Sports Betting in Illinois

Licensed Sportsbooks

State-licensed regulated sportsbooks. Operator tax rate: Up to 40%. Online betting legal since June 2020.

DraftKings★ 4.9

Same-game parlaysDFS integration

Hard Rock Bet★ 4.9

Flash Drops rewardsTiered progression

FanDuel★ 4.8

Cash outLive in-play betting

BetMGM★ 4.8

Parlay builderCustom odds

Fanatics★ 4.8

FanCash rewardsFast signup

theScore★ 4.8

Integrated mediaStats-driven

BetRivers★ 4.8

Prop CentralEarly cashout

Bet365★ 4.8

40+ sportsEarly payouts

Caesars★ 4.7

Caesars RewardsProfit boosts

Circa Sports★ 4.7

Sharp linesNo-limit betting

Prediction Markets

Federally regulated by the CFTC. Trade event contracts on an exchange model — separate from state-licensed sportsbooks.

Kalshi★ 4.9

CFTC-regulatedSports event contractsLive trading

Polymarket US★ 4.6

CFTC-regulatedFully collateralizedNo margin or leverage

Robinhood★ 4.7

Powered by Kalshi0% commissionSports contracts in most states

FanDuel Predicts★ 4.6

CFTC-regulatedAll 50 states + DCSports contracts in 17 states

DraftKings Predictions★ 4.6

CFTC-regulated48 states + DCSports contracts in 17 states

Crypto.com Event Contracts★ 4.5

CFTC-regulated10 major sportsUSD + crypto deposits

ProphetX★ 4.7

CFTC-regulatedPeer-to-peer sports exchangeSports-only contracts

Novig★ 4.8

CFTC-regulatedPeer-to-peer sports exchangeNo fee on pre-game trades

Sweepstakes Sportsbooks

Dual-currency social sportsbooks: play with free coins, or with a sweepstakes currency that can be redeemed for cash prizes where the operator's rules allow.

Fliff★ 4.6

Social sportsbookDual-currency (Fliff Coins + Cash)Mobile-first

Rebet★ 4.4

Social sportsbookDual-currencyMobile-first

Legal Status

One of the largest and most heavily taxed markets. Progressive tax structure increased as market matured.

Online sports betting has been legal in Illinois since June 2020.

Tax Information

Graduated tax of 20% to 40% on operator revenue, plus a per-bet tax on online wagers ($0.25 each for the first 20M a year, $0.50 after). Chicago adds a 10.25% city tax on online bets placed in the city from January 2026.

College Betting Restrictions

No in-state college bets. No college player props.

Legislative Timeline

1. May 2018
   PASPA struck down by SCOTUS
2. June 2019
   SB 690 signed by Gov. Pritzker
3. March 2020
   Retail sports betting launches

   In-person registration required for online accounts.

4. June 2020
   Online sports betting launches

   Online registration enabled during pandemic.

5. July 2024
   Progressive tax up to 40%

   Becomes one of the most heavily taxed sports betting markets.

6. July 2025
   Per-wager tax takes effect

   $0.25–$0.50 charged on every online bet.

7. January 2026
   Chicago city tax

   10.25% on online bets placed within city limits.

How DawBets Helps Illinois Bettors

DawBets compares odds across every sportsbook available in Illinois in real time. Instead of checking each app individually, see all prices side-by-side and always place your bet at the best available line.

Frequently asked questions