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The best promo codes and deposit bonuses available at IL sportsbooks.

Several generous IL sportsbook promos — worth as much as $1,250 — await new Illinois sports betting customers. We spotlight and define the top Illinois sports betting sign-up offers and promos.

Top Illinois sports betting promos

  • Up to $1,250 On Caesars + 1000 Tier Credits + 1000 Reward Credits®
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Caesars Promos

If your first qualifying wager loses, Caesars will credit you a bet credit equal to the value of your first wager up to $1,250, plus get 1,000 Tier Credits and 1,000 Reward Credits® win or lose.

  • $1,000 back in Bonus Bets
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BetMGM Promos

If your first qualifying bet loses and it is in an amount greater than $50, you will receive five (5) bonus bets back in equal denominations of 20% of the total amount of the qualifying bet up to $1,000.

  • No Sweat First Bet up to $1,000
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FanDuel Promos

New users to FanDuel are eligible for a No Sweat First Bet of up to $1,000 in bonus bets. All you have to do is sign up and make a first deposit of at least $10. If your first bet loses, FanDuel will give you bonus bets equal to the amount of the first bet. The bonus bets will expire 14 days after being issued.

  • Bet $5, Win $150 in Bonus Bets
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DraftKings Promos

New customers with DraftKings can place an initial deposit and wager of $5 or more on any pre-game moneyline to receive $150 in bonus bets should they win. The reward will be delivered as six (6) $25 bonus bets that are non-withdrawable, non-transferable, non-refundable, and will expire after seven days.

The offer is available until May 28, 2023.

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

PointsBet Review Logo Online since: 2015
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  • 5 Second Chance Bets up to $50 Each
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PointsBet Promos

PointsBet offers new customers up to five second chance bets for $50 each. If any of your first five cash bets on a fixed odds market loses, you'll receive a bet credit for the losing wager up to $50.

The promotion starts on the day you place your first cash bet. If your first bet of the day wins, you are not eligible for the promotion for that day. If you do not place a bet over the first five days, you will lose the second chance bets, and it will not be extended.

  • $1,000 New Player Bonus
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Barstool Sportsbook Promos

Barstool Sportsbook offers a $1,000 new player bonus for new users.

  • Up to $500 in 2nd Chance Bet
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BetRivers Promos

BetRivers has a welcome bonus of up to $500 on a 2nd chance bet. Use promo code SPORTS upon sign-up to claim.

Illinois sports betting promos quick facts

🚀Illinois sports betting apps launch dateJune 2020
➡️ Legal sports betting age21+
🔔 Illinois regulatorIllinois Gaming Board
🏆 Best IL Sports Betting BonusDraftKings bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets
📱 Number of sports betting apps7
🙋 Do welcome promos require code?Some, not all
🙋 Can you withdraw bonus funds?Varies by terms and conditions of specific sportsbook’s playthrough requirements
💵 Biggest IL sports betting welcome bonus$1,250 welcome bonus & Caesars rewards points
☎️ Illinois problem gambling hotline1-800-GAMBLER
🤲 Gambling addiction counseling✅ Yes

All Illinois sportsbook promo codes

Caesars Sportsbook boasts the sign-up bonus with the highest potential value at up to $1,250. Caesars Illinois requires you to lose your first wager to qualify for the bonus. At the same time, DraftKings and BetRivers are the only two operators offering guaranteed deposit match bonus funds at the time of the first deposit.

SBR tip: Only Caesars (SBRFULL) and BetRivers (SPORTS) require promo codes when submitting your first deposit.

IL online sportsbookWelcome bonusPromo code 
BarstoolUp to $1,000 bonus bet✅ No code required
BetMGM$1,000 back in bonus bets✅ No code required
BetRiversUp to a $500 bonus betSPORTS 
CaesarsUp To $1,250 bonus betSBRFULL
DraftKingsBet $5, get $200 in bonus bets✅ No code required
FanDuelNo Sweat First Bet up to $1,000✅ No code required
PointsBetUp to $250 in bonus bets✅ No code required

FanDuel IL welcome offer

New FanDuel Illinois customers can claim a sign-up off of a No Sweat First Bet up to $1,000 without needing a FanDuel promo code. Illinois-based bettors can create an account, make an initial deposit of at least $10, and if your bet loses you'll get your initial stake back in bonus bets. Here are pertinent details:

  • Register on any device, but you'll have to download the FanDuel app to claim the bonus. 
  • A minimum $10 bet is required.
  • Welcome bonus kicks in with a first-bet loss only.
  • Bonus bets must be used within 14 days of receipt.

FanDuel IL pros and cons

ProsCons
First bet is guaranteed to recieve funds App only redemption
Can spread out bonus bets across multiple wagersFor more experienced bettors only
Short expiration date after bonus bets received 

What does this promo mean for you?

FanDuel is insuring your very first bet with them. Say your Chicago Blackhawks pick is wrong, FanDuel will stake your account with funds up to $1,000 in the form of bonus bets depending on how large your wager was.

How much money can I earn with the promo?

If your first wager wins, you will receive your winnings, and you can do with it what you wish. If it loses you'll get bonus bets deposited into your account and will have to fulfill rollover requirements.

Why this bonus is better than others

FanDuel is ensuring bettors can receive cash on bonus bets with their first bet at their sportsbook.

DraftKings IL welcome offer

One of the industry leaders in daily fantasy sports and sports betting, DraftKings Illinois' latest welcome offer allows new players to earn $200 in bonus bets simply by placing a first bet at a minimum of $5. No DraftKings promo code is required at the time of redemption. Take a look at the key information:

  • Make a minimum $5 deposit
  • Initial wager of $5 or more 
  • Receive $200 in bonus best once it settles
  • Bonus paid out in eight (8) denominations of $25 bonus bets
  • Can’t be redeemed for cash

DraftKings IL pros and cons

ProsCons
All first-time bettors get $200 in bonus betsLess appealing to seasoned sports bettors
No promo code requiredSmaller bonus compared to its main competitors
Low cost of entryMust win your wager

What does this promo mean for you?

This promo is great for new players because, for just $5, your bankroll grows by $200 in bonus bets. Those eight (8) $25 bonus bets can be used on moneylines, point spreads, point totals, same-game parlays, and other live in-game betting markets to allow you to try and learn each bet type. Before wagering, check out the terms and conditions because some odds playthrough requirements may apply. 

How much money can I earn with the promo?

You can earn $200 in bonus bets simply by wagering $5 on your first bet. Win or lose, and you get to keep the $200 in bonus bets. That money can’t be withdrawn, however. To earn money that can be paid out, continue to place bets that win. If one of your $25 bonus bets is wagered on an event paying 4-to-1 odds, and it hits, you keep $100 in profit. If you lose the $25, DraftKings eats the loss, not your bankroll. 

Why this bonus is better than others

It’s a low cost of entry at only a $5 minimum deposit and first wager. It helps novice and first-time players find their footing without shelling out thousands of dollars to earn bonus bets right off the jump.

BetMGM IL welcome offer

The sportsbook and self-appointed "King of Parlays" offer new players in Illinois up to $1,000 paid back in bonus bets. There is no BetMGM promo code required to redeem 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 in 20% bonus bets increments of the total amount lost. So, a $1,000 first bet loss would pay out in five (5) $200 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 depositThe first bet needs to lose for you to earn the welcome bonus
One of the most valuable second-chance offers in IllinoisShort expiration date on bonus

What does this promo mean for you?

It means new players can make a bet up to $1,000 and earn five individual $200 bonus bets should they lose. You don’t have to risk up to $1,000 and can wager as little as $10 on your first bet. Remember, the first bet needs to lose to unlock the bonus bets. If your first bet wins, no bonus bets will be paid out.

How much money can I earn with the promo?

This promo can earn no money if you win your first bet. If you lose your initial wager, the earnings potential of this promo is unlimited so long as you continue to pick winners.

Why this bonus is better than others

Compared to Caesars, the bonus bets awarded over $50 come in increments, allowing new players to spread their future wagers around rather than risk it all on one bet.

BetRivers IL welcome offer 

BetRivers recently updated its new-player welcome offer: Claim up to a $ 500-second chance bet with promo code SPORTS. Should your first bet lose, BetRivers will insure 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
Rare shot at redemptionMust lose first bet to earn bonus funds
Low minimum depositOdds restrictions when wagering bonus credit
First online sportsbook launched in Illinois

 What does the promo mean for you?

The BetRivers welcome offer promo means new players can wager up to $500 with a built-in safety net. BetRivers will credit your account within 24 hours if your first bet loses, with whatever you lose up to $500. If your first bet wins, the promo bonus offer does not pay anything then or later.

How much money can I earn with the promo?

If your first wager wins, the earnings potential of the promo is zero dollars. If your first wager loses, new players can take the bonus bet credit, and if they continue to win, earnings potential is limitless. 

Why this bonus is better than others

If we’re being honest, BetRivers' previous welcome offer of a deposit match bonus up to $250 was better because bonus monies were guaranteed. However, a second-chance bet up to $500 is still pretty strong.

Caesars Sportsbook IL welcome offer

A Las Vegas casino and sports betting industry veteran has taken its talents online to Illinois. New customers can earn a first cash bet on Caesars of up To $1,250, including 1,000 Reward CreditsÂŽ and 1,000 Tier Credits. You will need to use promo code SBRFULL to redeem the promo at the time of the initial required 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 Rewards can be used on various bets and exclusive operator experiences in Las Vegas and elsewhere. They may not be redeemed for cash.

Caesars IL pros and cons

ProsCons
One of the country's most valuable welcome bonusesBonus bet credit only in play if the initial bet loses
Only a $10 minimum wager neededBonus funds must be wagered on a single bet
Great for veteran bettorsCan’t withdraw as cash

What does the promo mean for you?

For Illinois' new players, Caesars has allowed you to be slightly more selfish with your first wager. Caesars IL will provide up to $1,250 in bet credit should your first bet lose. Let's say that you wager $500 on the Chicago Bulls to win, and they get blown out, then Caesars will gift you $500 in bet credit to your account bankroll. Plus, they will load your account with 1,000 Reward CreditsÂŽ and 1,000 Tier Credits, which can unlock even more promotions and bonuses.  

How much money can I earn with the promo?

If your first bet at Caesars sportsbook wins, no money can be earned with this welcome promotion. If your first bet loses, Caesars will reload your account with whatever you lost, and you must wager that entire amount on a future bet within 14 days. The more wagers you win with those bonus funds equal, the more you can earn with this bonus offer. Consistency is vital, and it would be wise to find short odds with your bonus bet and build the bankroll from there.

Why this bonus is better than others

No other sports betting operator provides thousands of loyalty rewards in addition to bonus credit in the form of a deposit match, second chance bets or bonus bets welcome promo.

How we rate & review sports betting promotions

We strive to thoroughly provide our readers with an in-depth and independent critique of all seven Illinois online sportsbooks and sports betting apps. Our team of experts also applies the same quality standards when we rate and review sports betting promotions and bonuses. We consider several factors like these:

  • 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 sports betting bonus monies need you to lose a first bet (or bets) to unlock value.
  • If a promo code is required to redeem the promo (extra step, user experience).
  • 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 any withdrawal or payout.

Types of Illinois betting sign-up offers & bonuses

New players in Illinois have several options regarding sign-up offers and bonuses operators are using to entice and attract customers. Still, the three most common sportsbook promos are deposit match bonuses, bonus bets, and second chance bets.

Deposit match bonus

The popular deposit match bonus is becoming harder to find at legal Illinois online sportsbooks because the up-front cost for the operator is steep. A deposit match bonus equates to guaranteed funds for new players based on the amount of their first deposit. So, your classic 100% deposit match bonus up to $1,000 would take a $1,000 deposit and double that player’s bankroll to $2,000, costing the operator $1,000 to convert a new player. A 50% deposit match up to $500 on a $500 initial deposit would kick in $250 for a bankroll of $750 to start for a new player. Deposit match bonuses are not impacted if your first bet wins, loses, or draws; the bonus funds are credited to your account simply by making a deposit. 

Free bet bonus

In recent months, operators like DraftKings have leaned on promoting bonus bets to their new players. This has required you to sign-up, make a first deposit with as little as $5, and place a wager of as little as $5 to earn hundreds of dollars in bet bonuses. It doesn’t matter if your first bet wins or loses; the bonus bet's only requirement is tied to a placed wager. From there, terms and conditions vary. Some operators allow the bonus bets to be spread out over several wagers, while some ask you to wager the total amount on a single bet. Also, most bonus bet promos have a quick expiration date of 7 to fourteen days after acquisition. 

First bet offer

Sign-up bonuses labeled first bet offers are attractive because their peak value is higher than most modest welcome bonuses. However, the only reason operators have to pay out first bet bonuses is if, and only if, your first bet settles as a loss. If you win, you’re happy you won, and the operator is glad they don’t have to shell out account credits. For example, Caesars' first bet offer is valued at up to $1,250. So, if you wager $1,250 on the Chicago Cubs to win their next game and they lose, Caesars will credit your account the entire $1,250. The catch: Caesars also requires you to wager that entire bet credit in a single wager next time and within a certain number of days before expiration.

Illinois online sportsbooks

Most casual bettors living outside of Illinois may need to learn that when sports betting became legal in June 2019, the bill stated that out-of-state operators must wait 18 months before entering the market. This allowed Chicago-based BetRivers to launch the first online sportsbook in Illinois before the likes of DraftKings and FanDuel entered the fray. Today, there are seven online sportsbook operators with sports betting apps for download on iOS and Android devices. While each is worthy of consideration, we're calling out their unique calling cards and top features.

Illinois online & mobile sportsbooks

Online sportsbook and betting appBest known for
Barstool SportsbookSetting Custom Lines
BetMGM“King of Parlays”
BetRiversFirst online sportsbook in Illinois
CaesarsHuge four-figure welcome bonus
DraftKingsIndustry leading sports betting company
FanDuelTop-rated sports betting app
PointsBetUnique Points Betting System™

Illinois betting resources

With FanDuel offering new players up to $1,000 in welcome bonus funds and Caesars Sportsbook kicking in up to four figures plus rewards points, it’s easy for Illinois sports betting enthusiasts to get tunnel vision when it comes to sign-up promos. However, the goal should be the best-informed sports bettor, not the person who falls in love without doing homework.

We spend time building complementary resource guides to the best sportsbooks promos in Illinois, a more in-depth look at how sports betting bonuses work, and highlighting the best sportsbooks.

Responsible sports betting with Illinois promos

The Illinois Gaming Board regulates all forms of gaming in the state. In addition to ensuring the integrity and safety of those who engage in sports betting, the IGB also offers services for those seeking help for problem gambling.

Proceeds and a portion of the tax revenue collected from operators and sports bettors go towards these programs to educate, prevent and treat gambling addiction. Some of the resources available include:

  • Self-exclusion programs that is a voluntary option for those who want to limit their exposure to casinos and sportsbooks, both retail and online.
  • Problem Gambling registry, which is also voluntary, provides regular emails and courses on recognizing, treating, and preventing gambling problems before they get out of control.
  • The Illinois Department of Human Services launched a website

With online sportsbooks offering so many glitzy promotions to new players, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment. However, practicing safe sports betting and protecting your bankroll is of the utmost importance to avoid the pitfalls of gambling addiction.

Illinois sportsbook promos FAQs

What’s the best sports betting bonus in Illinois?

The best sports betting bonus in Illinois is subjective to the player because each person’s wants and needs differ. Based on the monetary value, Caesars Sportsbook refunds up to $1,250 as a bet credit. The IL betting site also awards new customers 1,000 Caesars Rewards® Tier Credits, and 1,000 Caesars Rewards Reward Credits.

Which verified Illinois sportsbook promos are the best value?

If you have the means, DraftKings 20% deposit match up to $1,000 is the best value because you are guaranteed an extra $1,000 for depositing $5,000. If you don’t have that much cash available, BetRivers offers a deposit match of up to $250.

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

You must be 21 or older to wager on sports in Illinois at retail, online sportsbooks, and sports betting apps.

Do all Illinois sportsbooks provide sports betting promo codes?

No, most Illinois sportsbooks do not require any promo code to redeem welcome bonuses or promotions. Of the seven operators in the state, only two – BetRivers and Caesars – ask for a promo code at the time of the initial deposit. It’s worth noting that some promos with codes automatically apply them at the time of deposit or redemption. It’s one less step for the player to remember and makes for a better user experience.

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

Playthrough requirements on welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions vary based on the operator at legal online sportsbooks in Illinois. We encourage customers to read the terms and conditions before signing up with an online sportsbook. Operators provide a link to T&Cs in the promotional advertisement, which typically includes details on playthrough requirements up-front.

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

New players can earn one sign-up bonus at each of Illinois's seven legal online sportsbooks and sports betting apps. 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.