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New Illinois sports betting customers can take advantage of various generous promotions, with some valued at over $6,000. We highlight and explain the top sign-up offers and promotions from popular books such as FanDuel, DraftKings, and Caesars.

Top Illinois sportsbook promos

You must be 21 or older and currently located in Illinois to participate. If you have a gambling problem, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.

#1

100% Match up to $10 in Bonus Cash

100% deposit match up to $10 in Faceoff bonus cash with a $10 deposit. Users will be credited within 72 hours. Expires December 31, 2024.

4.5/5

Features

  • Monthly new customer rewards
  • Quick and easy deposits
  • Mobile app available

FanDuel Faceoffis a new DFS platform from betting giant FanDuel. This US-based betting platform lets you get started right away with a welcome offer, and various games to play.

Features

#2

100% Deposit Bonus of up to $100

Features

  • Easy game types
  • Exciting sports betting app

ParlayPlay Review

Once you join the site, you’ll be treated to a two-tier welcome bonus — a $5 no-deposit bonus and a 100% match on your first deposit, up to $100.

Features

#3

Free $3 of Sweeps Coins + 3000 Free Coins

4.2/5

Features

  • Free to play social sportsbook
  • Mobile only
  • Diverse gaming options
Play Now

Thrillzz a new DFS platform for the free-to-play user. This US-based betting platform lets you get started right away with a welcome offer, and various games to play.

Features

#4

No Sweat First Entry up to $100

Features

  • Great App
  • Great selection of contests

Boom Fantasy Review

Boom Fantasy is a DFS platform that began its US operations in 2015. This New York-based betting platform lets you get started with a $100 welcome bonus by entering the Boom promo code.

Features

#5

100% Deposit Match up to $250

3.8/5

Features

  • Easy to use app
  • Lots of contest options

ThriveFantasy Review

Thrive Fantasy is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) platform launched in 2016. The NY-based operator offers a unique DFS experience, focusing on player props instead of setting salary caps for player drafts.

Features

Affiliate Disclaimer: Underscoreg Review may earn advertising commissions when users visit a sportsbook or casino betting site.

Best Illinois sportsbook promos

BetMGM offers a sign-up bonus worth up to $1,500, but you must lose your first wager to qualify. On the other hand, Fanatics guarantees bonus funds for five consecutive days, regardless of whether you win or lose.

SBR tip: Promo codes are only required for Caesars (SBRBONUS1000), BetMGM (SBRBONUS), and BetRivers (SBRBONUS) when making your initial deposit.

IL online sportsbook Promo code ✅Welcome bonus
⭐ BetMGMSBRBONUSUp to $1,500 in bonus bets
⭐ BetRiversSBRBONUSUp to a $500 bonus bet
⭐ CaesarsSBRBONUS1000$1,000 first bet on Caesars
⭐ Circa SportsNo code requiredNo welcome bonus
⭐ DraftKingsNo code requiredUp to $300 in bonus bets
ESPN BETNo code requiredUp to $1,500 in bonuses
FanaticsNo code requiredUp to $1,000 in bonus bets
⭐ FanDuelNo code requiredBet $5, win $200 in bonus bets

FanDuel IL welcome offer

New customers in Illinois at FanDuel can take advantage of a special offer where they can bet $5 and potentially win $200 in bonus bets, no promo code required. Here are the important details:

  • You can register on any device, but you’ll have to download the FanDuel app to claim the bonus. 
  • A minimum $5 deposit is required.
  • Place a $5 bet on any available betting market. If it wins, FanDuel will provide you with $200 in bonus bets.
  • Bonus bets must be used within seven days of receipt.

FanDuel IL pros and cons

ProsCons
✅ Low initial risk❌ Must download app to claim
✅ Can spread bonus bets out❌ Short expiration date
✅ $5 minimum deposit required❌ First bet must win

What does this promo mean for you?

FanDuel ensures that new bettors stay engaged by providing $200 in bonus bets when they place a wager of $5 or more. However, the bonus is only awarded if the qualifying bet is successful.

How much money can I earn with the promo?

The welcome offer has a maximum value of $200. While you can use the bonus bets to potentially earn more winnings, the outcome will depend on the bets you place. Keep in mind that any potential winnings will not include the original bonus bet amount in the payout.

Why this bonus is better than others

FanDuel’s offer of $200 in bonus bets is great because it offers extreme flexibility. You have the option to use the full amount at once, or split it into smaller increments.

Screenshot of the FanDuel Underscoreg app for Android. 
FanDuel Android App

DraftKings IL welcome offer

DraftKings Illinois, a top player in the daily fantasy sports and sports betting industry, is offering new players the chance to receive up to $300 in bonus bets with their latest welcome offer. No promo code is needed to redeem this offer. Check out the important details below:

  • You must make a minimum deposit of at least $5
  • Your qualifying wager must be $5 or more. The bonus amount increases as your qualifying wager amount goes up.
  • Bet $5+ to instantly receive $150 in bonus bets.
  • Bet $20+ to instantly receive $200 in bonus bets.
  • Bet $50+ to instantly receive $250 in bonus bets.
  • Bet $100+ to instantly receive $300 in bonus bets.
  • The bonus is paid out in multiple $25 chunks.
  • You cannot redeem the bonus bet for cash, and they expire in seven days.

DraftKings IL pros and cons

ProsCons
✅ Flexible bonus bets❌ Less appealing to seasoned bettors
✅ No promo code required❌ Smaller overall bonus value
✅ Low cost of entry❌ Must bet $100 to get max. value

What does this promo mean for you?

This promotion caters to bettors of all skill levels. Whether you prefer to place small bets ranging from $5 to $20 or are comfortable with larger wagers of $50 or $100+, you can still receive a generous amount of bonus bets. No matter the amount you choose to wager, you are guaranteed bonus bets regardless of the bet’s outcome.

How much money can I earn with the promo?

When you place an initial bet of $100 or more, you will receive up to $300 in bonus bets. If your bet is less than $100, you can still receive bonus bets ranging from $150 to $250, based on the size of your bet (minimum $5).

After receiving bonus bets, your overall profit will be determined by how you utilize them. These bonus bets cannot be withdrawn as cash, so they must be used for placing more bets. If your selections are successful, you can keep all the winnings and withdraw them immediately.

Why this bonus is better than others

The DraftKings bonus offers a low entry cost of just $5 for a minimum deposit and first wager, making it accessible for novice and first-time players. This allows them to ease into betting without having to spend a significant amount of money upfront to earn bonus bets. For those who are more comfortable betting larger amounts, there is an option to receive up to $300 in bonus bets, which is double the minimum offer for a $5 bet.

Screenshots of the DraftKings Underscoreg iOS app.
DraftKings iOS app

BetMGM IL welcome offer

New players in Illinois can receive up to $1,500 in bonus bets from the sportsbook and self-proclaimed “King of Parlays.” Enter the BetMGM promo code SBRBONUS to claim this welcome bonus.

  • $10 minimum deposit is required.
  • The bonus only pays if you lose your first bet.
  • If you wager more than $50 and lose, BetMGM will pay out the total amount in 20% bonus bet increments of the total amount lost. So, a $1,500 first bet loss would pay out in five (5) $300 bonus bets.
  • If you bet less than $50 and lose, BetMGM will pay out one bonus bet credit.
  • Bonus bets must be used within seven days of account credit.

BetMGM IL pros and cons

ProsCons
✅ Low minimum deposit❌ Short expiration date
✅ Four-figure second change bet❌ Must lose first bet to claim
✅ Bonus is split into five pieces

What does this promo mean for you?

New players have the opportunity to place a bet of up to $1,500 and receive five separate $300 bonus bets if they lose. You can wager as little as $10 on your initial bet, but it must be a losing bet in order to unlock the bonus bets. If your first bet is a winner, you will not receive any bonus bets.

How much money can I earn with the promo?

If you win your first bet, this promo will not generate any earnings. However, if you lose your initial wager, the potential earnings of this promotion are limitless as long as you keep choosing winning bets.

Why this bonus is better than others

New players are able to receive bonus bets over $50 in 20% increments when compared to Caesars, giving them the opportunity to diversify their future wagers instead of placing everything on one additional bet.

Screenshot of BetMGM Underscoreg app on Android.
BetMGM Android App

BetRivers IL welcome offer ⚡

BetRivers has just improved its welcome offer for new players. Use the BetRivers bonus code SBRBONUS to claim a $500 second chance bet. If your first bet is not successful, BetRivers will cover it up to $500.

  • Minimum deposit of $10 is required.
  • The first bet must lose for the welcome offer to kick in.
  • The bonus bet value of up to $500 will be credited to your account within 24 hours.
  • There are odds limits when wagering with bonus bet credits -200 or longer.

BetRivers IL pros and cons

ProsCons
✅ Guaranteed second chance bet❌ Must lose first bet
✅ Low minimum deposit❌ Odds restrictions
✅ Exclusive promo code❌ More valuable first bet insurance offers exist

 What does the promo mean for you?

New players who take advantage of the BetRivers welcome offer promo can bet up to $500 with a safety net. If your first bet loses, BetRivers will credit your account within 24 hours with the amount you lost, up to $500. However, if your first bet wins, you will not receive any bonus payout at that time or in the future.

How much money can I earn with the promo?

If your initial bet is successful, the promo has no earnings potential. However, if your first bet is a loss, new players have the opportunity to use the bonus bet credit, with unlimited earnings potential if they continue to win.

Why this bonus is better than others

To be frank, the previous welcome offer from BetRivers, which included a deposit match bonus of up to $250, was superior because it guaranteed bonus funds. Nevertheless, the current offer of a second-chance bet up to $500 is still quite appealing.

Screenshot of BetRivers Underscoreg app on Android.
BetRivers Android App

Caesars Underscoreg IL welcome offer

An experienced professional from the Las Vegas casino and sports betting industry has expanded their operations to Illinois by launching an online platform. New customers in Illinois can receive a first bet on Caesars worth up to $1,000. To take advantage of this promotion, use the Caesars promo code SBRBONUS1000 when making your initial deposit.

  • A minimum first deposit and wager of $10 are required.
  • The first bet must lose to qualify for the welcome offer.
  • Bonus credit(s) will be available within seven days after the first bet settles.
  • The bonus expires 14 days after receipt.
  • Bonus credit must be used on single bet.

Caesars IL pros and cons

ProsCons
✅ One of the most valuable bonuses❌ Must lose initial wager
✅ Only a $10 deposit required❌ Bonus bet expire quickly
✅ Great for veteran bettors❌ Can’t withdraw as cash

What does the promo mean for you?

New players in Illinois can now be a bit more self-centered with their first bet at Caesars. If your initial wager loses, Caesars IL will offer a bonus bet of up to $1,000. For example, if you bet $500 on the Chicago Bulls to win and they lose, Caesars will give you $500 in bet credit to your account.

How much money can I earn with the promo?

If your initial wager is successful at Caesars sportsbook, you will not receive any winnings from the welcome offer. However, if your first bet is unsuccessful, Caesars will reimburse your account for up to $1,000 in losses, which must be wagered in full on a future bet within 14 days.

The more bets you win using the bonus funds, the higher your potential earnings with this bonus offer. It is important to be consistent and consider placing bets with shorter odds using your bonus to gradually increase your bankroll.

Why this bonus is better than others

In short, Caesars’ welcome bonus is extremely valuable if you take full advantage of it. With the possibility of a $1,000 second-chance bet, you have the opportunity to rapidly grow your bankroll in the event that your initial bet is unsuccessful.

Screenshot of Caesars Underscoreg for Android. 
Caesars Android App

Fanatics IL welcome offer 

Fanatics, a leading seller of officially licensed sports apparel, has recently ventured into the sports betting industry. New users can receive a total of $1,000 in bonuses spread out over a five-day period, with a daily bonus of $200. No promo code is required to take advantage of this generous welcome offer from Fanatics.

  • In the five days following account creation, you must wager at least $5.
  • Receive a full match of your wagers in bonuses up to $200 each day, no matter the outcome of your bet.
  • No opt-in is necessary on day one, but you must opt-in in the following four days.
  • Failing to opt-in and wager on a given day forfeits your chance to earn bonuses for only that day.
  • Bonuses expire after seven days.

Fanatics IL pros and cons

ProsCons
✅ $5 minimum wagering requirement❌ Daily opt-in required
✅ Bonuses received win or lose❌ Small expiration window
✅ No promo code required❌ Odds restrictions

What does this promo mean for you?

Fanatics offers a welcome bonus that allows bettors to redeem anywhere from $5 to $1,000. Make sure to use the bonuses within seven days of receiving them.

How much money can I earn with the promo?

New customers can earn up to $1,000 in bonus credits by meeting the $5 minimum wager threshold and opting in for daily bonuses. Opting in is not required on the first day.

Why this bonus is better than others

Fanatics will reward you with bonuses regardless of the outcome of your bets, unlike some sportsbooks that only offer bonuses if your wager meets specific criteria. This welcome offer is one of the rare ones that can give you up to $1,000 in bonuses.

Fanatics Screens
Fanatics Android App

Illinois sports betting promos quick facts

 IL apps launch dateJune 2020
➡️ Legal betting age21+
 IL regulatorIllinois Gaming Board
 Best IL bonusFanDuel – Bet $5, win $200 in bonus bets
 Sports betting apps8
 Do promos require codes?Sometimes
 Can you withdraw bonus funds?No
 Biggest IL bonusBetMGM: Up to $1,500 in bonus bets
Online casinosNo
  Online pokerNo
☎️ IL problem gambling hotline1-800-GAMBLER
 Gambling addiction counselingYes

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

Illinois sports betting latest news

June 26, 2024: The Chicago Blackhawks announced they will wear a Circa Sports advertising patch on their jerseys for the upcoming 2024-25 NHL season.

June 18, 2024: Illinois lawmakers defend the recent decision to increase taxes on online sports betting operators, saying they are merely bringing their tax rates in line with the standard in other states.
 
May 29, 2024: A new progressive tax rate system for IL sportsbooks has passed through the Illinois Senate and House of Representatives and is expected to get a final signature from Gov. JB Pritzker. If signed into law, the tax on sports betting operators could leap to 40%, which may cause the state’s biggest sportsbooks to lower their investment and participation in the Land of Lincoln.

May 22, 2024: The proposed plan for sports bars to offer arcade game betting hits another snag, despite support from state lawmakers. Dave & Buster’s is leading the charge, and the case remains ongoing.

May 7, 2024: FanDuel and DraftKings have made recent tweaks to their IL welcome bonus, both dropping the total amount from $200 to $150.
 
Apr. 15, 2024: DraftKings switches its IL welcome bonus, now offering a bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets deal, plus a No Sweat SGP for every day of the NBA Playoffs.

Apr. 4, 2024: Fanatics Underscoreg goes live in Illinois, marking the 19th legal state for the sportsbook.

Mar. 15, 2024: BetMGM changes its Illinois welcome bonus, offering up to $1,500 in first-bet insurance for new customers.

Feb. 22, 2024: Governor J.B. Pritzker proposes a new sports betting tax increase, which would combat the budget deficit. The proposal would raise taxes from 15% to 30% on betting revenue and add an estimated $100 million to the state budget.

Nov. 14, 2023: ESPN BET officially launches in Illinois as well as in 16 other states.

Dec. 8, 2022: Illinois records a single-month handle of over $1 billion for the first time in history, as October 2022 saw $1.03 billion in cumulative wagers placed.

Jun. 18, 2020: BetRivers becomes the first online sportsbook to launch in the Land of Lincoln.

Mar. 9, 2020: Rivers Casino (Des Plaines) becomes the first of six casino applicants to open a retail sportsbook in Illinois.

July 1, 2019: Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs SB 690 into law, officially legalizing sports gambling in Illinois.

How we rate and review sports betting promotions

Our goal is to offer our readers a comprehensive and unbiased analysis of all eight Illinois online sportsbooks and sports betting apps. Our team of experts rigorously evaluates sports betting promotions and bonuses using the same high-quality standards. We take into account various factors when rating and reviewing these offerings.

  • The earnings potential of each bonus.
  • If the sports betting promo is guaranteed simply by signing up or by making a first deposit.
  • If the bonus funds requires you to lose a first bet (or bets) to unlock value.
  • If a promo code is required to redeem the promo?
  • Is there a minimum deposit amount required?
  • How long are the bonus funds good for, or do they carry an expiry date?
  • If any playthrough requirements must be met before you can withdrawal.

Types of Illinois betting sign-up offers and bonuses

In Illinois, new players have a variety of sign-up offers and bonuses to choose from when joining sports betting operators. The most popular promotions include deposit match bonuses, bonus bets, and second chance bets.

Deposit match bonus

The deposit match bonus, a favorite among players, is becoming increasingly rare at legal Illinois online sportsbooks due to the high initial cost for operators. This bonus offers new players guaranteed funds based on the amount of their initial deposit.

If you deposit $1,000, the classic 100% match bonus will double your bankroll to $2,000, costing the operator $1,000. A 50% match bonus on a $500 deposit would give you $250 in bonus funds, for a starting bankroll of $750. These bonuses are not affected by the outcome of your first bet; they are simply credited to your account when you make a deposit.

Bonus bet offer

In the past year, bonus bets, also known as ‘bet & get’ offers, have gained popularity. The process usually involves opening a new account, depositing a minimum amount, and placing an initial wager of at least $5 or $10. After completing these steps, the sportsbook will reward you with bonus bets typically ranging from $100 to $200.

These bonus bets are non-cashable, but they provide a good opportunity to place extra wagers and familiarize yourself with your new sportsbook without having to invest more of your own funds. However, it is important to carefully review and comprehend any terms and conditions beforehand, as there may be additional stipulations such as winning your initial bet, limitations on odds, or limited time frames for use.

First bet offer

First bet offers, also known as sign-up bonuses, are enticing due to their higher peak value compared to typical welcome bonuses. However, operators only have to pay out these bonuses if your first bet results in a loss. If you win, both you and the operator benefit, as they do not have to provide any account credits.

One example is Caesars’ $1,000 first bet insurance offer. If you bet $1,000 on the Chicago Cubs to win their next game and they end up losing, Caesars will refund the full $1,000 to your account for you to use on another bet.

Referral bonus

After claiming a welcome bonus, most sportsbooks will provide ongoing promotions to maintain your interest. One popular promotion is a referral bonus, where you can earn rewards for encouraging your friends to sign up with the same sportsbook.

When you share your unique sign-up code or link with friends and they create a new account and make an initial deposit using your referral, you will receive a small reward from the sportsbook. This reward typically ranges from $20 to $50 and can be in the form of a bonus bet or cashback rewards.

We believe that these sites offer the top sportsbook referral bonus available for claiming.

Illinois online sportsbooks

Many casual bettors residing outside of Illinois should be aware that when sports betting was legalized in June 2019, the legislation required out-of-state operators to wait 18 months before being able to participate in the market. As a result, BetRivers, based in Chicago, was able to introduce the first online sportsbook in Illinois ahead of competitors like DraftKings and FanDuel.

As of September 2023 and April 2024, there are now a total of eight online sportsbook operators in the state, including Circa and Fanatics Underscoreg. While Circa may not offer a welcome promotion like the others, all eight have mobile sports betting apps available for download on both iOS and Android devices. Each operator has their own standout features and offerings that make them worth considering.

Illinois online and mobile sportsbooks

Online sportsbook and betting appBest known for
BetMGM“King of Parlays”
BetRiversFirst online sportsbook in Illinois
CaesarsHuge four-figure welcome bonus
Circa SportsHigh limits, great odds
DraftKingsIndustry leading sports betting company
ESPN BETSetting custom lines
FanDuelTop-rated sports betting app
FanaticsFanCash Rewards program

Illinois betting resources

Some sportsbooks are luring new players with guaranteed bonus bets, while Caesars and BetMGM are offering up to four figures plus rewards points. It may be tempting for Illinois sports betting enthusiasts to focus solely on sign-up promos, but the priority should be becoming a well-informed sports bettor, rather than getting swept up in the excitement without doing proper research.

We dedicate time to creating comprehensive resource guides that showcase the top sportsbook promotions in Illinois, provide a detailed explanation of sports betting bonuses, and feature the standout sportsbooks in the industry.

For the latest updates on sports betting in other states, visit our legal sports betting state tracker to satisfy your curiosity.

Sports betting by category

No matter which sport or league you prefer, there is a fantastic sportsbook bonus waiting for you at numerous legal and licensed sportsbooks in your state. To make your decision easier, here is a list of the top sportsbooks categorized by type.

Responsible sports betting with Illinois promos

The Illinois Gaming Board oversees all types of gaming activities within the state, including sports betting, to ensure the safety and fairness for all participants. Additionally, the IGB provides resources and support for individuals struggling with problem gambling.

Funds generated from operators and sports bettors, as well as a percentage of tax revenue, are allocated to programs aimed at educating, preventing, and treating gambling addiction. These programs offer various resources such as:

  • Self-exclusion programs that is a voluntary option for those who want to limit their exposure to casinos and sportsbooks, both retail and online.
  • The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) launched a website for those seeking assistance with their gambling.

IDHS helpline: 1-800-843-6154

The national gambling helpline in the United States can be reached at 1-800-GAMBLER.

It can be tempting to be swayed by the flashy promotions offered by online sportsbooks to attract new players. However, it is crucial to prioritize safe sports betting practices and safeguarding your bankroll to prevent falling into the trap of gambling addiction.

Illinois sportsbook promos FAQs

What’s the best sports betting bonus in Illinois?

The top sports betting bonus in Illinois can vary depending on the individual player’s preferences, as everyone has different wants and needs. You may lean towards a generous first-bet insurance promotion, or you might be more interested in a deal that offers guaranteed bonus bets with a lower initial risk. Ultimately, the decision is up to you.

Which verified Illinois sportsbook promos are the best value?

The most suitable promotion for you will vary based on your betting preferences. Seasoned bettors may be inclined towards a generous first-bet insurance offer to take a big risk on their initial wager. Conversely, novice bettors could benefit more from guaranteed bonus bets that allow them to place additional wagers without the need to risk additional funds.

How old do I need to bet on sports in Illinois?

In Illinois, individuals must be at least 21 years old to place bets on sports at retail locations, online sportsbooks, and sports betting apps.

Do all Illinois sportsbooks provide sports betting promo codes?

Certain Illinois sportsbooks do not necessitate a promo code to access welcome bonuses or promotions. Nevertheless, specific books such as BetRivers, BetMGM, and Caesars do offer verified bonus codes that can be used to activate the welcome offer. Consult our table above for the most up-to-date codes.

What are the playthrough requirements on legal online sportsbooks in Illinois?

The playthrough requirements for welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions can differ depending on the operator at legal online sportsbooks in Illinois. It is recommended that customers carefully review the terms and conditions before registering with an online sportsbook. Operators usually include a link to the T&Cs in their promotional ads, where you can find information on playthrough requirements upfront.

How many sign-up bonuses can I claim in Illinois?

New players can earn one sign-up bonus at seven of Illinois’s eight legal online sportsbooks and sports betting apps (Circa Sports is the exception). Operators will only allow you to create up to one account to cash in on multiple welcome bonuses. This is considered fraudulent and why most operators require a social security number tied to your account to prevent various accounts from being verified.