How did it all start?

Early this year, Governor Pritzker released an emergency declaration that lifted the 18-month requirement that made it necessary for all sportsbook betting registration to be done in-person. The restricting condition stipulated that even though you could register to a bookmaker online, you essentially had to visit the bookie location to finalize your registration process.

The Governor’s declaration came at a good time for most punters and bookmakers. Sportsbook betting activities knocked in fully in early March, which was a good time, especially because of the NCAA Tournament. However, the excitement in gamblers’ and bookies’ faces only lived a short while since many gambling locations and major Illinois sports betting app activities got closed down globally due to COVID-19. The pandemic brought an immature halt to Illinois sports betting activities, considering that they were legalized just a year prior.

Even after the rules and restrictions on the pandemic loosened and games such as golf, NASCAR, UFC, and soccer returned, punters still had a rough time placing wagers since the jurisdiction had not licensed the local bookmakers for online sports betting Illinois operations. That means the retail locations had to stay locked until June.

The punters, sportsbook betting, and the government were all on the losing ends. Online sports betting Illinois attracted a lot of revenue to the government, and being at a halt meant no income. It wasn’t easy considering that the pandemic caused financial strains to many governments, and Illinois, just like any other jurisdiction, would probably be interested in getting ways to raise their revenue.

Come June, Governor J. B. Pritzker raised the 18-month waiver, and many sportsbooks rushed to online platforms to make their services available to residents. The BetRivers was the first bookmaker to launch betting operations in Illinois around June 18th, 2020. After that, other bookmakers like DrafKing and Fanduel followed suit. However, the order was subsequently revoked, and the restriction took effect again on July 31.

Luckily for Illinois sports gamblers, the rule was lifted once again on August 21 and the activity ran until September 19, 2020. Many betting enthusiasts used the opportunity to register at the three Illinois sport betting apps currently licensed.

Best Betting Sites in Illinois

Currently, there are three Illinois sports betting apps receiving bets from Illinois gamblers. As they enjoy the space, hopes are high that they will soon receive competition since more sportsbooks are aggressively focusing on the Illinois online betting space. Here are the best apps you can register to and place your bets.

1. BetRivers

BetRivers is driven by the gambling industry giant, Rush Street Interactive. They provide betting services in other states where betting is accepted. You will find them in Pennsylvania, Indiana, and New Jersey. To some extent, this explains why the Illinois sports betting app seems so aggressive. Remember that it was the first to make huge inroads in March ninth 2020 as the Rivers Casino Des Plaines. When the restriction was loosened, it still became the first to develop a betting app. It was launched on June 18, 2020.

BetRivers may not offer you the huge promos and other exciting treats that are common with other Illinois sports betting apps, but you will have a $250 first deposit bonus and a wide variety of betting markets to enjoy.

2. DraftKings at Casino Queen

It’s a sleek betting app that brings a unique experience of online wagering. It comes with high payer odds and free bets of $1000 for new players. It went live on August 5th, 2020. If you don’t make it to register online, it’s located in East St. Louis, Chicago.

3. FanDuel Sportsbook

Like the DraftKings, FanDuel was also aggressive enough and greatly impacted the DFS market. Registered as FanDuel, this app has a user-friedly dashboard. FanDuel also affords new betting enthusiasts a first-time $500 risk-free bet.

4. PointsBet

It’s not yet functional but is joining the Illinois online sportsbook betting space soon. It’s not operated locally, so it’s partnering with Hawthorne Race Course based in Cecero to bring you a blast of amazing promos. It also comes with crazy odds and boosts, and a real hit of refunds. It offers up to $250 deposit march and features point betting. This feature allows you to make profits or risks as per the degree at which a given bet wins or loses.

5. Barstool Sportsbook

Undoubtedly, many goodies await bettors in this app, considering that it’s a property of the Penn National Gaming. Penn National operates several casino assets in the state, most of which offer the best experience. Whereas it’s not so clear how this sportsbook will blend in and function, we can comfortably say that it will come with very beautiful features.

If you feel the need to visit the casino in person, here are the seven casinos that received the master license from IGB to operate in Illinois.

• Par-A-Dice in East Peoria
• Hollywood casinos in Aurora
• Queen Casino in East St. Louis
• Rivers Casino in Des Plaines
• Grand Victoria in Elgin
• Hollywood Casino in Joliet
• Argosy Casino in Alton.

How to place bets in Illinois

Online sports betting in Illinois has brought more ease in placing wagers for your favorite match. With the law on in-person requirements lifted, you can enjoy a great time with the best casino of your choice in the comfort of your home or office. However, it all starts by checking that you are the right age and within Illinois’s bounds.

The gambling regulatory laws of Illinois only allows you to place wagers if you are 21 years and above. If you qualify, go to your favorite sportsbook app and register an account. Their payment methods are easy since they use most local payment methods.

The games you can bet on in Illinois include the NHL, NFL, MLB, and NBA niche sports. Unfortunately, you aren’t allowed to place wagers on state’s college games, university games, and high school games.