Update: How to Register for an Illinois Sportsbook
Update: How to Register for an Illinois Sportsbook
Editor’s Note: Starting from Saturday, March 5, 2022, it is no longer necessary to visit a physical sportsbook in Illinois to register for a legal online sportsbook. You now have the convenience of setting up your Illinois sports betting account from the comfort of your home and placing bets from anywhere within the state lines.
This is a list of the leading sportsbooks in Illinois and their bonus offers. New players have the opportunity to benefit from several bonuses.
Can I Register for an Illinois Sportsbook Online?
Indeed, you are able to download and sign up online for the top legal sportsbooks in Illinois, also known as the Prairie State.
Registration in-person is currently required in Illinois, but that doesn’t mean you should skip any bonus bets or bonuses available through online sign-up. Illinois is set to have online registration no later than March 5.
Here are the steps to register for one of the seven online sportsbooks in Illinois, namely BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet, Caesars, and Barstool, for an optimal experience:
DraftKings Sportsbook
Bonus: $50 + $1,000
Promo Code: Click to redeem bonus
- To begin, secure your $50 bonus bet by downloading the DraftKings Sportsbook app. Create an account by clicking on the green button marked “Sign Me Up”. Set a username and password, then furnish your email address. Once you have read and agreed to the Terms of Use, input your personal information. This includes your name, birth date, address, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Caesars Sportsbook
Bonus: $1,250
Use bonus code: LEGALFULL
- Make sure to download the Caesars Sportsbook app for all your sports betting needs in Illinois. Take advantage of the opportunity to earn up to $1,250 on Caesars, along with 1000 Tier Credits and 1000 Reward Credits®. To set up your account, just click the “Join Now” button and follow the registration instructions. You’ll need to provide some information, including the last four digits of your Social Security number. Don’t forget to enter the promotional code LEGALFULL.
BetMGM Sportsbook
Bonus: You can receive a bonus of up to $1,000.
Use bonus code: PLAYBONUS
- To claim your $1,000 bonus bet, please download the BetMGM app to your phone. Initiate your account set-up by clicking the “Register” button. This will require you to input your email and create a password. Then, you will need to provide the last four digits of your Social Security number and your date of birth. Ensure to input all essential information, including your phone number and address. Finally, don’t forget to input the BetMGM promo code PLAYBONUS to finalize your registration.
BetRivers Sportsbook
Bonus: $500
Use promo code: PLAYRIV
- Download the BetRivers App through our link to receive a 100% match on your deposit, up to $500. As an official betting partner of the Chicago Bears, BetRivers provides exclusive Bears betting markets. Start by creating a screen name, inputting your email, and clicking “Join Now”. Follow these steps to create an account: 1. Generate a unique screen name and create a secure password. 2. Enter your email address. 3. Use the promo code PLAYRIV to activate the deposit match offer. 4. Members of Rush Rewards or Play4Fun will experience faster registration. 5. Follow the instructions to enter your personal details. This includes 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 to redeem promotion.
- To ensure your $1,000 no-sweat bet, install the FanDuel App on your mobile device or tablet. Begin setting up your account by clicking on the “Bet Now” button and choosing “Illinois”. Next, create a username and password, and enter your email address. Lastly, provide your personal information, remembering to include the last four digits of your Social Security number.
PointsBet Sportsbook
Bonus: Receive up to 5 Second Chance Bets worth $250.
Use links, Bonus code: None
- Make sure to download the PointsBet App to get a chance to receive up to $250 in second-chance bets. To create an account, start by clicking the “Sign Up Now” button and select Illinois. Enter your name and email address, making sure that the name is the same as on your driver’s license or passport, according to PointsBet’s guidelines. Click “Continue” to move forward. You will need to provide additional personal details, such as the last four digits of your Social Security number. Lastly, generate a password and agree to the “Terms and Conditions”.
Barstool Sportsbook
- Download the Barstool App: Install the Barstool app on your mobile device.
- To set up your account, first, hit the “Register Now” button. This will present you with a form where you need to input your email address and create a username and password. On the following page, you’ll be asked to provide your address, phone number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Don’t forget to customize your security settings according to your preferences. It’s important to note that Barstool requires you to agree to five “Terms and Conditions” before you can click “Accept & Register.”
What Information Do I Need to Share to Register for a Sportsbook?
Registering for an Illinois sportsbook is primarily as straightforward as creating an account on various online shopping platforms. This process is also a standard procedure across all sportsbooks in Illinois.
You can initiate the process on your computer, smartphone, or tablet. If you’re utilizing a mobile device, ensure that the app you’re downloading corresponds to the sportsbook in Illinois. Some sportsbooks offer apps that are specific to different jurisdictions.
This applies to desktop website users as well. No matter the device you are using, you will need to consent to the website’s use of location services to determine your location.
You’ll also need to provide the following identification details:
- Legal name
- Mailing address
- Date of birth
- Tax Identification Social Security Number
- Email address
Once you’ve completed all the online registration steps, you’ll need to visit the physical location of the retail sportsbook. Show your government-issued photo ID to the attendant who will then click their computer mouse a few times, and you’ll be all set.
Once you’ve finished registering, you can deposit money into your account and start placing bets. You also have the option to use your computer or mobile device.
History of Sportsbook Registration in Illinois
Though legal sports betting in Illinois only started in March 2020, it already has a fascinating history, particularly with regards to the registration process, largely due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here is a chronological outline of events related to sports betting and the pandemic:
- On March 5, 2022, online registration was permanently established in Illinois sports betting.
- On April 2, 2021, Governor JB Pritzker permitted Executive Order 2020-41 to lapse, leading to the reinstatement of the in-person registration requirement on April 4.
- On March 5, 2021, Pritzker extended the executive order again until April 3.
- On February 5, 2021, Pritzker renewed the executive order permitting online registration until March 6.
- Pritzker extended the executive order until February 6 on January 8, 2021.
- On December 11, 2020, Pritzker extended the executive order once more, this time until January 9, 2021.
- November 13, 2020: Pritzker permits mobile sports betting registration until December 12 due to a surge in COVID-19 cases.
- On Oct. 16, 2020, Pritzker extended the executive order permitting online sportsbook registration until Nov. 14.
- Pritzker extended the order through October 17, 2020, as of September 14, 2020.
- Pritzker issued a new executive order on Aug. 21, 2020, once again suspending physical registration.
- On July 27, 2020, Pritzker allowed the executive order to expire, leading to the return of the in-person mandate.
- On July 9, 2019, Pritzker signed a law that legalizes sports betting in Illinois, which includes in-person registration requirements for online betting.
- On June 18, 2020, BetRivers made history by becoming the first legally recognized online sportsbook in Illinois.
- On June 5, 2020, Pritzker signed an executive order that suspended the requirements for in-person registration.
- On March 9, 2020, BetRivers made history by becoming the first legal retail sportsbook in Illinois.
IL Sportsbook Registration FAQ
In summary, the mandate was implemented by the state to prevent DraftKings and FanDuel from gaining an unfair advantage over their competitors due to their extensive daily fantasy sports (DFS) customer base. Which other states necessitate in-person registration for online betting? At present, only Nevada enforces such a requirement. Iowa had a similar mandate, but it lapsed on January 1, 2021. Rhode Island initially had a comparable regulation, but it has since been rescinded.
Critics suggest that it encourages punters to persist in utilizing unlawful, offshore sports betting websites. Furthermore, there is no proof that in-person registration enhances efforts to prevent match-fixing or promote responsible gambling.
No, you need to be a minimum of 21 years old and provide all the identification documents/information required by the sportsbook.