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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Barstool Sportsbook offers a $1,000 new player bonus for new users.
BetRivers has a welcome bonus of up to $500 on a 2nd chance bet. Use promo code SPORTS upon sign-up to claim.
đIllinois sports betting apps launch date | June 2020 |
âĄď¸ Legal sports betting age | 21+ |
đ Illinois regulator | Illinois Gaming Board |
đ Best IL Sports Betting Bonus | DraftKings bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets |
đą Number of sports betting apps | 7 |
đ Do welcome promos require code? | Some, not all |
đ Can you withdraw bonus funds? | Varies by terms and conditions of specific sportsbookâs playthrough requirements |
đľ Biggest IL sports betting welcome bonus | $1,250 welcome bonus & Caesars rewards points |
âď¸ Illinois problem gambling hotline | 1-800-GAMBLER |
𤲠Gambling addiction counseling | â Yes |
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 sportsbook | Welcome bonus | Promo code |
Barstool | Up to $1,000 bonus bet | â No code required |
BetMGM | $1,000 back in bonus bets | â No code required |
BetRivers | Up to a $500 bonus bet | SPORTS |
Caesars | Up To $1,250 bonus bet | SBRFULL |
DraftKings | Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets | â No code required |
FanDuel | No Sweat First Bet up to $1,000 | â No code required |
PointsBet | Up to $250 in bonus bets | â No code required |
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:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
First bet is guaranteed to recieve funds | App only redemption |
Can spread out bonus bets across multiple wagers | For more experienced bettors only |
Short expiration date after bonus bets received |
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.
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.
FanDuel is ensuring bettors can receive cash on bonus bets with their first bet at their sportsbook.
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:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
All first-time bettors get $200 in bonus bets | Less appealing to seasoned sports bettors |
No promo code required | Smaller bonus compared to its main competitors |
Low cost of entry | Must win your wager |
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.
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 canât 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.
Itâs 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.
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.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Low minimum deposit | The first bet needs to lose for you to earn the welcome bonus |
One of the most valuable second-chance offers in Illinois | Short expiration date on bonus |
It means new players can make a bet up to $1,000 and earn five individual $200 bonus bets should they lose. You donât 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.
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.
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 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.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Rare shot at redemption | Must lose first bet to earn bonus funds |
Low minimum deposit | Odds restrictions when wagering bonus credit |
First online sportsbook launched in Illinois |
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.
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.
If weâre 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.
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.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
One of the country's most valuable welcome bonuses | Bonus bet credit only in play if the initial bet loses |
Only a $10 minimum wager needed | Bonus funds must be wagered on a single bet |
Great for veteran bettors | Canât withdraw as cash |
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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 playerâs 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.
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 doesnât 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.
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, youâre happy you won, and the operator is glad they donât 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.
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.
Online sportsbook and betting app | Best known for |
Barstool Sportsbook | Setting Custom Lines |
BetMGM | âKing of Parlaysâ |
BetRivers | First online sportsbook in Illinois |
Caesars | Huge four-figure welcome bonus |
DraftKings | Industry leading sports betting company |
FanDuel | Top-rated sports betting app |
PointsBet | Unique Points Betting System⢠|
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, itâs 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.
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:
With online sportsbooks offering so many glitzy promotions to new players, itâs 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.
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.
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.
You must be 21 or older to wager on sports in Illinois at retail, online sportsbooks, and sports betting apps.
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.
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.
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.