Sports betting is now legal and operational in Illinois. Several prestigious operators such as Barstool, Caesars by William Hill, DraftKings, FanDuel, and PointsBet have launched their sportsbooks in the state.

Though this is great news, many consumers are filled with queries about the functioning of sports betting within a legal framework. This is where we, at Play Illinois, step in to assist. Our goal is to guide you through the landscape of sports betting in Illinois.

Right here, you can find answers to the most common sports betting questions.

Can I legally bet on sports in Illinois?

Indeed, online sports betting is legal in Illinois.

In June 2019, the state officially legalized sports betting. However, it took some time for the rollout to happen. It wasn’t until March 2020 that the first retail sportsbook in Illinois opened.

BetRivers Sportsbook, the first online sportsbook, was launched on June 18, 2020. Subsequently, other operators have also started their operations. In Illinois, it’s legal and safe to bet on sports online provided you do it through a regulated operator.

How old do I need to be to gamble online in Illinois?

You must be 21 years or older to legally place online bets in Illinois.

During registration, operators will confirm your identity and seek your confirmation. Should there be any queries regarding your age, they may ask you to provide more documents. Typically, the registration procedure is straightforward and only takes a few minutes to finish.

Are online sportsbooks safe?

Yes, but there’s a catch.

If you’re using a legal and regulated online sportsbook in Illinois, you’re set. This implies that the site has met the approval of state regulators, ensuring the security of your sensitive information and funds.

Choosing to play on an unregulated platform like an offshore sportsbook is a gamble without any assurances. It’s a risky choice, particularly when you consider how easy it is to sign up for a legal option in Illinois. It’s simply not worth it.

Why is the sportsbook asking for my Social Security number?

To sign up at a legally regulated online sportsbook, you must permit the operator to authenticate your identity. They will request certain information for this purpose, such as the last four digits of your Social Security number.

The sign-up process at a legal online sportsbook, which is mandated by law to be secure, is a standard operating procedure. Thus, the protection of your information is assured.

Why do I have to download GeoComply?

The rules for online and mobile sports betting in Illinois mandate that bettors must be located within the state’s boundaries.

Before you can proceed with Illinois sportsbook sites and apps, they must confirm your stated location. This is achieved through the use of geolocation technology, a non-invasive software that determines your location. After the initial download, this software operates discreetly in the background, solely tracking your location to enable you to place a sports bet.

How do sportsbooks make money?

Sportsbooks earn their income by essentially levying a fee (vig or juice) for facilitating bets. Standard odds for spread and totals bets typically start at -110 for most operators.

For every $100 in successful bets, a return of just over $90 is granted, establishing the vig at slightly above 9%. The vig amount will fluctuate depending on the odds and the type of bet.

What is the difference between a legal Illinois sportsbook and an offshore one?

A legally approved sportsbook had to invest a considerable amount of money to establish their business in the state. Brick-and-mortar casinos are required to pay $10 million to provide online betting, while online-only platforms will be liable for a $20 million charge.

Furthermore, legal bookmakers contribute 15% of their revenue in taxes. In contrast, offshore operators, who are unregulated and not licensed by the state, have no commitment to Illinois or any long-term concern about the performance of the state market.

A sportsbook that is legal will feature the logo of the Illinois Gambling Board (IGB) on its website. While you have the option to use US credit cards, PayPal, and various e-wallets with them, an offshore book necessitates an alternative method like Bitcoin.

How do I know if a site is licensed and regulated in IL? 

The body that supervises sports betting in Illinois is the Illinois Gaming Board. This department operates a website with a specific section that provides a list of applicants and licensees.

At Play Illinois, we exclusively review sportsbooks that are legally authorized and regulated for operation within the state. By sticking with the operators we cover and endorse, you can have peace of mind knowing that they operate with integrity.

Do I have to pay taxes on my winnings?

Indeed, income from gambling is subject to tax.

If you exceed a certain amount in winnings, the operator may provide you with a W-2G form. However, whether you receive this documentation or not, your gambling earnings are subject to taxation.

Remember, the player carries the ultimate responsibility. Please bear that in mind. For detailed insights on how gambling tax laws could affect your circumstances, we strongly recommend consulting with your tax advisor.

Can I bet on the Fighting Illini online?

No, while it is lawful to wager on college sports like basketball and football in Illinois, online betting on teams located in the state is not permitted.

While it’s not entirely illegal, Illinois residents can only place bets on IL college teams in person at a physical sportsbook.

In addition, this provision has been frequently incorporated into sports betting legislation in numerous states where it is legal, so it’s not exclusive to Illinois. Complete legalization could happen in the future, but currently, there is a requirement for in-person betting.

Is it legal to bet on political elections in Illinois?

No, the law on sports betting in Illinois explicitly states that betting is only allowed on sporting competitions.

This means no wagering on elections, including the US presidential election, or entertainment events like the Oscars.

This is not a distinct situation in Illinois. While wagering on the US presidential election is prevalent in foreign markets, it remains illegal within the states.

What do the odds of +200 mean?

When it comes to a moneyline bet, the underdog side of the bet would have odds of +200.

The opposing side, which is the favored one in the game, would bear negative odds like -180 or -220. Odds of this magnitude could also appear in a bet involving multiple options.

The +200 also signifies the payout for a successful bet. This means that if we wager $100 at plus odds, the odds figure indicates our payout. So, in this scenario, a winning bet would yield a $200 payout.

Which IL sportsbooks have the quickest payouts?

No single operator holds an advantage in this respect.

Once the outcome of a game or competition is finalized, online betting platforms and sportsbooks promptly settle bets. If your bet is successful, the bookmaker will rapidly credit your account with the winnings.

The payout timeframe for withdrawals can differ based on the selected banking method. Typically, operators process withdrawals promptly, but the time you’ll receive it can fluctuate according to the method used, be it wire transfer, PayPal, or a mailed check.

How much do professional sports bettors make?

Regardless of your betting experience, there is no certainty of the exact return on long-term sports betting due to the unpredictable nature of events on the playing field.

Furthermore, earnings can fluctuate depending on the size of the stake and odds for bets. To provide a broad response, one would need a substantial bankroll and a solid, steady winning rate to earn anything close to a respectable income from sports betting.

Can I earn a living by betting on sports?

Probably not.

Some sports bettors might fantasize about making a living off their wagers, but the reality paints a starkly different picture. The odds of earning a living through sports betting are extremely slim. To put it plainly, sportsbooks are professionals in their field.

At the end of the day, the house always wins. Therefore, it’s more beneficial for new bettors to concentrate on responsible betting and view it as a form of entertainment.

Who sets the lines?

The lines for sporting events are set by sportsbooks.

Usually, a team works behind the scenes on the calculations with the help of computers. The oddsmaker is the individual responsible for overseeing this operation.

The company and the oddsmaker possess an abundance of data and computer algorithms. They make the odds public after completing their process, allowing the market to determine their efficiency.

When are lines usually released?

The release of the lines depends on the sport.

Odds for sports that operate on a weekly schedule, like the NFL and college football, are usually released several days prior to the game. For sports that have daily or nearly daily games, such as MLB, NBA, NHL, and so on, the odds are typically released a day before or on the day of the game itself.

The betting lines for various individual sports such as golf, tennis, UFC, NASCAR, and so on are usually announced well ahead of the next event. If the odds for a particular event scheduled for that day are not yet available, it’s likely that the sportsbook is waiting for some news that could potentially affect the odds.

What is an odds boost?

A sportsbook typically provides an odds boost as a promotional offer.

To summarize, the book will enhance the potential profit of a common bet to lure more activity. This not only provides the customer with an opportunity for higher returns but also results in increased volume for the book.

For instance, increasing the moneyline price for a favorite in an MLB game from -125 to +105. These boosts are often provided for player props as well as on different high-profile matchups across all sports.

What is a profit boost token?

A profit boost is a bonus given by the sportsbook for either reaching a certain volume of play or achieving a particular milestone in your account. The token is deposited into your account and you are free to use it as you wish.

Of course, there will be certain instances where its application might not be possible. For instance, there could be specific minimum odds that must be adhered to before you can use the token. If you are given a token, make sure to go through the operator’s terms and conditions to understand any specific regulations that might be applicable.

How do I cover the spread?

The point spread is a common betting format for football and basketball. For every game scheduled, oddsmakers will set up a spread. It’s useful to understand the spread as similar to a predicted winning margin.

The team that is favored must win the game by a margin larger than the specified number to cover the spread. Conversely, the underdog can cover the spread by either keeping the margin smaller than the spread or by outright winning the game.

Is it better to bet the spread or moneyline?

This hinges on the odds provided for the wager and your level of comfort. For beginners in betting, the moneyline serves as an excellent initiation as it only requires focusing on who wins or loses, excluding the concern of points.

As a general rule, most operators start the default odds for spread bets at -110. This allows bettors to calculate potential returns for a series of games more conveniently. However, moneyline odds can vary greatly, leading to fluctuating actual returns.

Can I cancel a bet?

As soon as you place a bet, it is recognized as action by the sportsbook. The bet is deemed live when the game or competition begins. It’s important to note that you cannot cancel a bet once it has been placed.

However, numerous operators offer gamblers the choice to cash out their bet before it is played, although this results in a loss. In essence, it’s advisable to thoroughly assess the whole bet – the amount, side, and odds – before confirming it.

Can I bet both the point spread and the total?

Indeed, you have the option to wager on the point spread, total, or any other preferences on a single bet. Many operators permit betting on both the point spread and total within the same ticket, although this could differ based on specific house rules.

In certain places, it’s known as a single-game or same-game parlay. There would be no problem placing a bet on the spread and total on the same ticket in this situation. This type of bet is gaining popularity, so it’s entirely possible that it could become a standard option.

How do I self-exclude in Illinois?

Both operators and individual states prioritize responsible gambling in the newly legalized sports betting landscape. Accordingly, websites have implemented specific measures to enable customers to restrict their play as necessary.

In most cases, legal and regulated websites will provide specific links for responsible gambling information. You should be able to locate links for self-exclusion or account closure within these sections. If these links are not readily available, try searching the help section or getting in touch with the sportsbook’s customer service for help.

What do I do if I need help with problem gambling?

Numerous resources are available for those who may require assistance with problem gambling, a serious issue that can affect individuals from all walks of life. Legal and regulated sportsbooks offer pertinent information for their clients on their websites and applications.

Moreover, the Illinois Gaming Board offers a specific section on its website dedicated to assisting problem gamblers. This includes dedicated support lines, the option for self-exclusion, and direction to further resources.

Can I register for a sports betting account online in Illinois?

You can start the registration process online, but not complete it entirely. According to Illinois law, you must finalize your registration at a physical location of one of the retail sportsbooks.

Gov. JB Pritzker issued an executive order suspending the requirement for several months, in response to the realities of the pandemic.

News emerged that the executive order was allowed to lapse on April 2, leading to a reversion to the original rules. Thus, if you missed out on registering from the comfort of your couch during that period, you now need to physically visit the casino partnered with the sportsbook to set up a betting account.

When will the in-person registration requirement expire?

There isn’t a clear-cut answer.

Once a license is granted to a mobile-only operator in the state, Illinois can revert back to remote registration. At present, all sports betting operators are in partnership with a physical casino, for instance, BetRivers Sportsbook has a partnership with Rivers Casino.

The positive news is that Illinois will issue three licenses exclusive to mobile use.

The unfortunate news is that each license costs $20 million. Adding to that, none of these licenses will be accessible until 18 months following the issuance of the initial sports betting license in the state.

Therefore, if the stars align, the operator provides the funds, and the Illinois Gaming Board quickly processes the application, Illinois bettors might be able to register online by December 2021.

Nonetheless, that’s yet to be determined.

What is PointsBetting?

PointsBetting is a revolutionary method of sports betting utilized by PointsBet.

The operator, through its partnership with Hawthorne Race Course, caters to the Illinois market. The sportsbook, which is based in Australia, has also launched in numerous other states to date. Essentially, the PointsBetting feature adjusts potential gains and losses based on the accuracy of your prediction. For instance, exceeding an NFL total by 5 points would result in a higher win. Conversely, if your prediction is off by 5 points, your loss would be greater.

What are the closest sportsbooks to Chicago?

Below is the updated list of sportsbooks near Chicago, including their online partner and physical location:

• BetRivers, Rivers Casino: 3000 S. River Road, Des Plaines
• Caesars Sportsbook by William Hill at Grand Victoria Casino is located at 250 S. Grove Ave., Elgin.
• 1 W. New York St., Aurora is the location of Hollywood Casino and Barstool.
• Penn National’s Hollywood Casino & Hotel is located at 777 Hollywood Blvd., Joliet.

Numerous sportsbook retailers have commenced operations in Illinois, with more set to open. Below is a list of casinos in Illinois that house sportsbooks, along with their locations:

1. Barstool Location: Hollywood Casino Aurora, 1 W. New York St., Aurora, IL 60506
2. BetRivers: Located at Rivers Casino, 3000 S. River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60018.
3. DraftKings is located at Casino Queen, 200 South Front St., East St. Louis, IL 62201.
4. FanDuel Sportsbook & Horse Racing is located at 9301 Collinsville Road, Collinsville, IL 62234.
5. Club Hawthorne Crestwood, PointsBet: 13148 Rivercrest Drive, Crestwood, IL 60445
6. PointsBet is located at Player’s Pub & Grill, 1250 River Road, Prospect Heights, IL 60070.
7. PointsBet is located at Hawthorne Race Course, 3501 S. Laramie Ave., Stickney, IL 60804.
8. William Hill’s Caesars Sportsbook at Grand Victoria Casino, located at 250 S. Grove Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.

Regularly visit Play Illinois for the most recent updates on sports betting in Illinois and future developments.