There are hundreds of Illinois betting apps available — way more options than parking spots in downtown Chicago. To save you the headache, we’ve cut through the traffic to highlight the top platforms delivering thousands of weekly markets, strong odds, and smooth mobile play.
If you’re hunting for a top-notch Illinois sportsbook app, our featured picks are worth exploring.
Best Illinois Betting Apps
Reviews of the Top Illinois Sports Betting Apps
It’s time to find out more about the best Illinois sports betting sites for mobile gambling.
1. BetOnline - Best Sports Betting App in Illinois
Pros:
- Beautiful interface for mobile devices
- $250 in free bets with no rollover
- Thousands of markets to bet on daily
- Dozens of weekly ongoing offers
- Online for 25+ years
Cons:
- Welcome bonus could be larger
- $500 minimum for bank payouts
Coming in at the top spot, we have BetOnline, a long-established sportsbook and best Illinois sports betting app. Here’s why it beats other sites.
Betting Lines: 5/5
There aren’t a lot of Illinois sportsbook apps that can compete with the immense range of betting markets on offer at BetOnline.
For a start, there are more than 30 sports and esports to bet on here. And within them, you’ll find all kinds of leagues, tournaments, and more, as well as hundreds of betting markets.
Bonuses & Free Bets: 4.9/5
Everybody who signs up for an account with BetOnline at the moment will have the chance to get a 50% up to $250 deposit match on their first payment. The bonus cash doesn’t need to be rolled over, which means anything won can be cashed out right away.
Beyond that, you’ll have regular odd boosts and other offers to look forward to.
Payment Methods: 4.9/5
BetOnline offers more than 20 payment methods, which you can use to place a deposit and cash out, more than most of the competition. It’s also possible to get paid out with crypto instantly, but you’ll have to get to a certain tier of the loyalty club to get this for free.
Best Bets at BetOnline:
Bet Type Why It’s a Good Bet | NFL Game Lines Wide weekly coverage with plenty of alternate spreads and totals | Player Props Deep prop menus, especially for big games and primetime matchups | Live Betting Fast line updates with competitive in-play odds |
2. Bovada - Most Competitive Odds of Any Illinois Betting App
Pros:
- 5x rollover on a $750 bonus
- More than 30 sports to bet on
- Easy e-wallet payments with MatchPay
- Competitive odds & lines in popular sports
- Impressive live betting experience on mobile
Cons:
- Credit card fees
- Fewer reload bonuses
Of all the apps in the Illinois sports betting scene, Bovada is the best when it comes to delivering the most competitive odds, especially in the major leagues.
Betting Lines: 5/5
We found Bovada to be just about the sharpest online sportsbook in Illinois for betting lines.
There are dozens of sports to bet on here, so even if your taste in sports betting is more niche, you should find extensive coverage. Prop line coverage is strong, and there are plenty of futures options, too.
Bonuses & Free Bets: 4.9/5
The rollover of the Bovada welcome bonus is a lot lower than those of most other Illinois sportsbooks at just 5x. That’s exciting, considering that the quality of the offer is strong in the first place.
It’s a 75% up to $750 deposit match if you pay with crypto, or 50% up to $250 if you opt to fund your account using a credit card.
Payment Methods: 4.8/5
You can make a deposit at Bovada with MatchPay. This is great news, as it opens the door to banking with the likes of Venmo and CashApp, although you won’t be able to use these payment methods to cash out. The only options for this are crypto, vouchers, and checks.
Best Bets at Bovada:
Bet Type Why It’s a Good Bet | NFL & College Football Consistently strong odds across major US leagues | Same-Game Parlays Simple builder with flexible combinations | Futures Bets Early lines stay open long enough to catch value |
3. BetAnything - Best Illinois Sportsbook App for Live Betting
Pros:
- Visually immersive live betting tools
- 150% deposit match welcome offer
- Quick payouts with Bitcoin
- Detailed live stats for all major sports
- Less juice offers available
Cons:
- Fewer payment options
- 4% bank payout fee
Head over to BetAnything if you’re one of the many Illinois sports bettors who love placing live wagers.
Betting Lines: 4.9/5
There are 100s of betting markets that you can pick up every single day at BetAnything and bet on live. They span dozens of sports and esports, and you can access plenty of live streams for the latter option. It’s also possible to get loads of useful live stats to help you decide on what to bet.
Fun fact: BetAnything also ranked highly in our guide to the best NY betting sites
Bonuses & Free Bets: 4.8/5
BetAnything is one of the rare sports betting operators in Illinois to offer more than 100% as a deposit match to new players. The new customer offer is a 150% up to $750 match, and it’s followed up by a bunch of ongoing offers for existing players, like free deposits, less juice, and free bets.
Payment Methods: 4.6/5
There’s a fair mix of cryptocurrency methods that you can use to fund your account with BetAnything, including Bitcoin and Litecoin.
However, we would have liked to have seen some more fiat methods, as the only options are Visa, Mastercard, check, and wire transfer.
Best Bets at BetAnything:
Bet Type Why It’s a Good Bet | Prop Bets Strong selection across the NFL, NBA, and MLB | Live Betting Smooth interface with steady in-play markets | Niche Sports Solid options for less mainstream leagues |
4. Everygame - Best Parlay Betting App in Illinois
Pros:
- 4x free weekly bets for the NHL
- Welcome offer worth up to $1,000
- Wide range of eWallets supported
- Regular odds boosts and parlay boosts
- Rapidly updated live betting odds
Cons:
- Old-school interface
- Not the best esports coverage
You’d have to put a lot of work in to run out of free bets for parlays at Everygame.
Betting Lines: 4.7/5
Everygame is definitely one of the top betting apps in IL for real-world sports, particularly the major leagues such as the NFL and the English Premier League in soccer, as it covers betting markets substantially for these.
We’d like to see better esports coverage, but that hasn’t stopped the platform from gaining traction locally or even in nearby states such as Missouri.
Bonuses & Free Bets: 4.8/5
First things first, be sure to get the Everygame welcome offer, as it’s worth up to $1,000 combined.
After this, you can help yourself to a whole pool of ongoing deals, including weekly free bets for the NHL, parlay boosted odds, extra odds boosts for specific markets, and a whole bunch more.
Payment Methods: 4.7/5
We were pleased to see that Everygame is one of the few IL betting apps to offer a good mix of fiat and crypto payment methods. You can make a deposit with Visa, Discover, Neteller, Bitcoin, Litecoin, and many other options. Payouts could take 48 hours or more to process, though.
Best Bets at Everygame:
Bet Type Why It’s a Good Bet | College Sports Broad coverage beyond just the Power Five | Alternative Lines Plenty of spread and total variations to tailor risk | Daily Specials Rotating promos tied to popular matchups |
5. BetWhale - Largest Bonus of All Sports Betting Apps in Illinois
Pros:
- $6,000 welcome bonus
- More than 10 esports covered
- Live streaming available in many events
- Lightweight mobile site loads fast
- Around 10 payment methods, including PayPal
Cons:
- Not so many ongoing promos
- Payouts start at $150
BetWhale picks up the fifth spot, and its massive welcome offer has a lot to say for that.
Betting Lines: 4.6/5
You’ll find a whole ton of esports betting markets at BetWhale, more than 10 of them in fact. In addition, there are plenty of lines for hockey, baseball, racing, and soccer as well.
However, there don't appear to be a lot of markets outside of sports altogether, so you won’t be able to bet too much on politics, etc.
Bonuses & Free Bets: 4.8/5
You could get up to $6,000 in bonus cash when you sign up for a new account with BetWhale. That’s an amount of cash that dwarfs most other offers in the state. This offer comes as a 200% as well, which means you’ll get twice as much bonus cash as the amount you put in.
Payment Methods: 4.7/5
When you fund your account at BetWhale, you can choose from around 10 payment methods, which is more than we see at most competitor sites. Plenty of cards, crypto coins, and eWallets can be used, although some of the payment limits are a little on the low side.
Best Bets at BetWhale:
Bet Type Why It’s a Good Bet | Esports Betting Regular markets on CS2, LoL, and Dota 2 with solid match coverage | Parlay Bets Flexible leg combinations with competitive combined odds | Live Totals Frequent in-play updates keep totals playable as games unfold |
How We Ranked the Best IL Betting Apps
To rank the best Illinois sports betting apps, we focus on what matters most to real sports bettors.
Betting Lines
The quality of betting lines is one of the biggest long-term differences between online sportsbooks. We look for consistently competitive spreads, totals, and moneylines, plus strong pricing on key markets like live betting and player props.
Bonuses & Free Bets
Promotions are only worth chasing if they’re easy to claim and realistic to use. We evaluate welcome offers and ongoing perks based on clarity, wagering requirements, restrictions, and whether the “free bet” value actually translates into cashable winnings.
Payment Methods
A good platform makes deposits easy, but more importantly, it processes withdrawals reliably. This is why we prioritize Illinois sports betting sites that support flexible banking methods, fast cashouts, and low-friction payouts (especially options like crypto and eWallets where available).
Sportsbook Usability
The best online betting experience should feel quick and intuitive, not cluttered or confusing. To make sure of this, we review navigation, bet slip performance, live odds updates, and overall stability.
Market Coverage
Not all sports betting apps in Illinois offer the same depth of markets. It’s important for us to rate platforms higher when they offer a strong mix of game lines, in-play betting options, futures, and prop variety across major leagues and college matchups.
We used similar benchmarks to rank the best Mississippi betting platforms in this guide.
What Are Mobile Betting Apps?
Mobile sports betting in Illinois refers to placing real-money wagers on sporting events via online platforms.
This means you can choose a sportsbook, create an account, deposit funds, and place bets from your phone, whether you’re betting NFL games on Sunday, backing an NBA matchup midweek, or placing futures on playoff winners.
Glossary of Terms
Here are a few quick terms you’ll see constantly when using Illinois sports betting apps and other online sportsbooks:
- Spread: A points handicap applied to balance two teams (example: Bulls -4.5 means they must win by 5+).
- Moneyline: A straight bet on which team wins, with odds based on how likely each side is.
- Totals (Over/Under): A bet on whether the combined score goes over or under a set number.
- Props (Proposition Bets): Bets on specific outcomes like player yards, points, rebounds, or first scorer.
- Parlay: A bet combining multiple picks; all selections must win for a payout.
- Futures: Long-term bets on outcomes like champions, division winners, or season totals.
- Vig / Juice: The built-in sportsbook fee reflected in the odds (how the book makes money).
- Live Betting: Betting while the game is in progress, with constantly updating odds.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Illinois?
Sports betting became legal in Illinois in 2019, following the state’s sports wagering legislation. Since then, the Illinois sports betting market has expanded rapidly, with bettors able to place wagers both in-person and through approved online options.
Sports bettors must be 21+. And while Illinois does have state-regulated sportsbooks, the online Illinois sports betting sites on our list operate internationally. They’re reputable online platforms that accept Illinois players and provide more ways to bet online conveniently.
Many of these betting sites also rank among the best Illinois online casinos, as they offer far more gaming options than most local platforms.
Illinois Sports Betting Apps: Benefits and Drawbacks Explained
Using Illinois sports betting sites makes it easier to wager on your favorite sports without relying on retail locations or limited in-person options. However, there are a couple of downsides that are worth considering.
Benefits of Illinois Sportsbook Apps
- Convenient betting from anywhere: Place wagers without visiting a sportsbook.
- More markets than retail books: Props, futures, and live betting options.
- Competitive odds across major sports: Better value with smart line shopping.
- Bonuses improve long-term value: Promos add bankroll flexibility.
- Fast deposits and withdrawals: Quick access to funds and payouts.
- Mobile-first experience: Smooth betting on iOS and Android.
Drawbacks of Illinois Sportsbook Apps
- Easy to overbet with mobile access: Convenience can fuel impulse bets.
- Bonus terms can be restrictive: Some offers have tricky rollover rules.
- Odds can vary by sportsbook: Poor pricing reduces long-term value.
- Some apps have clunky UX: Laggy bet slips hurt timing.
Sports You Can Bet On at Illinois Sportsbook Apps
Whether you’re betting weekly or only during big events, Illinois sports betting apps cover all major U.S. leagues, plus plenty of additional markets throughout the year.
Here’s a brief overview of what you’ll find at most sites:
- Football (NFL)
- College football (NCAA)
- Basketball (NBA)
- College basketball (NCAA / March Madness)
- Baseball (MLB)
- Hockey (NHL)
- Golf (PGA Tour + majors)
- Combat sports (UFC + boxing)
- Tennis (ATP/WTA)
- Soccer (MLS + international leagues)
- Motorsports (including NASCAR)
Most Popular Teams to Bet On in Illinois
Illinois has a strong pro sports identity, and local betting action often spikes when hometown teams are in season, especially during playoff pushes and rivalry matchups.
- Chicago Bears: The Bears are Illinois’ biggest football franchise and one of the most bet on teams in the state, especially for spreads, totals, and weekly props.
- Chicago Bulls: Bulls games generate constant NBA betting volume, with player props and live betting being particularly popular due to the pace swings in basketball.
- Chicago Cubs: As one of MLB’s most historic franchises, the Cubs attract steady betting attention all season, from moneylines to innings markets and futures.
- Chicago White Sox: The White Sox are another major draw for Illinois sports bettors, especially for divisional matchups and pitching-based betting angles.
- Chicago Blackhawks: Even through ups and downs, the Blackhawks remain a key NHL team for Illinois wagering, with strong interest in puck lines and live moneylines.
Betting from up north? Our guide to the best Wisconsin betting sites breaks down which teams draw the most action.
Bets You Can Place at Illinois Sports Betting Apps
Illinois sports bettors have access to all the core sportsbook markets. If you’re using Illinois sports betting apps, these are the most common bet types you’ll see (and the ones most people actually place).
Bet Type What It Means Example | Moneyline Bet on who wins the game; payouts vary depending on favorite or underdog. Chiefs -150, Raiders +120 | Point Spread A points handicap; favorite must win by more than the spread. Bears +3.5 vs Packers | Totals (Over/Under) Bet on whether the total combined score goes over/under a set number. Over 44.5 | Player Props Bets on player stats like yards, points, assists, or rebounds. Caleb Williams Over 235.5 passing yards | Team Props Bets on team-level outcomes (team totals, first to score, etc.). Bulls Team Total Over 112.5 | Parlays Combine multiple bets into one; all legs must win to cash. Bears +3.5 + Over 44.5 + Cubs ML | Same-Game Parlay (SGP) A parlay built using multiple markets within one game. Bears ML + Under 45.5 + 1st half spread | Futures Long-term bets on season outcomes like champions or win totals. Bulls to make playoffs | Live Betting Bets placed while the game is happening with odds updating live. Bears +180 after going down early |
Understanding Betting Odds
Odds show you both the potential payout and how likely an outcome is according to the sportsbook. While most Illinois online sports betting platforms use American odds by default, you’ll also see other formats like decimal and fractional odds.
- American Odds: Shown as + or -. Negative odds show how much you must bet to win $100; positive odds show profit on a $100 bet. Example: -150 means bet $150 to win $100 profit; +120 means win $120 profit on a $100 stake.
- Decimal Odds: Easy to calculate: multiply your stake by the number to get the total return (stake included). Example: 2.10 on a $50 bet returns $105 total.
- Fractional Odds: Shows profit relative to stake, commonly used in UK markets. Example: 5/2 means you win $5 profit per $2 wagered (a $20 stake returns $70 total).
Banking Options at Illinois Online Sports Betting Apps
When comparing Illinois online sports betting apps, banking is one of the quickest ways to separate the good platforms from the frustrating ones.
You should see plenty of options at the top sites, including the following.
Tier Method Pros Cons | S Crypto Fast withdrawals, low processing friction Requires basic crypto setup | S eWallets Quick payouts, simple to manage Not supported everywhere | A Debit Cards Easy deposits, widely accepted Card cashouts can be slow | A Bank Transfer / ACH Secure, strong for large withdrawals Slower processing timeline | B Prepaid Cards Good for budgeting deposits Withdrawals often limited | C Credit Cards Familiar and beginner-friendly Fees and restrictions common |
Verification Tips for Fast Payouts
If you want faster withdrawals from Illinois online sports betting platforms, account verification is critical. Many sportsbooks don’t fully process withdrawals until KYC checks are completed, and most delays happen when players wait until the moment they cash out to submit documents.
To avoid that, make sure to complete verification early, maybe even as soon as you sign up. Most sites will request a government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or passport), proof of address (utility bill or bank statement), and sometimes payment verification.
For best results, make sure your personal info matches across everything, and only use banking methods registered in your own name. If verification stalls, reach out to support quickly rather than letting it linger. And if speed matters most, use the fastest withdrawal methods available.
Bonuses Offered at the Best Illinois Betting Apps
Bonuses can add real value for sports betting in Illinois, but only if the terms are fair and the promo is easy to convert into withdrawable winnings. Here are the most common promo types you’ll see on Illinois sports betting sites, plus what to look for and what to avoid.
Welcome Bonuses
Welcome promos are built for new users and typically reward your first deposit or first bet. These are most valuable when the terms are clear and the wagering requirements are realistic.
What to look for: transparent rules, reasonable rollover, fair expiry window.
What to avoid: strict exclusions, low max cashout limits.
Deposit Match Bonuses
A deposit match will add bonus funds based on how much you deposit (e.g., 50% or 100% up to a cap). These can be great for sports bettors who plan to wager consistently, since the added funds increase overall volume.
What to look for: moderate playthrough, wide market eligibility.
What to avoid: promos that only apply to obscure markets.
Bonus Bets & Bet Credits
Instead of cash, some promos award bonus bets after you qualify. These can still be valuable, but most bonus bets return winnings only (not your stake), so the “real value” is a bit lower than the headline suggests.
What to look for: simple triggers, flexible usage, decent time window.
What to avoid: short expiry, tight max limits.
Reload Bonuses & Ongoing Rewards
Long-term bettors often get the most value from reload promos and weekly offers. This includes reload matches, profit boosts, cashback-style promos, and seasonal campaigns around NFL playoffs and March Madness.
What to look for: consistent weekly promos, fair max caps, and major sports included.
What to avoid: reloads requiring big deposits to qualify.
Mobile Compatibility & App Options for Illinois Sportsbooks
Most bettors place wagers on their phone, so mobile quality is one of the biggest deciding factors when choosing a platform. The best Illinois sports betting apps make it easy to find markets, compare lines, and place bets quickly.
From a usability standpoint, we prioritize clean UX on mobile, including fast live odds refreshes, smooth scrolling through markets, and a bet slip that doesn’t freeze during high-traffic moments (like NFL Sundays or March Madness).
It’s even better if there is a PWA app that you can use to add the sportsbook directly to your home screen. That makes it a lot easier to get involved.
Illinois Betting Apps FAQs
What Are the Best Illinois Sports Betting Apps?
The best Illinois sports betting apps on the market right now are BetOnline, Bovada, BetAnything, Everygame, and BetWhale. Many of these platforms don’t just appeal to local bettors, either, with options that extend to players in states like Minnesota.
How Does Illinois Online Sports Betting Work?
It’s easy to get started with Illinois online sports betting. Just simply create an account with an online sportsbook, verify your details, deposit funds, and place wagers from your phone or desktop.
What Is the Legal Age for Sports Betting in Illinois?
To participate in sports betting in Illinois, you must be 21+. Age verification is part of the standard signup process.
How Do Illinois Sports Betting Apps Verify Location?
Some platforms use geolocation technology to confirm you’re located within Illinois when placing bets. This typically combines GPS data (mobile), Wi-Fi signals, and IP-based location checks.
How Fast Do Betting Apps in Illinois Take to Pay Out?
Withdrawal speed depends on the sportsbook and payment method. Crypto and eWallets are usually the fastest options, often processing within 24-48 hours after approval.
Comparing the 5 Best Sports Betting Apps in Illinois
Let’s compare the top Illinois apps for betting one final time before we wrap up.
- BetOnline: Our number one pick overall and the perfect all-rounder. Check it out and get 50% up to $250 with no rollover in free bets.
- Bovada: Head here for the best odds of any betting app in Illinois. Get 75% up to $750 and use it to explore the markets offered.
- BetAnything: The place to be for live betting on mobile in Illinois. Try it out with a 150% up to $750 sign-up bonus.
- Everygame: This site has the best choice of free bets, especially for parlay betting, in the state. Don’t forget to get your $1,000 welcome offer, too.
- BetWhale: You won’t find a better sports betting welcome bonus than the one offered here. It’s worth 200% up to $6,000, offering the perfect start.
Tips for Mobile Betting in Illinois
If you want to get more value from the top Illinois gambling apps, the goal isn’t just placing bets; it’s choosing the right platform, timing markets well, and protecting your bankroll. These tips will help you bet smarter (without overcomplicating things).
Shop Lines Across Illinois Sports Betting Sites
Not all Illinois sports betting sites price the same games the same way. A tiny difference can be the difference between long-term profit and slow losses.
If you’re betting consistently, comparing lines — the same way seasoned bettors do in markets like Nevada — before locking in a wager is one of the easiest advantages you can create.
Use Bonuses Strategically (Not Emotionally)
Promos can boost your bankroll, but only when used with a plan. Look for offers with clear terms, realistic rollover, and flexible eligibility. If a bonus forces you into odd bet types, tight cashout caps, or unclear rules, it usually isn’t worth the time.
Stick to Markets You Actually Understand
The fastest way to lose money is betting on unfamiliar leagues or random props because the market looks tempting. Most sports bettors do better when they specialize because their reads on pace, matchups, injuries, and value become sharper.
Keep Parlays Fun, Not Your Main Strategy
Parlays look exciting because they offer big payouts, but they’re high-variance and usually come with a lower expected value. If you use parlays, keep them smaller, avoid stacking too many longshot legs, and prioritize them as “entertainment bets” rather than your main approach.
Test the Platform Before Depositing
Before committing real money, test how the app performs during busy moments. A great platform should offer stable live odds refreshes, a responsive bet slip, and smooth navigation. If the app lags or crashes during peak games, it’s not the right place for serious online betting.
Online Sports Betting Laws in Illinois
Sports betting has been legal in Illinois since 2019. Today, players can place real-money bets online through approved sportsbooks while located within the state.
Even though Illinois has its own regulated market, the sportsbooks on our list operate as trusted online sportsbooks that accept Illinois players, offering strong odds, broad market access, and safe betting experiences.
The Rules of the Game in Illinois
- Minimum betting age: 21+
- Location requirement: Must be located in Illinois to wager
- Real money sports betting: ✅
- Mobile access: ✅
- Sports offered: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA, props, futures, live betting
- Verification required: ✅ (ID + basic KYC for payouts)
- Player safety: Use sportsbooks licensed by recognized gaming authorities (Curacao, Malta, Anjouan, etc.)
- Bonuses available: ✅ (welcome offers, bet credits, reload promos)
- Taxes on winnings: Player responsibility
Responsible Gambling in Illinois
Online wagering should always stay fun and controlled. If it stops feeling that way, getting support early is the smartest move. Confidential help is available locally in Illinois and nationwide.
- Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)
- 1-800-GAMBLER
- National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)
References
Join the Best Illinois Gambling Apps Today!
Now you know where to go if you’re after awesome perks that are only available at the best betting apps Illinois has to offer. Check out our overall top pick, BetOnline, if you want an all-rounder, or refer to our guide to find something with specific benefits to suit you best.
Whatever betting app you decide to try, just make sure to play within your means. Good luck, and happy mobile betting.
This content is intended strictly for audiences 21 years and older. Gambling can be addictive—please play responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1‑800‑GAMBLER for free, confidential help anytime. More resources: https://www.ncpgambling.org/
