Yes, sports betting in Illinois is legal.

Sports betting laws in Illinois. Legalized sports betting was officially launched in Illinois on March 9, 2020, when Rivers Casino in Des Plaines accepted the first wagers. You don’t have to look far past the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, Illini, or White Sox to realize Illinois is a major sports state. As is common with other major sport states, you have lots of people who love to bet on sports. Thankfully, it’s easy to bet online for real money by using any of these trusted Illinois sports betting sites.

Sports betting in Illinois

Illinois Online Sports Betting Launch. Legal online sports betting launched in Illinois on June 18, 2020, but things are just getting started. Unlike other states that have gone live with multiple online sportsbook offerings, BetRivers is currently the state’s lone online option. At least for now. Online sports betting in Illinois is legal, per se, but online operators have struggled to launch in the state. Confusing and expensive regulations have a lot to do with this. The online betting market has been hampered by in-person registration requirements, a confusing licensing structure, and exorbitant fees and taxes.

Sports betting was passed by the Illinois House and Senate, passing legislation officially on June 2, 2019. Democrat Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the bill SB 690 into law on June 28, 2019.

Is Online Sports Gambling Legal In Illinois Lottery

The bill will allow sports venues such as Soldier Field (Chicago Bears), Wrigley Field (Chicago Cubs), Guaranteed Rate Field (Chicago White Sox) and the United Center (Chicago Bulls) to apply to have betting kiosks.

Illinois law, however, prohibits wagering on any of the state’s collegiate teams. So, no bets can be taken on DePaul, Illinois, Northern Illinois, Northwestern, etc. …

The state’s first state sportsbook opened March 9, 2020. Blackhawks announcer Eddie Olyczyk made the first legal bet at Rivers Casino in Des Plaines. He bet $100 on the White Sox to win the AL pennant at 16-to-1 odds. The former NHL player and coach said if he wins, he would donate all the money to colon cancer research at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

Online sportsbooks in Illinois

None – at the moment.

The licensed brick-and-mortar sportsbooks can offer mobile betting now, but they haven’t reached that point yet. The law is giving them an 18-month head start over online-only operators.

Retail sportsbooks in Illinois

Argosy Casino, Alton

Rivers Casino, Des Plaines

Is Online Sports Gambling Legal In Illinois 2019

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