Is sports betting legal in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois passed sports betting legislature June 2019 and launched at physical sportsbooks March 2020, becoming the 15th state to offer it. Licenses can be issued to casinos, racetracks, off-track betting facilities and large sports stadiums to operate retail sportsbooks.
While those places can offer mobile sports betting now, Illinois has a slightly different stand on online-only operators. Places like FanDuel and DraftKings can partner with a land-based sportsbook or apply for one of three online-only mobile betting licenses, but they won't be issued until 18 months after the March 2020 launch of sports betting. Until those online operators get into the action, residents have to register in person with a licensed sportsbook before betting online.
Given that sports betting launched March 2020, there are a slew of casinos and racetracks awaiting approval to launch their sportsbooks. Those are expected to release throughout 2020, though the Coronavirus pandemic slowed down the initial timeline.
Of note, it's illegal to bet on collegiate teams inside the state, as well as minor league events.
Daily Fantasy Sports aren't technically legal in Illinois, but they are allowed. There have been opinions that fantasy sports violate state law and numerous bills have died that have tried to legalize DFS, but nothing has been set in stone, which means residents can still take part in sites like DraftKings and FanDuel.
Physical Sportsbooks
Rivers Casino, Des Plaines
BetRivers Sportsbook is the first brick-and-mortar sportsbook in the state and only sportsbook that began accepting bets on launch day. It features a 47-foot-wide video wall, five betting windows and 30 kiosks.
While the Illinois BetRivers mobile site and app was not available on launch day, the sportsbook has a BetBuilder available to customers, which is provided by Kambi.
Monday - Sunday: 10 a.m. - 12 a.m.
Argosy Casino, Alton
The Sportsbook at Argosy had its original launch day pushed back due to Coronavirus concerns, but it's set to be the second retail location in Illinois. The Sportsbook has five betting windows, 14 serve-serve kiosks, 36 TVs, odds-display monitors and is conveniently located next to Hops House.
Coming soon...
This list will likely grow tenfold by the time 2021 hits. Once sports resume, the Illinois betting market should expand quickly and that will lead to many more sportsbooks offering action in person as well as online.