18 months after a retail betting launch. The only exception is if a master license is granted. The reason for the restriction is to allow local casinos to have a chance to begin operating sports betting sites.

The bill that was signed into law, SB690, had a huge $45 billion infrastructure plan attached. In addition to offering IL sports betting, it also allows for 6 new casinos within the state. One clause in the legislation will keep larger sports betting sites like FanDuel and DraftKings out of the state for 18 months.

To engage in mobile online betting, residents will have to visit a physical casino. Here, they can open an online account and engage in Illinois online sports betting. Mobile wagers can be placed by legal bettors located within the borders of the state.

Possible Online Sportsbook Operators 

As Illinois online sports betting starts to launch, you will find some leading operators entering the industry. Keep in mind, betting sites like FanDuel and DraftKings will not be able to operate for the first 18 months. The only online sports betting sites will be those that own a casino in Illinois. After the first 18 months, you can expect major sports betting sites to become available.

FanDuel Sportsbook

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FanDuel is one of the leading betting sites in the US. When it launches in Illinois, you can expect traditional betting as well as daily fantasy sports wagering. A mobile app is expected to also be available for bettors in IL. 

FanDuel may be operating quicker than many expect. The company is working to buy the Fairmount Park Racetrack. If this goes through, FanDuel will be able to offer sports betting Illinois services almost immediately.

DraftKings Sportsbook

Draftkings-Sportsbook

DraftKings is also trying to seek early entry to the sports betting Illinois market. This major sports betting site applied for a management service license. DraftKings has three potential casino partners in the state, including Harrah’s Joliet, Jumer’s, and Casino Queen. You can expect DraftKings to be one of the first major betting sites to begin operations in the state.

BetRivers 

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Rivers Casino is thee first to offer an online sportsbook in the state. There will also be a sportsbook app for on the go wagering. At BetRivers, you can enjoy betting on all sports and will be eligible for a 100% match bonus when a new account is created. The BetRivers Sportsbook at Rivers Casino opened in March, offering in-person betting. It was the first to offer legal IL sports betting.

Check what you can get with the BetRivers Affiliate Code here.

FOX Bet 

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FOX Bet is a sportsbook you can expect to launch in Illinois in the coming year. When the site becomes available, you can enjoy the best betting experience. There will be an integrated commentary on events through FOX Sports. The site will cover professional and college markets in the US. Mobile betting will be supported as well as in-play wagers.

PointsBet

PointsBet-Sportsbook

PointsBet first launched in New Jersey in 2019 and then entered Indiana in 2020. It will also be available in Colorado later in 2020. At PointsBet Illinois, you will be able to engage in points betting as well as traditional wagering. The site will offer a mobile sportsbook app for residents. With this, you can place all supported wagers. The site covers major US markets as well as international events.

IL Sportsbook Apps

If you are looking to enjoy sports betting Illinois, you will want to watch for the top sportsbook apps. Mobile betting is being offered before Illinois online sports betting. With mobile wagering already legal, you have some great app options. These allow you to legally wager using a smartphone or tablet. IL sportsbook apps will require you to open an account in person at the retail casino.

Possible Sportsbook Mobile App Operators 

As more operators prepare to launch apps in Illinois you will have some amazing choices. Some of the top mobile apps that are slated to launch in 2020 include:

  • TVG
  • Grand Viktoria
  • Casino Queen
  • BetAmerica
  • TwinSpires
  • BetRivers

When the apps become available, you will be able to wager on professional and college sports. You will also find local greyhound and horse betting.

What Should You Look for in a Mobile Sports Betting App? 

As you prepare for mobile betting to be offered there are things to consider when choosing the best app. Illinois online sports betting will provide many great ways to wager and win. The best apps will offer exciting bonuses and promotions. They will also provide extensive market coverage. Here are some of the important things to look for when choosing a betting app. Be sure to compare apps to find the best welcome bonuses and recurring deals.

Mobile Device Support 

Some apps will be device-specific and will only be offered on Android or iOS devices. You will want to make sure the app can be used on your mobile phone or tablet. Many of the sportsbooks that will be launching in Illinois will also offer an instant play platform. With this, you can use any operating system and will not have to install an app on the device.

Loyalty Program 

Make sure the chosen app has a rewarding loyalty program. This will allow you to earn points as you place real money wagers. These points can later be redeemed for free bets, cash bonuses, and more. The best loyalty programs offer multiple tiers. Each tier will have added rewards and perks.

Safety & Security

Safety and security are a major concern. The sports betting apps that will launch in Illinois will all be licensed and regulated. Since sportsbooks must be affiliated with a land casino, you can be sure they are completely safe. Leading apps will make use of encryption software when processing transactions. They will also support the most trusted payment methods, offering fast and secure deposits and withdrawals.

How to Bet on Sports Online in IL

In order to enjoy Illinois online sports betting, you must be at least 21 years of age. You also must visit a retail location to open an account. This will allow you to place wagers in person or by using the sportsbooks apps for mobile online betting. All bettors must be within the borders of the state. Locations will be tracked by geolocation technology.

After opening an account, you will be able to wager on all types of sports. These will include teams in Illinois as well as those throughout the US. IL sports betting sites will also support wagers on international games and events.

 Illinois Sports Teams

Most bettors will want to support local teams, so you will have the opportunity to bet on IL sports. There will be betting markers for the professional teams that are located in the state, however, betting on Illinois-based college teams is not permitted. The Illinois sports teams covered will include:

Sports betting is now legal in the state of Illinois, with retail and mobile wagering allowed. At this time, licensed land casinos in the state can offer mobile wagering. There are no online platforms that are currently available, though this will change in the coming months. The first Illinois sports betting wager was accepted at BetRivers, one of the main venues available to place wagers. While retail betting and mobile wagering are current options, it will be some time before Illinois online sports betting sites launch.