Legal — Online & Retail

Sports Betting in Illinois: Laws, Licensed Apps & AI Predictions

Legal since 2020Updated Feb 2026

Key Facts: Illinois Sports Betting

Status

Legal — Online & Retail

Legal Since

2020

Tax Rate

15% (graduated up to 40% for highest revenue tiers)

Monthly Handle

$1.5B+

Legalized in 2019, launched retail in March 2020
In-person registration requirement eliminated in 2022
Top-3 sports betting market in the US by handle
Chicago metro drives majority of wagering volume
In-state college player prop bets restricted
Must be 21+ and physically in Illinois to bet

Sports Betting Overview: Illinois

Illinois legalized sports betting in June 2019 through the Gambling Expansion Act, with the first retail sportsbook opening in March 2020. Online registration was temporarily allowed during COVID-19 and made permanent in 2022, fueling explosive market growth. Illinois is now one of the top-three sports betting markets in the nation by handle. The Chicago metro area drives the bulk of wagering activity, with passionate fans of the Bears, Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, and Blackhawks. Illinois allows wagering on professional and college sports, though in-state college prop bets are restricted. The state's high tax rate makes it less profitable for operators but generates significant revenue for the state.

Licensed Sportsbooks in Illinois

DraftKings

FanDuel

BetMGM

Caesars

PointsBet

How AI Predictions Help Illinois Bettors

Illinois is a massive, liquid market with sharp lines. AI predictions help Chicago-area bettors find the small but consistent edges in a market where sportsbooks are highly competitive and lines move fast.

Our AI models process thousands of data points per game across NFL, NHL, Tennis, and March Madness — all available for just 99¢ per sport with lifetime access.

Frequently Asked Questions: Illinois Sports Betting

Is sports betting legal in Illinois?

Yes, sports betting has been legal in Illinois since 2020. Both online and retail sports betting are available. You must be physically located in Illinois to place a bet.

What sportsbook apps are available in IL?

Licensed sportsbook operators in Illinois include DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, and more. All major operators offer mobile apps for convenient wagering from anywhere in the state.

How do AI predictions help Illinois sports bettors?

AI-powered predictions analyze thousands of data points per game — player stats, team performance, injuries, weather, and historical trends — to generate win probabilities. For Illinois bettors, this means data-backed insights that complement your own research. Products like NFL Picks (NFL), NHL Picks (NHL), and Tennis Picks (Tennis) each cost just 99 cents for lifetime access.

AI Predictions for Illinois Bettors