Illinois sports betting is legal, both online and at retail sportsbooks, and has been since it launched in March 2020. The Illinois Gaming Board licenses 10 online operators, including DraftKings, FanDuel and BetMGM, and 12 retail sportsbooks. Betting with offshore books is a different story: the Board calls unlicensed betting sites illegal gambling. Here is how the legal market works, and how sports wins are taxed.
Online and retail sports betting are legal in Illinois and regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board.
The Board lists 10 licensed online sportsbooks and 12 retail licenses.
Betting launched in March 2020, after the Supreme Court struck down the federal ban in May 2018.
No offshore sportsbook is licensed; the Board’s February 2026 letters call unlicensed sports sites illegal gambling.
Sports wins of $2,000 or more that are also at least 300 times the stake get a W-2G for 2026 payments.
Sports betting
Legal, online and retail
Regulator
Illinois Gaming Board
Launched
March 2020
Licensed online operators
10
Retail sportsbook licenses
12
Help
1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738)
Is sports betting legal in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois licenses sports wagering online and in person, and the Illinois Gaming Board regulates both. That makes sports betting the one form of internet gambling, besides the lottery, that Illinois allows. Online casino games remain unlicensed, as the Illinois online casino hub explains.
Licensed sportsbooks answer to the Board, which can act on a complaint about them. Federal law fits around them too: the UIGEA excludes intrastate wagers that state law authorizes with age and location verification. None of that covers an offshore sportsbook. Our Illinois gambling laws page sets out the statutes behind both points.
How Illinois sports betting launched
Sports betting became possible nationwide when the Supreme Court decided Murphy v. NCAA (opens in a new tab) on May 14, 2018. The 6–3 ruling held that the federal law barring states from authorizing sports gambling, PASPA, violated the Constitution’s anticommandeering rule, and the whole statute fell. Illinois launched legal wagering in March 2020.
Illinois sports betting timeline
Date
Event
May 14, 2018
Supreme Court strikes down PASPA in Murphy v. NCAA
March 2020
Illinois sports wagering launches
January 20, 2021
First Circuit holds the Wire Act covers only sports betting
February 4–5, 2026
Gaming Board sends 60+ letters to unlicensed online casino and sweepstakes sites
October 2026
Board lists 10 online and 12 retail licensed sportsbooks
Licensed online sportsbooks in Illinois (Illinois Gaming Board)
Sportsbook
Online in Illinois
bet365
Licensed
BetMGM
Licensed
BetRivers
Licensed
Caesars
Licensed
Circa Sports
Licensed
DraftKings
Licensed
Fanatics
Licensed
FanDuel
Licensed
Hard Rock Bet
Licensed
theScore Bet
Licensed
Whether you are in Chicago, Aurora, Joliet or a small town downstate, the same list applies statewide. Licensed apps are the legal choice for mobile wagering, and our Illinois mobile casinos page explains why no equivalent exists for casino games.
Retail sportsbooks in Illinois
The Board counts 12 retail sportsbook licenses alongside the 17 casinos it oversees. Retail betting offers the same legal protection as the apps, with a counter or kiosk instead of a phone. The same federal W-2G rules apply to retail wins as to app wins, which we cover below.
Illinois sports betting age and how to check a sportsbook
The minimum betting age isn’t stated in the Gaming Board pages we reviewed, so confirm it in the sportsbook’s terms or with the Board before you sign up. Federal law expects state-authorized online bets to come with age and location verification, and our gambling age by state page compares rules nationally.
Open the Gaming Board’s authorized sportsbooks page and find the brand by name.
Download the app only through the official store link on the sportsbook’s own site.
Allow location checks when the app asks, since a legal intrastate bet depends on you being in Illinois.
Set deposit and time limits in the app before your first wager.
Keep records of deposits, bets and withdrawals for tax time.
Offshore sports betting sites and Illinois players
Offshore betting sites aren’t licensed in Illinois. The Gaming Board’s February 2026 letter to JuicyPopSlots, which it links to Bovada (opens in a new tab), says unlicensed internet casino and sports sites are illegal gambling and that operators must block Illinois or face civil and criminal penalties.
Bovada’s own restricted-states list names 20 states but not Illinois, so its terms and the regulator’s view point in opposite directions. That gap is the risk in a nutshell: an offshore book can accept you, but no Illinois regulator stands behind your balance. Our Bovada review and the offshore vs state-licensed casinos guide spell out what you give up.
Federal law: the Wire Act and interstate sports bets
The Wire Act (18 U.S.C. § 1084) targets people in the business of betting who use wire communications for interstate sports wagers. Its wording applies to operators, not individual bettors, and it exempts transmissions between places where the betting is legal.
In New Hampshire Lottery Commission v. Rosen (opens in a new tab), decided January 20, 2021, the First Circuit held that the Act covers only bets on sporting events or contests. Licensed Illinois apps take bets from people located in Illinois, while an offshore book taking Illinois bets from abroad sits outside that framework.
Illinois sports betting taxes: W-2G rules with examples
Sports betting winnings are taxable federal income. Under the IRS W-2G instructions (opens in a new tab) for 2026, a sportsbook reports a win when it is $2,000 or more and at least 300 times the stake. Regular 24% withholding can apply when the win minus the stake exceeds $5,000 at those odds. Illinois state tax rules aren’t covered on this page, so check state guidance too.
When a sports win triggers a W-2G (2026 payments)
Stake
Winnings
300x the stake
W-2G?
$10 parlay
$3,500
$3,000
Yes: over $2,000 and over 300x
$100 bet
$2,500
$30,000
No form, but still taxable income
$5 longshot
$1,800
$1,500
No: under $2,000
$20 parlay
$8,000
$6,000
Yes; withholding may apply
Losses count only up to your winnings, and from tax year 2026 the deduction is reportedly capped at 90% of losses; check IRS guidance. The gambling loss deduction page explains the change.
Daily fantasy and prediction markets in Illinois
We couldn’t confirm the current legal status of daily fantasy sports in Illinois from official sources, so check the Gaming Board or the contest operator before you play. Our daily fantasy sports laws page tracks other states.
Sports event contracts on prediction markets are the subject of several federal bills. A Congressional Research Service report from August 17, 2026 lists proposals such as the Prediction Markets Are Gambling Act and records none as enacted. The prediction markets page follows those bills.
Betting limits and self-exclusion in Illinois
Sports betting can feel like skill, which makes chasing losses easy. Set deposit limits in each app, avoid betting to win back a bad weekend, and take breaks during long seasons.
None of our seven partners runs a sportsbook, so no partner fits sports betting. For legal sports wagering in Illinois, use a Board-licensed app. The two offers below are offshore casino offers for slots, shown because we earn a commission on sign-ups, which shapes the order. Neither casino is licensed by Illinois or any US state, and the Board calls unlicensed internet casinos illegal gambling. Check Illinois law first, and expect no state complaint route and no state protection of your balance.
Royal Ace Casino: $2,500 Welcome Bonus + 35 Free Spins, via our link (new players, 21+ or 18+ where allowed, terms apply). Third-party reviews disagree on its package: one lists 200% up to $4,000 at 30x deposit plus bonus on slots, 60x on blackjack and video poker, with a maximum cashout of 10x the deposit; another lists 250% up to $2,500 plus 35 spins. Card deposits start at $30. Royal Ace is reported to refuse Ohio players. See the Royal Ace review.
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Neither casino offers sports betting; both are offshore casinos, not licensed by Illinois or any US state. Check Illinois law first; 21+ (18+ where allowed), terms apply.
Royal Ace Casino#6 on our listSlots and specialty games
Published terms (reported): Third-party reviews disagree on the package (200% up to $4,000, or 250% up to $2,500 + 35 spins); the casino site could not be checked directly. Eligible games: Slots and specialty games (reported).
Who runs it: License not shown; third parties report Costa Rica or none. Regulator notes: Third parties report it does not accept Ohio players.
21+ (18+ where allowed). New players. Min deposit $30 (reported). Wagering 30x deposit + bonus on slots (reported). Max cashout: 10x deposit (reported). Withdrawal cap $2,500 / week (reported). Terms source: reported. Terms apply. Offer checked October 28, 2026.
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Who runs it: License not shown; third parties report Anjouan, Costa Rica or none. Regulator notes: Named in a Michigan Gaming Control Board cease-and-desist release, August 14, 2025.
21+ (18+ where allowed). New players. Min deposit $30 (reported). Wagering 30x deposit + bonus (reported). Max cashout: None (reported). Withdrawal cap $2,500 / week (reported). Terms source: reported. Terms apply. Offer checked October 28, 2026.
These casinos are offshore operators. They are not licensed or regulated by any US state, and state consumer protections do not apply. Check the law in your state before you play. Terms marked “reported” come from third-party reviews; the terms shown at sign-up apply.
21+ (18+ where allowed). Every casino game has a built-in house edge, so over time you should expect to lose what you stake. Set a budget before you play and stop when it’s gone: responsible gambling tools and free help. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738).
Frequently asked questions
Is online sports betting legal in Illinois?
Yes, Illinois licenses online sports betting, and it has been live since March 2020. The Illinois Gaming Board lists 10 authorized online sportsbooks, including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM and Caesars, plus 12 retail licenses. Only those licensed apps are legal; offshore books aren’t licensed in the state. Our page asking is sports betting legal in my state compares Illinois with the rest of the country.
What is the legal betting age in Illinois?
We couldn’t confirm the minimum sports betting age from the Gaming Board pages we reviewed, so check the sportsbook’s terms or the Board before you register. Federal law expects state-authorized online wagers to include age and location verification. Our partner casino offers are shown only to adults 21+ (18+ where allowed). Our state regulators page lists who to contact in each state, including the Illinois Gaming Board.
When did sports betting start in Illinois?
Illinois launched legal sports betting in March 2020. That followed the Supreme Court’s May 14, 2018 decision in Murphy v. NCAA, which struck down the federal law that stopped states from authorizing sports betting. Since then the Gaming Board has licensed 10 online operators and 12 retail sportsbooks. Our sports betting laws page shows how other states followed.
Can I use an offshore sportsbook in Illinois?
Offshore sportsbooks aren’t licensed in Illinois, and the Gaming Board says unlicensed internet sports sites are illegal gambling. Its February 2026 letter to a Bovada-linked site told the operator to block Illinois. If an offshore book accepts you, there is no Illinois regulator to help with a dispute or a delayed payout. The player protections offshore vs licensed page lists the differences.
Do I pay taxes on sports betting winnings in Illinois?
Yes, sports betting winnings are taxable federal income, whatever the amount. A sportsbook issues a W-2G for 2026 payments when a win is $2,000 or more and at least 300 times your stake, so a $3,500 parlay win on $10 qualifies. Losses count only up to your winnings, with a reported 90% cap from 2026. Our W-2G form page explains what to do with the form.
Which sportsbook apps can I download in Illinois?
The Gaming Board’s authorized list includes bet365, BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars, Circa Sports, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel, Hard Rock Bet and theScore Bet. Download apps from the official store links on each sportsbook’s own website, then allow location checks so the app can confirm you are in Illinois. Our Android gambling guide covers phone settings for gambling apps.
Is daily fantasy legal in Illinois?
We couldn’t confirm the current status of daily fantasy sports in Illinois from official sources, so check with the contest operator or the Gaming Board before you enter. Fantasy contests are treated differently from sports betting in many states, and federal law excludes some fantasy contests from UIGEA when they meet set conditions. Our daily fantasy guide explains how contests and prizes work.
How do I self-exclude from sports betting in Illinois?
Use the Illinois Gaming Board’s self-exclusion program, and set limits or a cool-off inside each app. Offshore sites aren’t part of the state program, so add blocking software such as Gamban or BetBlocker. For support, call or text 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738). Our self-exclusion guide walks through each option step by step.
Is DraftKings legal in Illinois?
Yes, DraftKings is one of the ten online sportsbooks on the Illinois Gaming Board’s authorized list, so it can legally take sports bets from people located in Illinois. Download it through the official store link on its own site and let the app check your location. Its Illinois license covers sports wagering only, because the state licenses no online casino games. The same Board list includes FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars and six others. Compare state markets on our sports betting laws page, and see Illinois mobile casinos for why casino apps differ.
Is Bovada legal in Illinois?
No, Bovada isn’t licensed by the Illinois Gaming Board, and the Board treats unlicensed betting sites as illegal gambling. Its February 2026 letter to JuicyPopSlots, a site it links to Bovada, told the operator to block Illinois or face civil and criminal penalties. Bovada’s own restricted-states list names 20 states but not Illinois, so its terms and the regulator’s view conflict. With an offshore book there is no Illinois complaint route. Read our Bovada review and the cease-and-desist letters tracker.
How many sportsbooks are licensed in Illinois?
The Illinois Gaming Board lists 10 licensed online sportsbooks and 12 retail sportsbook licenses as of October 2026. The online brands are bet365, BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars, Circa Sports, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel, Hard Rock Bet and theScore Bet. The Board also oversees the state’s 17 casinos, where retail books operate alongside slots and tables. Line-ups change, so confirm a brand on the Board’s authorized list before you sign up. Our Illinois online casino hub covers the rest of the market, and state regulators compares the Board with other agencies.
Can I use an Illinois sportsbook app when I cross into Indiana?
Not under its Illinois license, because your physical location at the moment of the bet decides which state’s rules apply. Indiana runs its own legal market, regulated by the Indiana Gaming Commission since online betting launched there in October 2019, and an app must be approved in Indiana to take your bet there. The app’s location check confirms which state you are in before it accepts a wager. Our Indiana sports betting page covers the rules next door, and is sports betting legal in my state maps the rest.
Does an Illinois sportsbook withhold tax on big wins?
It can, when a win meets the federal withholding test. For 2026 payments, regular 24% withholding applies where the winnings minus the stake exceed $5,000 and the payout is at least 300 times the stake. On an $8,000 win from a $20 parlay, that means 24% of $7,980, or $1,915.20, held back for the IRS. Smaller wins are still taxable even without withholding or a form. Illinois state rules aren’t covered here. Our gambling taxes page and record-keeping guide explain what to do at filing time.
What should I do if a licensed Illinois sportsbook won’t pay me?
Start with the sportsbook’s own support team, in writing, and keep copies of the bet slip, account history and every reply. If that doesn’t settle it, you can take the complaint to the Illinois Gaming Board, because licensed sportsbooks answer to the Board and it can act on complaints about them. That route doesn’t exist for an offshore betting site, where the operator is the final word. Our guide to filing a casino complaint covers the steps, and player protections offshore vs licensed shows what you keep.
Are sports prediction markets legal in Illinois?
Their status is unsettled, and the Illinois sources used here don’t address them. Sports event contracts are the subject of several bills in Congress, such as the Prediction Markets Are Gambling Act. A Congressional Research Service report from August 17, 2026 lists those proposals and records none as enacted. Until that changes, the Gaming Board’s authorized sportsbooks are the clearly licensed way to bet on sports in Illinois. Our prediction markets page follows the bills, and Illinois gambling laws covers state statutes.
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