Our Top Picks for the Best Illinois Betting Apps
We’re not going to lie — picking the best Illinois betting apps was no small task. But after a long period of monitoring and several rounds of reviews, our team came to an agreement. The following apps reign supreme over the competition and are Gambla’s top choices:
FanDuel
Overview
If you’re looking for a detail-oriented option,
FanDuel
is certainly one of the best Illinois betting apps. You can feel their DFS background with how many markets and events are covered daily. Gambla is also happy with the other basics, which are wonderful.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Plenty of extra features
- Occasional live streams
- High odds
- Props and futures-focused
Cons
- UI needs improvements
- Winter sports coverage isn’t great
Odds & Markets
FanDuel aces all our odds-related tests. They score consistently higher than the competition. Likewise, this bookie also posts its lines early, sometimes in excess of three weeks ahead of the event. NFL and NBA are the main focuses, with MLB also getting plenty of exotics.
If you’re in the market for a big promo, you’ll love FanDuel’s $1,000 deposit match. Despite this unusual size, the conditions are pretty fair. Thus, both beginners and pros can easily incorporate the promo into their strategies. Other bonuses are great, too.
Banking
Whether it’s e-wallets, credit cards, or bank transfers, FanDuel accepts it. They’re a PayPal betting app, which is always a plus. All our deposits were instant, while each withdrawal arrived either early or on time. No complaints whatsoever.
Customer Support
The Gambla team is pleased with what it saw from FanDuel’s support. Their responses are both prompt and informative. Usually, you have to choose between the two, so it’s a nice change. Live chat is open 24/7, and they’re very friendly.
Verdict – 4.9/5
If you’re looking for the absolute best Illinois betting apps, FanDuel tops the list. They nail all the basics, all while providing plenty of extra features. You can catch some live streams and get exclusive promos, amongst other things.
DraftKings
Overview
DraftKings
isn’t your average betting conglomerate. They’re still owned by a small group of founders and have always been known for their player-first attitude. Gambla’s latest test can confirm this is still the case. Both beginners and pros will find it suitable.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 20+ available sports
- Available in half the US
- Fastest payouts on this list
- Fresh bonuses constantly
Cons
- Not our favorite UI
- Needs more extra features
Odds & Markets
Depth is the name of the game here, and 200+ markets per major league event is no small thing. NBA and NFL are, expectedly, the main attraction. Likewise, we enjoyed soccer and cricket coverage. Even horse racing has gotten better, which is another testament to DraftKings’ willingness to improve.
Interestingly, DraftKings has a multi-pronged welcome offer. After depositing, you’ll get a 20% match up to $1,000. In addition, you’ll receive a $50 bonus bet and another $150 in bonus bets after betting at least $5. This is by far the best deal on this list. If value is your goal, DraftKings is the best.
Banking
Both PayPal and Skrill are available, which is an unusual sight. Nevertheless, all the other standard options, such as Visa and Mastercard, are also supported. We have to commend the withdrawal speeds, as some of our payments arrived on the same day.
Customer Support
DraftKings also has the best FAQ section on this list. But if you actually need to talk to someone, then you’ll have a smooth experience. Just pick live chat, email or phone support and take advantage of the 24/7 availability.
Verdict – 4.8/5
FanDuel and DraftKings have been neck and neck in recent years. DraftKings, though, must add more extra features. They have all the tools to become the king of Illinois betting apps. If they continue this way, they just might snatch the crown.
PointsBet
Overview
Bringing a unique format to the fold,
PointsBet
isn’t for everyone. We’d recommend it mainly to intermediate and advanced bettors. It’s certainly amongst the best Illinois betting apps, but its unique take prevents it from achieving wider accessibility.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The PointsBetting format is a lot of fun
- Lots of bonuses
- Impressive coverage
- Beautiful UI
Cons
- PointsBetting is risky
- Not for beginners
Odds & Markets
Unlike traditional sports betting, PointsBetting is scalable. If you’re betting on an O/U, for instance, you’ll win more if the Over is larger. However, this also opens the door for larger losses. That’s why this can be a great, stocks-like approach for pros.
All new players qualify for up to $1,000 in free bets, which is more than most apps offer. Likewise, there are plenty of limited offers for regulars. Overall, Gambla likes how PointsBet keeps things going once you start playing.
Banking
Even though there’s no Apple Pay or PayPal, we like the fact Trustly bank transfers are allowed. This is a faster and safer alternative to ACH and other options. Visa and Mastercard are also there, which is always a good thing. Withdrawals are always on time, too.
Customer Support
Unless you mind waiting 30-45 seconds during peak traffic hours, then we have nothing to complain about. The FAQ section is wonderfully done and handles every important matter in great detail. Overall, we’re happy with what we’re seeing.
Verdict – 4.8/5
PointsBet has a unique bet format, which is more akin to stocks than traditional sports betting. Still, they’re one of the best Illinois betting apps. If innovation is what you’re looking for, then by all means — go ahead.
BetRivers
Overview
While we’re always skeptical of newcomers,
BetRivers
is easily one of the best Illinois betting apps. They have the basics down to a T, with plenty of beginner-friendly things to talk about.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easy to use
- Great selection of NFL futures & props
- Lovely support staff
- Decent promos
Cons
- The app isn’t updated frequently
- Not ideal for older devices
Odds & Markets
BetRivers mostly relies on its
NFL
and
MLB
promos. It’s one of the top Illinois betting apps for baseball, that’s for sure. But we’d also recommend it for
NBA
games and horse racing. Consistency could be a bit better, though.
You can receive up to $500 in second-chance bets once you sign up. We also like how fair this and the other promos are, which is a big plus. Another thing the Gambla team liked is the rate the promos are changing at. Every week, there’s seemingly something new.
Banking
BetRivers accepts a variety of payment options, which means they’re inclusive and welcoming toward people with different financial habits. PayPal, Play+, VIP Preferred, and several other options are in the mix.
Customer Support
While we enjoyed testing out BetRivers’ 24/7 live chat support, the Help Center was equally as impressive. Pretty much every facet of the site is covered, with lots of guides. BetRivers definitely proves its reputation here.
Verdict – 4.8/5
If you want a constant stream of reasonable odds and generous bonuses, here’s your pick. BetRivers aced all our tests and is deservingly amongst the five best Illinois betting apps. It’s fitting, as they were also the first.
BetMGM
Overview
Last but not least, we have another industry veteran. Although they’ve entered the digital fold only recently, MGM has plenty of land-based experience. This puts them in a prime position to squeeze into our top five.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Beautiful UI
- Lots of NBA props
- Fast loading times
- Timely payouts
Cons
- Too few MLB futures
- The VIP program isn’t too online-focused
Odds & Markets
Even if you don’t like to experiment, you’ll appreciate the number of markets at BetMGM. They mostly focus on props, with NBA and NFL receiving the most attention. However, even niche sports get some love, even in the form of futures.
A $1,000 risk-free bet is certainly a good start. But what really sets BetMGM apart are the limited-time offers. There’s a promo seemingly for every big event. Whether it’s golf, NASCAR or something else, this bookie has you covered.
Banking
BetMGM accepts PayPal, Venmo, and PayNearMe, which puts it atop our payment diversity rankings. What’s more, you’ll also love the fast withdrawals. Gambla wishes more bookies handled payments this well.
Customer Support
In terms of Illinois betting apps with great support, BetMGM tops them all. They do amazing things on the regular, and they scored highly on all our tests. The Help section is pretty nice, as well.
Verdict – 4.7/9
BetMGM is already one of the best Illinois betting apps, but they’re not quite at the top. If they improve their baseball coverage and VIP program, we might be witnessing an epic rise. Until then, they’re still a solid option.
Tips on Staying Safe at Illinois Betting Apps
All of Gambla’s recommended Illinois betting apps are 100% safe and legal. However, going with one of these options won’t automatically eliminate all the risks. Instead, you have to alter your own routine and apply the following tips. Remember, apply them in conjunction to get the best possible results:
Read user reviews and ratings
Before downloading and using any betting app, take the time to read user reviews and ratings. As great as they are, Gambla reviews are only from one standpoint. And we all know a single test or review can’t reveal all the issues. That’s why player reviews are a great tool. You can just do a simple Google search, and you’ll find out if other users noticed a particular issue. If players mention something constantly, it should be a red flag.
Use strong and unique passwords
Create strong and unique passwords for your accounts at Illinois betting apps. Avoid using easily guessable passwords or reusing passwords from other platforms. If you didn’t know, reusing passwords is one of the most common causes of cyber-attacks. Consider utilizing a password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely. Besides, all the major browsers have built-in password managers and password suggestion tools nowadays. You don’t have to memorize anything, so there’s no excuse for laziness.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
Whenever you can, you should enable two-factor authentication on Illinois betting apps. 2FA adds an extra layer of security with a second form of verification. It can be a code sent via SMS or email. It happens rarely, but some IL sportsbooks let you use Google Authenticator. If you’re safety conscious, look for this feature. It’s not a must, but it helps greatly.
Be mindful of the details you provide when signing up for a betting app. Stick to reputable Illinois betting apps that have clear privacy policies. Gambla never recommends bookies with questionable rules. No matter how good they are, that’s no excuse for excessive strictness when it comes to terms and conditions. Regardless, you should read the T&C in full once you find an app you like.
Regularly update the betting app
Stay vigilant about updating your betting app to the latest version available. App updates often include security patches that help protect against potential vulnerabilities or exploits. Hackers often rely on people’s laziness to update. This gives them ample room to use exploit and steal your money and personal information. Don’t be that person. It takes a couple of taps to initiate the update, so do it once one is available.
Avoid public Wi-Fi networks
When accessing your betting app, try to avoid using public Wi-Fi networks. These networks may not be secure, and your data could be intercepted by malicious individuals. Instead, use a secure and trusted network, such as your home Wi-Fi or mobile data. Likewise, don’t log into your betting account on an unknown device. It might be infected with malware, or you just might forget to log out.
Set limits and manage your bankroll
To ensure a responsible and safe gambling experience, establish betting limits and don’t exceed them. Set a budget for your wagers and avoid chasing losses. Additionally, you should regularly monitor your betting activity. The best Illinois betting apps have mini overviews of what you have to do, so you can always take a look. Pay attention to your hit rate (win percentage) and develop your own ways of testing different strategies. That’s where the fun lies in sports betting if you ask us.
Installing & Playing at Illinois Betting Apps
Installing Illinois betting apps is often a boogeyman for new players when it really shouldn’t be. Just follow this set of steps and you’ll get started in no time:
- Research: Begin by researching Illinois betting apps recommended by the Gambla team. Look for apps that offer a user-friendly interface, a wide range of sports or games to bet on, and positive user reviews. Of course, include any specific preferences you have. For instance, if you’re an MLS fan, aim for MLS betting apps.
- Download: Visit the official app store for your device, such as the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, and search for the chosen betting app. Tap on the app’s icon and follow the prompts to download and install it on your device.
- Create an account: Open the installed app and create a new account. Provide the required information, such as your name, email address, and date of birth. Choose a secure password and consider claiming a bonus. Many Illinois betting apps let you opt-in during signup, especially if it’s a no deposit bonus.
- Verify your account: Some betting apps may require account verification. Follow the app’s instructions to verify your identity, which usually involves providing a photo ID and document. This step ensures compliance with IL regulatory requirements.
- Deposit funds: Once your account is verified, go to the Banking or Cashier section. Choose your preferred payment method and deposit funds into your account. Our top picks accept PayPal, Apple Pay, credit cards and much more. Pick an option that suits you best.
- Place bets: Explore the available betting options within the app. Browse through different sports events or casino games, check the odds, and select your desired wager. Once you’ve chosen your top picks, confirm the bet and wait for the outcome.
- Withdraw winnings: If luck is on your side and you win a bet, you can withdraw your winnings from the betting app. Head to the Cashier/Withdraw section, choose the withdrawal method and follow the app’s instructions. The payment should be yours within the expected timeframe. If not, notify support about the issue.
Best Betting Apps by US state
