Best Sports Betting Apps in Illinois
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Are you interested in downloading Illinois sports betting apps? Believe it or not, you’re pretty spoiled for choice. In this guide, I’ll take you through the best apps for betting in the Prairie State, and what you should look for when shopping around for apps to download for Apple and Android.
Top Sports Betting Apps in Illinois
I’ve done the hard work for you and found the three best Illinois sports betting apps. To learn more about Illinois sportsbook promos, refer to the full guide linked.
BetMGM Sportsbook
- App Store rating: 4.8/5 (217K reviews)
- Google Play rating: 4.5/5 (30.5K reviews)
- Download size: 258.5 MB (based on iOS)
- Sign up bonus: Up to $1,500 in bonus bets
Designed with a sleek black and gold aesthetic, BetMGM offers one of the classiest-looking sportsbook apps of its kind. It’s quick and easy to find different types of markets and bets with this app, and it’s also lightning-fast to make deposits with a range of different cards and wallets.
I find the BetMGM sportsbook app to be one of the most intuitive – and, seriously, there are no other apps I’ve tried that look this good! Cashing out is just as easy as they tell you it is, just make sure you stick to the rules.
BetRivers Sportsbook
- App Store rating: 4.4/5 (5.1K reviews)
- Google Play rating: 4.2/5 (2.2K reviews)
- Download size: 141.1 MB (based on iOS)
- Sign up bonus: Up to $500 in second-chance bonus bets
Unlike BetMGM, BetRivers tends to go a bit more colorful when it comes to presentation. That said, even though it looks a lot different from its rival apps, it still does a great job of condensing information and providing you with access to different sports and markets.
BetRivers’s laid-back look is likely to appeal more to people who prefer their phones to use “light mode.” That’s not a bad thing — the app’s nice and smooth to use.
What I personally really like about the BetRivers app is the fact it’s super simple to access the most important features. Account management, promos, live chat – you can access them all from the top bar of the app. That’s something a lot of other sportsbooks could learn from.
Caesars Sportsbook
Disclaimer: Must be 21 or older and physically present in IL. New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms.
- App Store rating: 4.7/5 (69K reviews)
- Google Play rating: 4.3/5 (26.1K reviews)
- Download size: 275.1 MB (based on iOS)
- Sign up bonus: Up to $1,000 in bonus bets
Caesars goes the extra mile when it comes to Illinois sportsbook design, especially via app. There are tons of information condensed into one screen, meaning you never have to tap or swipe around too much!
Much of what you need to access is available from a simple bar menu. You can get access to live betting, different sports, and promo boosts from the same screen.
I found the Caesars app to be a larger download than others for my iPhone, but honestly? It’s worth it. It’s clear that the app’s designers are sportsbook fans themselves. It’s got that intuitive feel that most betting fans (me included) are always looking for.
Legal Considerations for Sports Betting Apps in Illinois
Sports betting in Illinois has been legal online since 2019, which naturally meant the first web-based sportsbooks opened in 2020. The state’s online betting laws are overseen by the Illinois Gaming Board.
It’s completely legal for you to register and bet on sports in Illinois using the apps I’ve listed above. Just make sure you’re registered in Illinois and are playing in the state, first. You don’t have to be an Illinois native, just residing there for however long you’re betting.
The Top 3 Features We Look for in a Sports Betting App
In my opinion, there are always a few things you should be looking for in a sportsbook app to download. Here’s what to prioritize:
Multiple payment methods
Plenty of Illinois sports betting apps let you bank with cards, but what about e-wallets and prepaid options? The more payment options you have, the more flexible you can expect your sportsbook app to be. Try and look for apps that accept more than just Visa and MasterCard. What about Discover or AMEX? Are there apps that accept PayPal, too?
Personally, I try to look for apps that let me pay with PayPal and Visa, in case I want to change from one to the other.
Advanced search features
It’s pretty easy to assume that some sportsbook apps scale back features such as search functions just to make sure everything fits in! However, there are a few apps out there that really go the extra mile.
Does your sportsbook app let you search by future events? Can you filter out certain teams or live events? Take a tour of a sportsbook app before you start placing bets. If the search function leaves much to be desired, you’re entitled to go elsewhere!
I prefer a sportsbook app that lets me look for more than just sports and markets – and the apps I listed above do a great job.
Event calendars
Not all sportsbooks have intuitive calendars, but those that do are seriously well-organized! Check out apps that let you plan betting for weeks or even months in advance. Can you plan ahead for events such as the Super Bowl, the Soccer World Cup, or the Winter Olympic Games, for example?
I like event calendars because there could be a market or two that I’ve forgotten about. It’s also great for me to explore different sports and markets for the first time.
The Smartphone We Recommend for Betting on Sports in Illinois
I use an iPhone 11 Pro. It’s a little old now, but it’s still pretty powerful! All the apps listed here work brilliantly on this device, meaning you really don’t have to go for Apple’s latest tech to dive into bets.
So, Will You Download an Illinois Sports Betting App Tonight?
Now you know the best sportsbook apps available to download and use in Illinois. Take a look through the top three I’ve listed, and you should find it easier than ever to narrow down and manage your bets on the go.
What if you’ve downloaded an app, and are feeling confused by all the promos? Take a look at our guide to sign up bonuses for some reassurance.