Illinois is an exciting state for enjoying sports, specifically in Chicago, with plenty of fans eager to follow the local teams as well as engage in legal sports gambling opportunities. Chicago has seen some dominant sports franchises in the Chicago Bulls (Michael Jordan era), Chicago Cubs (just won the World Series) and the Chicago Blackhawks. The Chicago Bears have also made their mark in the Mike Ditka era, but are currently undergoing a rebuilding process. These four local teams make for some interesting betting options.
Illinois residents have the option to bet on these local teams, though there are rules and regulations that must be adhered to in order to legitimately and security enjoy this type of gambling entertainment. This guide will show you how Illinois residents can start placing sports bets both legally and safely. Once you’re knowledgeable on the legal status of Illinois sports gambling, you’ll be placing bets in no time.
Is Sports Gambling Legal in Illinois?
We would have to say both yes and no. It really depends on where you are placing your sports bets. State based sports betting is not legal in Illinois. There are not state licensed bookmakers to visit, and federal laws have made sure it stays that way. The good news is that there are no state or federal laws that prohibit Illinois residents from participating in sports betting at licensed and regulated sportsbooks located outside of United States borders. This means that it is not illegal for US residents in Illinois or most other states to bet on sports at legally sanctioned sportsbooks such as the ones listed in this guide.
Most Reputable Illinois Online Sportsbooks
Limiting your betting action to only those destinations that are legally licensed, regulated and operating legally within the industry is imperative for accessing a safe, secure and high quality online betting experience. This list of recommendations includes only the most legitimate, trusted and legally sanctioned sportsbooks that accept Illinois residents. We have personally vetted each of them and remain registered bettors at each destination as well.
| Logo | Site Name | Bonus | Rating | USA | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Betonline Sportsbook | 50% Max $2500 |  |
 |
Visit Site |
 |
Sportsbetting | 75% Max $1000 | |
|
Visit Site |
 |
Bovada Sportsbook | 50% Max $250 | |
|
Visit Site |
US Gambling Laws That Govern Sports Betting in Illinois
When it comes to US based ports gambling, you will find this type of betting is only legal in Nevada, Delaware, Montana and Oregon. These states had functioning sports gambling operations before PASPA was passed in 1992 and were therefor rendered exempt from the restrictions outlined in this law. What’s PASPA? It’s the law of the land, known as the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. This law effectively makes land based sports gambling illegal in 46 states.
There is also the Federal Wire Act, which prohibits all US based online sports betting across the country. In 2011 The DOJ issued a formal opinion that clarified that the Federal Wire Act only applies to online sports betting, and does not apply to US based online casino or poker gambling. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) provides regulatory oversight for gambling related transactions, and is directed solely towards gambling business owner / operators and payment processors such as US banks and credit card companies.
You may be asking yourself, ‘How am I supposed to gamble online if federal laws make it illegal?’—A fair question, but there is one key detail to take note of. PASPA, the Federal Wire Act and the UIGEA bill only apply to US-based gambling. This means that only gambling within the confines of the US borders is illegal. The online sportsbooks that we recommend to Illinois residents are all offshore, meaning they are out of the jurisdiction of the PASPA, Federal Wire Act and UIGEA. Our recommended sportsbooks are all legally licensed and regulated, so you can rest assured that you won’t be breaking any laws by placing bets with them.
Popular Sports Teams to Bet On in Illinois
As previously stated, Chicago is the center of all the sports action in Illinois. The Windy City hosts a team in all four major professional American sports leagues. The Chicago Bears are currently the quietest of the four teams, having a losing record for the 2016-2017 season. They’ve had their share of injuries this season and are looking for a solution to make a strong comeback in the 2017-2018 season.
The Chicago Cubs just won the World Series, a notable feat considering their last World Series victory was 108 years ago. The Cubs will look to maintain their place at the top once the new MLB season kicks off, so this team will be one to keep an eye on as they look to defend their championship. Meanwhile, the Chicago White Sox are a much quieter team and will look to fight the Cubs for the rights to be called the best team in Chicago.
The Chicago Bulls currently sit 8th in the Eastern Conference of the NBA. If this were the start of the postseason, then the Bulls would’ve secured the last playoff spot. Seeing as there is still much more basketball to be played, the Bulls will be trying to climb the rankings. Featuring key players like Dwayne Wade, Jimmy Butler, Rajon Rondo and more, the Bulls are an interesting team and could shake things up in their conference.
The Chicago Blackhawks have been making waves over the past several years, winning the Stanley Cup in 2010, 2013 and 2015. Their surge in trophy winning capabilities has propelled them to NHL infamy and they are considered one of the strongest teams in the league.
NFL Teams in IL
NBA Teams in IL
MLB Teams in IL
NHL Teams in IL
FAQ’s About Betting On Sports
What Are My Options For Funding My Offshore Sportsbook Accounts?
There are plenty of options for Illinois residents when it comes to depositing funds in your account. Most sites offer a variety of choices such as wire transfers, credit/debit cards, cashier’s checks, money orders and even Bitcoin. If you aren’t familiar with Bitcoin, it’s an online currency that can be converted to cash and makes for faster money transfers.
How Can I Access My Winnings From A Sportsbook Located Outside of the US?
Receiving your winnings is a simple process, but the options for receiving your winnings depends on the site and in some cases, how you deposited your funds. If you deposit money into your account using Bitcoin, you may only be able to withdraw money using Bitcoin as well. The withdrawal policies depend on the site you use. All sites offer the option of a check by courier, and most will also offer money transfer options as well.
Are Offshore Betting Sites Secure?
Yes. The betting sites we recommend are legally licensed, regualted and operated, and provide advanced security features in order to provide a safe online betting experience. We only recommend sites that have worked to establish a trustworthy reputation for professionalism. The sites we recommend have been around for at least 10 years and have a history of customer satisfaction to show for it.
Are There Any Incentives Available to Illinois Gamblers?
Indeed there are. All of these sportsbooks offer what are called ‘bonuses’, which are essentially free money for you to gamble with. Most sites offer bonuses just for signing up, though the bonuses don’t stop there. There are seasonal bonuses, loyalty bonuses and even promotional bonuses. As long as you keep up to date with new bonuses as they come out, you’ll be sure to have plenty of incentives to keep betting. Keep in mind that all bonuses come with rollover requirements, sometimes referred to as wagering requirements, so be sure to read the terms and conditions.
Are There Rules About Paying Taxes On My Gambling Winnings?
Gambling winnings are technically taxable income. If you don’t report your winnings, you could face prosecution for tax evasion. The best policy regarding this is to consult a local tax specialist to see what your options are. In many states residents must report gambling winnings over a specific minimum amount, and this figure varies from tax season to tax season in many cases.
Is It Possible To Place Bets From My Mobile Phone?
These sportsbooks that we recommend for Illinois residents have a mobile app to compliment their website. These apps are designed to work across all devices, so you shouldn’t have any issues when using them on your phone or tablet. Customer service is a huge component of these sportsbooks and these apps are just another way of making things as convenient as possible for the customer.
Are There Any Sports Teams in Illinois That Have A Shot At Winning A National Title in 2016/2017?
The Chicago Blackhawks are a team that could be in the running for another Stanley Cup. However, competition in the NHL is fierce, especially come Playoff time. The Blackhawks will look to reclaim the title and will be a solid bet going forward.
The Bulls are currently sitting 8th in their conference, but they have shown the strength, skill and determination of a Playoff team. Ultimately, the Cleveland Cavaliers are their toughest obstacle in reaching the Championship game, but don’t expect the Bulls to go down without a fight.
Once the MLB season starts, the Cubs will be hoping to defend their title as World Champions. It’s incredibly difficult to repeat championships in modern sports, but perhaps after 108 years of not winning, the Cubs will try and keep that victory train rolling.