Update: How to Register for an Illinois Sportsbook
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Update: How to Register for an Illinois Sportsbook
Beginning Saturday, March 5, 2022, Illinois residents can now register for online sportsbooks without needing to visit a physical sportsbook location. This allows for the convenience of setting up your sports betting account from home and placing bets from any location within the state.
Here is a compilation of the top sportsbooks in Illinois and the bonuses they offer for new players looking to take advantage of various promotions.
Can I Register for an Illinois Sportsbook Online?
You can easily download and register online for the top legal sportsbooks in Illinois, also known as the Prairie State.
While in-person registration is currently mandatory in Illinois, it’s important to take advantage of any bonus bets or promotions available through online sign-ups. Online registration will be available in Illinois by March 5.
To ensure the best experience, follow these steps to sign up for one of the seven online sportsbooks available in Illinois: BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet, Caesars, and Barstool.
DraftKings Sportsbook
Bonus: $50 + $1,000
Coupon Code: Click to claim your bonus
- To get started, claim your $50 bonus bet by downloading the DraftKings Sportsbook app. Click on the “Sign Me Up” button to create an account. Choose a username and password, provide your email address, and then agree to the Terms of Use. Enter your personal details, including your name, date of birth, address, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Caesars Sportsbook
Bonus: $1,250
Use bonus code: LEGALFULL
- Don’t forget to download the Caesars Sportsbook app for all of your sports betting needs in Illinois. You can earn up to $1,250 on Caesars, as well as 1000 Tier Credits and 1000 Reward Credits®. Simply click the “Join Now” button to set up your account and follow the registration instructions. Make sure to provide necessary information, including the last four digits of your Social Security number. Remember to enter the promotional code LEGALFULL.
BetMGM Sportsbook
Additional benefit: You have the opportunity to earn a bonus of up to $1,000.
Use bonus code: PLAYBONUS
- In order to receive your $1,000 bonus bet, please download the BetMGM app on your phone and click the “Register” button to set up your account. You will need to enter your email, create a password, provide the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Be sure to include your phone number and address as well. To complete your registration, don’t forget to enter the BetMGM promo code PLAYBONUS.
BetRivers Sportsbook
Bonus: $500
Use promo code: PLAYRIV
- To receive a 100% match on your deposit, up to $500, simply download the BetRivers App through our link. As the official betting partner of the Chicago Bears, BetRivers offers exclusive Bears betting markets. To create an account, start by generating a unique screen name and creating a secure password. Next, enter your email address and use the promo code PLAYRIV to activate the deposit match offer. Rush Rewards or Play4Fun members can enjoy faster registration. Finally, follow the instructions to enter your personal details, including your full name, birth date, residential address, contact number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
FanDuel Sportsbook
Bonus: $1,000
Promo Code: Click here to claim your discount.
- To guarantee your $1,000 risk-free wager, download the FanDuel App on your smartphone or tablet. Start the account setup process by selecting “Bet Now” and then choosing “Illinois”. Create a unique username and password, and input your email address. Lastly, enter your personal details, including the last four digits of your Social Security number.
PointsBet Sportsbook
Bonus: Get a chance to win up to $250 with 5 Second Chance Bets.
Please include links in your response. Bonus code is not required.
- Ensure you download the PointsBet App for the opportunity to receive up to $250 in second-chance bets. To register, click the “Sign Up Now” button and choose Illinois. Input your name and email address, ensuring it matches the name on your driver’s license or passport per PointsBet’s rules. Click “Continue” to proceed. You will be required to enter more personal information, including the last four digits of your Social Security number. Finally, create a password and accept the “Terms and Conditions”.
Barstool Sportsbook
- Get the Barstool App: Download and install the Barstool app on your phone or tablet.
- To begin creating your account, start by clicking the “Register Now” button. You will then be directed to a form where you must enter your email address, create a username and password. Next, you will be prompted to provide your address, phone number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Be sure to adjust your security settings to your liking. Please be aware that Barstool mandates agreement to five “Terms and Conditions” before you can proceed with clicking “Accept & Register.”
What Information Do I Need to Share to Register for a Sportsbook?
Signing up for an Illinois sportsbook is as simple as setting up an account on any other online platform. This is a standard procedure that applies to all sportsbooks in Illinois.
You can start the process on your computer, smartphone, or tablet. If you are using a mobile device, make sure the app you are downloading is compatible with the sportsbook in Illinois. Some sportsbooks have apps that are designed for specific regions.
This also pertains to users of desktop websites. Regardless of the device you are on, you must give your consent for the website to use location services in order to determine your location.
In addition, please provide the following identification information:
- Legal name
- Mailing address
- Date of birth
- Social Security Number for Tax Identification purposes
- Email address
After finishing the online registration process, you must go to the retail sportsbook in person. Present your government-issued photo ID to the attendant, who will then complete the registration by clicking a few times on their computer.
After completing the registration process, you can deposit funds into your account and begin placing bets. You can choose to use either your computer or mobile device.
History of Sportsbook Registration in Illinois
Legal sports betting in Illinois began in March 2020, and the registration process has had an interesting history, largely influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Here is a timeline of events related to sports betting and the pandemic in Illinois.
- Online registration for Illinois sports betting was officially implemented on March 5, 2022.
- Governor JB Pritzker allowed Executive Order 2020-41 to expire on April 2, 2021, resulting in the reinstatement of the in-person registration requirement on April 4.
- Pritzker once again extended the executive order until April 3, 2021, on March 5th.
- Pritzker extended the executive order allowing online registration until March 6, 2021, on February 5.
- On January 8, 2021, Pritzker decided to extend the executive order until February 6.
- Pritzker extended the executive order again on December 11, 2020, this time until January 9, 2021.
- Due to a rise in COVID-19 cases, Pritzker has extended mobile sports betting registration until December 12, 2020.
- Pritzker extended the executive order allowing online sportsbook registration until Nov. 14 on Oct. 16, 2020.
- As of September 14, 2020, Pritzker has extended the order until October 17, 2020.
- On August 21, 2020, Pritzker issued a new executive order that once more suspended in-person registration.
- Pritzker allowed the executive order to expire on July 27, 2020, resulting in the reinstatement of the in-person mandate.
- Pritzker signed a law on July 9, 2019, legalizing sports betting in Illinois, with provisions that require in-person registration for online betting.
- BetRivers achieved a historic milestone on June 18, 2020, when it became the inaugural officially recognized online sportsbook in Illinois.
- Pritzker signed an executive order on June 5, 2020, suspending the need for in-person registration requirements.
- BetRivers made history on March 9, 2020, by becoming the inaugural legal retail sportsbook in Illinois.
IL Sportsbook Registration FAQ
To sum up, the state implemented the mandate to prevent DraftKings and FanDuel from gaining an unfair advantage over their competitors with their large daily fantasy sports customer base. Currently, only Nevada requires in-person registration for online betting. Iowa had a similar rule, but it expired on January 1, 2021. Rhode Island also had a comparable regulation initially, but it has since been revoked.
Critics argue that it promotes the continued use of illegal offshore sports betting sites. Additionally, there is no evidence that requiring in-person registration helps to deter match-fixing or encourage responsible gambling.
Sorry, you must be at least 21 years old and submit all necessary identification documents/information requested by the sportsbook.