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US State Guide
Illinois
Legal
Illinois Sports Betting & Casinos 2026
Sports betting is legal in Illinois, online and in person. Online casinos are not legal yet, but there are 17 casinos across the state, including Chicago.
Sports betting✓ Legal
Online casino✕ Not legal
Land-based casinos17 casinos
Minimum age21+
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Where to bet in Illinois
Online and mobileLicensed apps statewide for anyone 21+ inside Illinois
Casino sportsbooksRetail betting at casinos and racetracks
Stadium sportsbooksSportsbooks at Wrigley Field and other venues
Video gaming terminalsSlot-style machines at licensed bars and truck stops
Licensed Illinois sportsbook apps
Online betting launched in June 2020, regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board. Since July 2025, a per-bet tax applies, and some books pass a small fee on to bettors.
Online casinos in Illinois
Not legal. Illinois has not legalized online slots or table games, although bills are debated each year.
In person, casinos across the state offer slots, table games and sportsbooks, including Bally’s Chicago.
Rivers Casino Des PlainesBally’s ChicagoHard Rock Casino RockfordHollywood Casino AuroraGrand Victoria Casino
What can you bet on in Illinois?
✓NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and MLS
✓Out-of-state college teams
•Illinois college teams (in person only)
✓Live in-game betting and futures
✓Soccer, golf, tennis and UFC
✕Elections and politics
Bet on Illinois teams
Chicago BearsChicago BullsChicago CubsChicago White SoxChicago BlackhawksChicago FireChicago SkyIllinois Fighting IlliniNorthwestern Wildcats
Offshore sites and prediction markets
Offshore sportsbooksSites such as BetOnline and MyBookie are not licensed in Illinois, so state player protections do not apply. See all operator reviews.
What’s next for Illinois
•The per-bet tax has led some sportsbooks to add fees for bettors
•An online casino bill is in play but has not passed
•Regulators have sent cease-and-desist letters to dozens of sweepstakes operators
21+ only. Gambling problem? Call the national helpline on 1-800-GAMBLER, free and confidential, 24/7.
Frequently asked questions
Is sports betting legal in Illinois?
Yes. Online and retail sports betting have been legal since 2020.
Is online casino gambling legal in Illinois?
No. Online casino games are not legal yet.
Can I bet on Illinois college teams?
Only in person at a retail sportsbook, and not on player props.
Why do some Illinois sportsbooks charge a fee per bet?
Illinois added a per-wager tax in July 2025, and some operators pass it on.
What sportsbook apps are legal in Illinois?
Licensed apps include FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, bet365, Fanatics, BetRivers, Hard Rock Bet, theScore Bet and Circa Sports.
How old do you have to be to bet in Illinois?
You must be 21 or older.
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in Illinois?
There is no ban, but regulators have sent cease-and-desist letters and several brands have restricted Illinois.
Are offshore sportsbooks legal in Illinois?
Offshore sportsbooks are not licensed in Illinois, so state player protections do not apply.
Are gambling winnings taxed in Illinois?
Yes. Winnings count as taxable income for state and federal tax.
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