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.
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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.
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 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.
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 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 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 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.
There are currently five sports betting apps available to download in Illinois:
Sportsbook | iOS App? | Android App? | Average Review |
---|---|---|---|
BetRivers | Yes, 24.3 MB | Yes, 52.3 MB | 4.5 |
DraftKings | Yes, 263.6 MB | Yes | 4.9 |
FanDuel | Yes, 38 MB | Yes | 4.7 |
Pointsbet | Yes, 51.5 MB | Yes, ~13 MB | 4.6 |
William Hill | Yes, 38.1 MB | Yes | TBD |
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.
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.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how you can install a sportsbook app on your iPhone or iPad.
Google prohibits all gambling apps from its Google Play marketplace, but you can still install sportsbook apps on your Android device. Here’s how:
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Payment options for Android users are the same: PayPal and other e-wallets, credit and debit cards, online banking, prepaid cards, and bank transfers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes. DraftKings, PointsBet, BetRivers, William Hill, and FanDuel have iOS apps you can download directly from the App Store.
You don’t need to visit a retail sportsbook or be tied to a desktop computer to place a bet in Colorado. With sports betting now legal, there are options for your iPhone and iPad. As long as you are inside state lines, you’ll be able to register, deposit and place bets via mobile sportsbooks.
Licenses are available for all 33 Colorado casinos. This ensures plenty of choice when it comes to iPhone sports betting apps. Big brands, including DraftKings iOS app, BetRivers and FanDuel Colorado appare live — with many more to follow.
This page gives you an insight into all you need to know about betting on sports using your iPhone or iPad in Colorado. This includes how to download the apps and register an account, plus the sports, bet types and bonuses you will find.
Many of the leading sportsbook brands are available in Colorado. Many of those on the list have apps for Apple devices, giving you access to their full range of betting markets and functions. You’ll find detailed reviews of these brands, including information on their welcome bonuses, here at PlayColorado.com.
Installing iPhone sportsbooks is very easy. Your first step is to head to the website of the sportsbook you want to install using your iPhone. The site will recognize which device you have and provide a download link. There is no need to use a computer; the entire installation, registration and funding process works smoothly via your phone.
Having installed the app, the next step is to register your account.
All the sportsbooks ask for the same information: your name, email address and physical address, along with the last four digits of your Social Security number and date of birth. You’ll also be asked to choose a username. ID documents are not required by default.
You don’t have to be a permanent resident of Colorado to open an account. However, to register, deposit or place a bet, you’ll need to be inside state lines. Books restrict bonus deals to one per household.
You can bet legally using your Apple device in Colorado. Recent law changes saw the federal ban on sports betting lifted, handing the decision over to individual states to set their own rules.
In Colorado, the state government got approval for HB19-1327 to authorize sports betting subject to a referendum. This referendum took place on Nov. 5, 2019, and was narrowly passed, allowing the state government to go ahead and introduce sports betting.
A number of sports betting licenses were issued, with the casinos in the state the only entities able to hold a master license. With these, they have teamed up with existing sportsbooks and offer them a contract as a licensed “sports betting operator” or a licensed “internet sports betting operator.”
As long as you live in Colorado, and you are 21 or older, you will be able to legally bet on sports. You have to be present in the state to place a bet. Location software on your iPhone or iPad will detect whether you are inside state lines. If your phone detects that you are outside of Colorado, the app will block you from placing a bet.
Colorado plays host to some of the best sports franchises in the country, and much of the mobile betting action will take place on their games.
While much of the betting action will be centered around the four major franchises in Colorado, a wide range of sports and leagues will be covered on your device:
If you want to place a money-spinning parlay or a fun prop bet, or stick to the classic point spread, totals or money line, all the options are available on your mobile device. In addition, live betting is perfect for those betting on the go, getting involved in the betting action when the game is underway.
Here’s a rundown of the most popular markets:
While there will be slight differences as you move from app to app, the overall design of sports betting apps can be very similar, with almost a “standard” layout across the industry.
With the Colorado marketplace quickly becoming crowded with sportsbooks, it’s a sure thing that the individual brands will use a series of generous sign-up bonuses to attract you to their sites. These bonuses can come in many forms. Below is a list of some of the most popular bonus types:
As well as the deposit bonuses, many sports betting apps will also offer a loyalty scheme, by which you’ll earn points every time you place a bet. These points can then be turned into cash or additional bonuses. In some cases, these loyalty schemes are wider than just the sportsbook — Caesars and MGM being good examples, where you can earn points at the sportsbook, then exchange them for comped hotel nights or resort credit.
Apps will offer both recurring and one-off promotions. Many types of promotion are used by multiple books. A good example is parlay insurance. If you place a parlay with five or more selections and just one of the five legs loses, many sites will offer you your money back as a free bet (usually up to a maximum of $25). Other “insurance” type offers include money back if a money line bet in the NFL loses by 6 points or fewer, or if your selected basketball team is leading after three quarters but goes on to lose the game.
Yes. Live betting uses data streams updated in real time as matches take place. You’ll see the betting lines update, and you can place wagers at any point. Live betting covers football, baseball, golf, tennis and more.
Some brands will also offer cash out functions. This allows you to redeem a bet early, at a price offered by the book.
To make a deposit to your chosen sportsbook, you’ll find a selection of different options. These can vary from brand to brand, but many of those in the list below will be available across the majority of apps. To make a deposit, you will need to be present in Colorado — deposits will be barred if you’ve stepped outside of the state.
All the major sportsbooks in Colorado will offer iPhone/iPad apps. Betting on your iPhone using the browser versions of the sites is not possible. Only a small number of brands have the geolocation software needed to make this possible.
App betting gives you full functionality. You can register, fund your account and access all the different bet types and betting markets. This also allows you to access new types of bets, with in-play betting the most popular new format.
With so many iPhone betting apps competing for your custom in Colorado, you are in a great position to take advantage of their bonus offers. Look out for risk-free bets, no-deposit and deposit bonuses — and keep an eye on the promotions to see if they cover bets you wanted to make.