Illinois sports betting apps are live. The Prairie State saw its first sports gambling app in June 2020 when BetRivers started taking bets. Since then, DraftKings launched in partnership with Casino Queen. FanDuel followed in late August of 2020 with an online sportsbook, which it launched with Par-A-Dice Casino in East Peoria, Illinois. PointsBet and William Hill launched the state’s fourth and fifth sportsbooks apps in September.

Finding the Best Sports Betting App for You The sportsbook sites we list above either have their own app or have a comprehensive site that is optimized for smartphones. In fact, most sportsbooks are enhanced for mobile browsing so you don’t have to worry about your device slowing down when you make your bets. The best apps for golf betting offer an array of different betting options. Some are better than others when it comes to overall coverage. The most popular type of golf bet is a futures bet on the eventual winner of an event, but there is no shortage of other ways to enhance your golf betting. Best Mobile Sports Betting Apps Of 2020. The best mobile sports betting apps share a few similarities in what they offer. For one, the mobile sportsbook will offer all of the same betting lines that you would find on the desktop site. You will still have access to the latest odds, a wide selection of sports, and all of the same wager types. Dec 02, 2020 However, with the best sports apps, you can keep a tab on how your favorite team is performing on the tap of your fingers. Market reach of the sports apps for Android worldwide equates to 30.44% — Statista. No matter which sports niche you choose, there is an app available for almost every game you can think of.

To access sports betting apps, Illinois players just need an internet connection and a desktop or mobile device. The process to access an online sportsbook in the Land of Lincoln is simple and convenient, giving you full access to a bevy of bets and offers after just a few minutes.

Getting started with mobile and desktop sportsbook apps requires you to create an account using the information you’d typically give to an online shopping or social media site. It’s a similar process to those employed by the apps we use every day, so most bettors will have no trouble kicking off their sports betting experience in Illinois.

The only added step is mandatory geolocation to confirm you’re within state borders when you place a bet. As of August 20, 2020, there is no requirement to complete registration in person, but that could change. The order lifting the requirement will stay in effect until December 12, 2020. After that, in-person registration could return. Moreover, the state temporarily closed Illinois casinos and retail sportsbooks on November 19, 2020, in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19. This means that the only way to bet on sports in Illinois is through a sportsbook app.

Here’s a closer look at online sports betting apps in Illinois.

Best Mobile Online Sports Betting Apps In Illinois

BetRivers Illinois

BetRivers provides a polished and streamlined sportsbook experience for Illinois bettors.

BetRivers is the official online sportsbook of Illinois’ Rivers Casino in Des Plaines. Playing with BetRivers offers some great advantages to players. The site will match your first deposit up to $250, allowing you to double your account value when you first deposit funds. The bonus is a great way to get started with sports betting. The interface is sleek and intuitive. Sports and featured bets appear on a bar at the top of the screen, so you can easily navigate the site to find your favorite bets.

BteRivers launched its full iOS app in September. That means Illinois bettors can access BetRivers on a desktop or mobile browser and through both iOS and Android apps.

See our full Review Of BetRivers Illinois Sportsbook.

DraftKings at Casino Queen

DraftKings penned a deal with Casino Queen in East St. Louis, Illinois, to provide technology for the property’s sportsbooks. This includes online sports betting, which allows DraftKings to access the Illinois market as one of the first online sports betting apps.

Best App For Sports Betting Tips

DraftKings is an undeniable leader in the sports betting industry and is the first Illinois sportsbook to offer a native iOS and Android app along with a robust website. In addition, a DraftKings-branded sportsbook will eventually open at Wrigley Field.

New bettors at DraftKings Illinois can get up to $1,000 as part of a 20% first deposit match bonus.

See our complete Review Of DraftKings Illinois.

FanDuel Illinois

FanDuel launched its online sportsbook in Illinois on August 28, 2020. This made it the third online sports betting site to go live in the Prairie State.

After weeks of rumored deals, FanDuel finally launched in partnership with Par-A-Dice Casino in East Peoria, Illinois. The property is owned and operated by Boyd Gaming. Boyd also owns a 5% stake in FanDuel, so the partnership makes sense. Previous rumors hinted at a possible purchase of Fairmount Racetrack in Collinsville, but no new information about that deal has come to light. It could still happen, but for now, FanDuel offers an online book using the Par-A-Dice license.

Bettors can get up to $1,000 in risk-free bets when they sign up for FanDuel’s sportsbook.

See our complete FanDuel Illinois Review.

PointsBet Illinois

PointsBet launched Illinois’ fourth online sportsbook. The company inked a deal with Hawthorne Racecourse in Cicero, Illinois, just a few miles outside of Chicago. PointsBet also plans to open a few off-track betting facilities in the Chicagoland area in addition to its retail sportsbook at Hawthorne Racecourse. This makes it the closest sportsbook to downtown Chicago.

The sportsbook from PointsBet went live on September 12, just in time for the first slate of Sunday football games for the 2020-2021 NFL season. PointsBet offers both an android and iOS app. It works seamlessly, and there’s the added bonus of PointsBetting, the company’s unique bet type for high-risk, high-reward betting.

William Hill Illinois

William Hill joined the Land of Lincoln’s online sports betting scene on September 15, 2020. It became the state’s fifth online sportsbook not long after it launched a retail book at Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin.

William Hill’s sportsbook is accessible on both iOS and Android, though our initial research showed no signs of a desktop betting platform. It’s possible that could come into play later. For now, eager bettors should stick to mobile devices and tablets.

New players at William Hill are treated to a risk-free bet up to $300.

Full List of Live Illinois Sports Betting Apps

There are currently five sports betting apps available to download in Illinois:

• BetRivers Illinois App >> Sign up to claim a 100% deposit match bonus up to $250
• DraftKings Illinois App >> Sign up to claim a 20% deposit match bonus up to $1000
• FanDuel Sportsbook Illinois >> Sign up to claim up to $1000 in risk-free bets
• PointsBet Illinois >> Use bonus code BIGBONUS to claim up to $1500 in two risk-free bets
• William Hill

Illinois Sportsbooks At A Glance

In-Person Registration Requirements In Illinois

One wrinkle when it comes to taking full advantage of online sportsbooks in Illinois is the government’s ever-changing stance toward in-person registration requirements. It’s possible to download an app and start registration, but before making the first bet bettors need to visit a retail sportsbook location or casino partner to complete the process. This was the initial requirement under the Illinois sports betting law.

During 2020, Governor J.B. Pritzker has lifted and reinstated the requirement for in-person registration so many times it’s starting to get confusing.

For a brief time, Governor Pritzer lifted this requirement due to COVID-19 related concerns. In July 2020, he reinstated the restriction. Then, he lifted the restriction once again on August 20, 2020. This can seem a bit onerous, particularly before the first bet, but once registration is complete all bets can be placed online using the chosen app. At least through December 12, 2020, you can register completely online without a visit to a retail property.

What Are The Benefits Of Using Legal Online Sportsbook Apps In Illinois?

Betting on a legal online sportsbook app has distinct perks.

First and foremost, the convenience of playing on your mobile device is hard to beat. As long as you’re within Illinois and have an internet connection or cell signal, you can sign on and place a wager once you’re registered. If a game is happening live and you want to place an in-play wager, you can quickly sign-on using your phone or tablet to make the bet. The ease of use is one of legal mobile bettings’ primary advantages.

Of course, safety and fairness play a huge role in making the online betting experience top-notch in Illinois. Sportsbook apps are operated by companies that must adhere to the state’s regulations and offer a fair selection of bets using official data. That’s a requirement that offshore providers don’t have to worry about. Legal betting ensures you’re playing in a safe and secure environment.

How To Install Online Sports Betting Apps On An Apple iOS Device

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how you can install a sportsbook app on your iPhone or iPad.

1. Choose your preferred sports betting app and download it from the iOS App Store.
2. Register for an account. You’ll need to provide some personal information: name, email, address, phone number, etc. You also may need to submit a driver’s license number or social security number to confirm your age.
3. Download a Geolocation app. Your preferred sports betting site will give you instructions on how to do this. It’s required so you can verify your location when placing a bet.
   1. Note: some sites just use your phone’s GPS and don’t require a separate download.
4. Make a deposit and start betting!

How To Install Online Sportsbook Apps On An Android Device

Google prohibits all gambling apps from its Google Play marketplace, but you can still install sportsbook apps on your Android device. Here’s how:

1. Pick your favorite sportsbook and visit its website on your mobile browser. You can also search “[Sportsbook] Illinois Android app” and you should get helpful results.
2. Scroll down and you should find an icon that has the Android logo and says “Get it for Android” or something similar. Click on that icon.
3. The link will take you to a page with instructions to guide you through the installation process. Follow the steps on the page to download the sports betting app onto your Android device.
4. Open the app and sign up for an account using your name, email, etc.
5. If necessary/prompted, download a geolocation app. In some cases, the app will ask for your location instead of making you download a separate service. Either way, this confirms you are within the state where you plan to bet.
6. Connect a payment method, deposit, and place your wager.

Are More Sportsbooks Apps Coming To Illinois?

With only five sportsbooks live, Illinois is at a very early stage with regard to its sports betting industry. The state will undoubtedly see many more sportsbook launches, almost all of which will include sports betting apps.

BetRivers, DraftKings, PointsBet, William Hill, and FanDuel are live. But the Prairie State will soon see many more providers enter the sports betting market. Illinois is sandwiched between Iowa and Indiana, two states that had a headstart in legalizing and launching online sports betting. Nearby Michigan recently legalized sports betting and online casino gaming, though it has yet to launch. Illinois sits in the center of the growing midwestern online gambling market, and we’ll soon see industry leaders flock to the state to provide betting apps to an enthusiastic audience.

Plus, 18-months following the launch of sports betting in the state, Illinois will grant three online-only sports betting licenses, further expanding the market. Before that happens, though, expect a number of providers to throw their hats into the ring by partnering with land-based Illinois casinos.

Barstool Sportsbook

Penn National Gaming and Barstool teamed up to provide sports betting, and it’s likely the partnership will bring an app to the Illinois market. Both companies have been relatively hush-hush about Illinois plans, but it’s safe to expect a launch in the near- to mid-future.

Golden Nugget Sportsbook

In November 2020, Golden Nugget announced an intention to enter the Illinois market. They plan to open a retail casino in Danville, Illinois, as well as launch its sports betting app in Illinois. One of the most respected names in casino gaming in the US, Golden Nugget is making a name for itself by launching a sports betting app in several states, including nearby Michigan.

FOX Bet

FOX Bet is another big contender that’s likely to launch a sports betting app in Illinois. The Stars Group, which owns FOX Bet, is also partnered with Caesars. Like William Hill, the company could use that partnership to gain a foothold in the Illinois landscape.

Whether it’s with Caesars, another partner, or an online-only license, FOX Bet will almost certainly launch a sportsbook app in Illinois.

What Makes For A Good Mobile Sports Betting App?

Navigation

When you play on a sportsbook app, you should be able to quickly and easily find your desired bet. Or, if you’re just browsing, you should never be lost. A good sportsbook app will have simple but intuitive navigation tools, a clear way to place a bet, and helpful tips for beginners.

Access To Promotions

From the minute you sign up, sports betting should be rewarding (even if you don’t always win!). Sign up bonuses like deposit matches show that a sports betting app cares about gaining customers. Loyalty programs and benefits show that they want to keep existing players engaged. Promotions and bonuses make for a better sportsbook experience.

Seamless Deposits

After you connect your preferred payment method, whether it’s PayPal, your debit card, or online banking, how many clicks or taps does it take to make a new deposit? A top-notch sportsbook app makes this process incredibly easy. Just a few taps of the screen will get you to the deposit page, and you can seamlessly add funds to your account.

Speed

In any given sporting event, seconds matter. They can make a world of difference and determine the outcome of a match. When you place a bet, especially live bets/in-play wagers, the same is true of sportsbook apps. They must process your transactions quickly so you can log your bet and continue watching the game. Speed is a top priority when selecting a solid sportsbook app.

How Can Players Deposit Money In Online Sports Betting Apps In Illinois?

Sportsbook apps make deposits simple and seamless. There are a number of methods available, so you just have to choose the one you prefer and fund your account.

Methods To Deposit Money Using An Online Sportsbook App

Deposit methods can vary by sportsbook, but most apps allow similar options.

Online wallet services such as PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller are fairly popular with sports bettors. Among them, PayPal is the most commonly accepted. BetRivers, DraftKings, PointsBet, William Hill, and FanDuel all accept PayPal and allow you to quickly connect your account.

Credit and debit cards are another ubiquitous option for depositing funds. Almost every sportsbook will accept them. Just type in your card information to make your deposit. If you’d rather not use your personal card, sportsbook apps typically accept prepaid cards, too.

Online banking options such as wire transfer, ACH, and direct deposit are all common in the sports betting world as well. You can connect your bank account and make easy deposits right from your mobile device.

Apple iOS Users

All of the options above are accessible to anyone using an iOS device. Apple users can connect a payment method and deposit at a sportsbook using a variety of accounts.

You may wonder if you can use Apple Pay or an App Store Gift Card on an Apple device to fund your sportsbook app account. At this time, it doesn’t look like Illinois sportsbooks apps will accept these methods of payment. Instead, you’ll have to stick to the options above.

Android Users

Payment options for Android users are the same: PayPal and other e-wallets, credit and debit cards, online banking, prepaid cards, and bank transfers.

Is Using A Legal Online Sports Betting App In Illinois Safe?

Illinois has many safeguards in place, both on the legal and technological front, to protect users. Regulated sportsbook providers use world-class security practices to keep your information safe, too.

Are Legal Sportsbooks Okay To Install On My Phone?

Yes. Legal and regulated sportsbook apps are safe to install on your phone. Note that the process to install an Android app may include a notification about installing apps from the web onto your phone. This is required because Google doesn’t allow gambling apps in its official app marketplace.

As long as you’re using a sportsbook app provided by a company with a license, it’s safe. The Illinois Gaming Board governs sports wagering. The organization’s website has a list of licensees that you can use to confirm the safety of any given sportsbook app.

How Do Legal Sportsbook Apps Protect My Personal Information?

Sports betting providers are legally required to adhere to the Illinois Gaming Board’s rigorous regulations and rules. On top of that, they simply want to keep you as a customer. For both reasons, they’re well-incentivized to keep your information safe.

Sportsbooks use the same high-level encryption tools that protect your data at online shopping websites or online banking institutions.

Best App For Betting Sports Picks

How Can I Secure My Mobile Sports Betting Account?

You can secure your sportsbook account in a number of ways. The best path to protecting your data is enabling two-factor authentication (sometimes called multi-factor or strong authentication). With two-factor authentication turned on, you will enter your username and password to login as usual. But you’ll have an added step. You’ll be required to confirm your login by entering a code sent to your phone (via text) or email address. Two-factor authentication adds another layer of protection to your account.

When you use your account regularly, log out after each session to protect your information as well.

Legal Online Sportsbook Apps In Illinois: Common Questions

21. The legal gambling age in Illinois is 21, and that applies to online betting. When you sign up for a sportsbook account, you’ll use a government-issued ID to confirm your age before you can place a bet.

The Illinois Gaming Board. The IGB is a government organization that sets regulations for sports betting providers and grants licenses to companies approved to offer sportsbook apps.

For more information, including a list of licensed providers in Illinois and an overview of Illinois sports betting legislation, you can visit the IGB website.

Best App For Sports Betting Reddit

Illinois sports bettors can wager on almost any sport. Baseball, hockey, basketball, and football are the most popular offerings. Tennis, golf, NASCAR, MMA, darts, rugby, cricket, and other options are available as well.

Illinois places some restrictions on college sports betting. You can bet on college sports in the state, but not on any matches that include an in-state school (even if the match is played elsewhere).

No. Google does not allow gambling apps in its Google Play app store, even if those apps are completely legal. Instead, Android users have to download their preferred sportsbook’s app directly from the provider’s website. Most sports betting sites have a direct link that allows you to download the app right to your phone in a few simple steps.

Yes. DraftKings partnered with Casino Queen in East St. Louis and launched Illinois’ second online sports betting site (after BetRivers).

Players can download the DraftKings app for iOS or Android. DraftKings has great beginner’s guides for sports betting newcomers as well.

Best App For Betting Sports Sites

Yes. DraftKings, PointsBet, BetRivers, William Hill, and FanDuel have iOS apps you can download directly from the App Store.