Looking for deposit bonuses in Illinois? You’ll find the best IL sports betting bonuses in this article!
Sports betting bonuses in Illinois are probably better than ever. It’s been a while since legalization occurred, which means bookies had more than enough time to perfect their craft. Even though you can find plenty of bonuses to boot, not all promos are created equal. And that’s precisely why the Gambla team is here.
Our 15+ years of analyzing US sportsbooks are at your disposal. This includes our proprietary tests, comparison techniques, and much more. Today, we’ll be using all of that to uncover the best bonuses for IL players. Check them out below.
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Bet $1 and Get $365in Bonus Bets at bet365. Deposit required. Bonus Bets winnings are added to Bonus Bets balance. Bonus Bet wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
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Betting bonuses in Illinois are designed to entice and reward bettors who engage with licensed sportsbooks or online casinos. These promos serve as incentives to attract new customers while also providing rewards for existing ones.
The main purpose of betting bonuses is for the sportsbook to differentiate itself. Chances are that people will choose them if they’re known as generous. And besides, plenty of people will continue playing. This means that the book will, eventually, recoup all those instances of giving out free money.
But how does using a bonus work? When you sign up with a licensed IL betting site, you may be eligible for a welcome bonus. This type of bonus typically comes in various forms, such as free bets, deposit matches, or risk-free bets. We’ll cover each of these bonus types shortly, don’t worry.
Free bets, for instance, allow you to place a wager without using your own money. And if you win, you get to keep the winnings. Deposit matches, on the other hand, involve the sportsbook matching a percentage of your initial deposit. For example, if a sportsbook offers a 100% deposit match up to $200, it means that the sportsbook will provide an additional $200 to your account.
It’s important to note that betting bonuses often come with terms and conditions that must be met. These conditions can include minimum odds for wagers, time limits to use the bonus and wagering requirements.
Wagering requirements refer to the number of times you need to wager the bonus amount before you can withdraw any winnings. It’s important to carefully read and understand the T&C, as they can vary between different sportsbooks and casinos.
What Types of Betting Bonuses Are There?
For the most part, sports betting bonuses in Illinois fall into one of several categories. You’ll usually be able to choose among the following:
Deposit Bonus
This is by far the most common of all betting bonuses in Illinois. It’s also the most feasible, at least if bookmakers are concerned. The bottom line is – you make a deposit, and the bookie matches part or all of it.
For instance, a 200% match up to $1,000 means you can deposit $500 to maximize the value of the promo. The same goes for other percentages. Just calculate the necessary deposit and adjust your strategy accordingly. Oh, and don’t forget about analyzing the T&C. It’s the only way to see if a deposit is worthwhile or not.
No Deposit Bonus
In contrast with the previous type, no deposit bonuses at Illinois sportsbooks don’t have any requirements. The name is self-explanatory, but there’s more to them than just saving money. These promos are popular because they let you test betting sites.
Let’s say you see a new bookie launching, but you don’t have money to burn. Instead of just registering and placing a bet, you can claim a no deposit bonus. Take a sport you know, pick an event, and place your first bet. If everything is according to plan, you can move onwards.
Free Bet
Free bets in Illinois are another great way for beginners to find their footing. Unlike deposit bonuses, they don’t require you to think too much. They’re as straightforward as possible.
The bookie gives you a certain amount of money you can use on one bet. After that, you must make a deposit.
Nowadays, free bets come in all shapes and sizes. Some are event-specific, meaning you will have limited time to use them. Pick the size that suits your betting style and make sure it’s a fair promo. After all, testing a site is pointless if you’re going to end up trapped.
Risk-free Bet
Think of risk-free bets as free bets but in reverse. You start off your time at the betting site normally by creating an account. But instead of triggering a promo, you only have to opt in. Afterward, just place a bet. If it doesn’t end up winning, the site will return the money. Compared to other bonus types, this return is much fairer.
The wagering requirements aren’t as high, and it’s easy to handle the promo itself. Of course, the fact that you have to pay upfront is a downside. Then again, risk-free bets aren’t that large and won’t put a dent in your bankroll. Just be careful.
Odds Boost
Compared to other types of bonuses on this list, odds boosts are more abstract. Instead of providing outright value, they give you the opportunity to increase the win potential. And for regular players or pros, this means much more than a $100 welcome bundle. Bookies tend to offer odds boosts for special events, such as the NBA Finals.
This means all markets on the said event can yield greater winnings. Again, this isn’t a guarantee. But at the same time, it’s a fun incentive to try out something new. If a bookie is offering NFL odds boosts, you might want to brush up on your Bears knowledge.
Tips on Using Sports Betting Bonuses in Illinois
The choice of the best betting bonuses in Illinois is just the start of your journey. Sure, it’s the biggest and most difficult decision to make, but there are many more after it. To make sure you handle the whole process correctly, apply our tips. They work regardless of the IL book you’re visiting, so try them out:
Analyze Gambla’s List
Our lists of the best betting bonuses in Illinois are always up to date. This means you can always rely on the rankings at the top of the page. Bookmark it and return it when you’re in need of a new boost. But this doesn’t mean just choosing the first promo blindly. First, consider your goals and preferences and then eliminate unsuitable options until you reach the right one.
Choose a Promotion
Don’t be afraid to take your time. Sportsbooks will often try to trick you into making a choice ASAP. They’ll try to provoke a sense of urgency. But you don’t mind that. With how many IL sites there are, you can count on at least a couple of promos being available at all times. Feel free to do some digging yourself and try to see if some bonuses are recurring.
Look Around the Betting Site
This is the part most people forget when looking for the top betting bonuses in Illinois. You’re going to be spending a lot of time on the platform, so you’d best comb through it. Think about how you feel while scrolling through markets and reading what’s available.
Read the Terms & Privacy Policy
Believe it or not, most people skip this step. The Terms & Conditions section contains lots of text, many of which are in legalese. This makes it unsuitable for casual reading, even if you’re familiar with all the expressions. Nobody likes it, but it’s a must unless you want to be trapped later on. Remember, accepting the T&C is a legally binding document. The bookie can put anything it wants, so you’d best be careful.
Register
Once you’re sure you’ve picked a legitimate website, you can create an account. Provide your name, email, and password. The second step is a bit more demanding, as it requires more private details. This includes your address, personal info, and other things. As long as the bookie is licensed and reputable, you have nothing to worry about.
Start Playing
And last but not least, think about what you intend to do on the site. If you’re an NBA fan, check out the available player props, quarter bets, and more. The same goes for NBA or NFL games, as well as international sports. Just make sure you know your stuff, and you’ll be fine.
How to Spot Fraudulent Sports Betting Bonuses in Illinois
Again, it’s not illegal to offer a bad deal. Likewise, bookies are free to hide the negative parts of their bonuses wherever they want. Therefore, you should keep an eye out for the following:
Lack of Clarity in the T&C
Since this is the most important document, everything should be crystal clear. In fact, even an absolute beginner should know what’s going on. If this isn’t the case, don’t risk it and go with a site that knows how to present its bonuses.
Big Amounts
Legal bookies aren’t allowed to offer excessive amounts. If you see a 4 or 5-figure amount, this means the bookie is hiding something. That’s why you should reread the T&C and see what’s even going on in the first place.
Strict Limits
Imposing limits is something Illinois betting sites do sometimes. Instead of putting players off with a small bonus, they just implement sneaky limits. These can refer to both winnings and bets or anything else that might affect the bookie’s edge.
Unreasonable Rollover Requirements
This is perhaps the most egregious red flag of all. If the requirements are higher than 40x, that means the site isn’t player friendly. No one should have to bet that much money, regardless of how lucrative the bonus really is.
Sports Betting Bonuses in Illinois vs. Offshore Promos: What’s Better?
Oftentimes, we see our readers wondering whether to choose a legal IL betting bonus or an offshore one. Since the debate is pretty heated, it’s time we resolve it once and for all:
Frequently Asked Questions About Betting Bonuses in Illinois
Are betting bonuses in Illinois legit?
Yes, they are. However, this all depends on which Illinois bonuses for sports betting you choose. If you go for reputable brands recommended by Gambla, there’s nothing to be afraid of. Just remain responsible, keep your eyes open and everything should be fine.
Can I use Illinois betting bonuses on Super Bowl markets?
Of course, some of the top sports betting bonuses in Illinois are offered before the Big Game. Many of them are more lucrative than usual, so pay attention to special offers and don’t fall for big numbers.
Do Illinois betting bonuses also include free bets?
Free bets are perhaps the most popular type of betting bonus in Illinois. They let you test the site and see how it works without taking too much risk. In addition, you can also use deposit bonuses, odds boosts and many other promos.
Are sports betting bonuses in IL fair?
This depends on which betting bonuses in Illinois you’re interested in. It’s not illegal to offer unfavorable conditions, so you’re on your own for this one. However, you can resolve any doubts by reading the T&C. If there’s anything that seems abusive and player-unfriendly, move on to another bookie.
What are some red flags in Illinois betting bonuses?
The most common red flags about sports betting bonuses in IL are unclear T&C and strict limits. Gambla understands that bookies need mechanisms to protect themselves, but enough is enough. If you can’t play freely with the offered conditions, look for an alternative.
Bet $1 and Get $365in Bonus Bets at bet365. Deposit required. Bonus Bets winnings are added to Bonus Bets balance. Bonus Bet wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
21+ and physically present in VA only. Terms & Conditions apply. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call, text or chat, VA Council on Problem Gambling on their confidential and toll free helpline at: 1-888-532-3500.
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
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