Best Sports Betting Sites in Illinois 2024

Gambla’s Secret Recipe for Reviewing Illinois Betting Sites

Our reviewing arsenal is full of in-house testing methods, unique templates, and all kinds of goodies. Unfortunately, we can’t reveal all that. But what we can do is point you in the right direction and explain the priorities. If you focus on them hard enough, finding the best Illinois online betting sites will be a piece of cake.

Security Checks 

Security is always our top priority, no matter the site we review. So, before we even test the odds, banking, or anything else, we run some security tests. If there are no previous or current vulnerabilities, we can move forward.

Banking Analysis 

The first thing we always do is try out all the payment methods. Aside from our own expectations, we compare everything against the bookie’s own claims. If they say same-day withdrawals, we’d better see our money in less than 24 hours.

Testing the Sportsbook 

If the banking part of the equation is fine, we use that money to place bets. From classic money lines to exotic props, we test everything to get a feel of the bookie. Sometimes, this testing period lasts for weeks, if not months.

Claiming the Bonuses and Using Them

During that time, we also check what’s available in terms of promos. Whether it’s cashback or simple welcome bonuses, Gambla’s team claims everything and tests it. If the bookie’s promos are easy to use and valuable, they get bonus points.

Blacklist Reference 

Over the years, we’ve assembled quite a blacklist. It has multiple levels, ranging from irresponsible support to outright scams. We cross-reference this list with every new bookie just to see if it’s an old operator trying new tricks. Likewise, we update the blacklist on a weekly basis.

Quality Control 

Once a review is finalized, we hand it over to our quality control team. They run all the tests again and double-check the data. So, no matter what we write, it doesn’t get published without their approval.

Gambla Ranks the Bookie 

Upon finalizing the review, our team has a meeting to discuss the site’s placement. We try to use as many different viewpoints as we can. That way, our debates about the best betting sites in Illinois are more fruitful. And once we agree on a single list, we release it and keep monitoring the bookies in case we need to make changes.

Key Points for Comparing Betting Sites in Illinois 

Every US state is unique in terms of its sports preferences, and Illinois is no different. Thus, we use a specific set of factors to compare IL bookies:

• Bonuses. No matter how good a betting site is, they must show gratitude to players that chose them. This means deposit matches, cashback and even betting tournaments.
• Odds. We all play at betting sites in Illinois to see if there’s a chance to profit. That’s why Gambla ensures the odds are fairs and in line with the industry average.
• NFL. Everyone loves the Bears, with the occasional Colts fan here and there. Football is one of the pillars of sportsbooks in this state, and it’s why we use it to compare them.
• NBA. Likewise, hoops play a big role in the lives of the average Illinois resident. MJ might be long gone, but it’s the best time to place NBA bets, regardless.

Only the Best IL Betting Sites Make it to Gambla’s List 

If you were wondering what the best Illinois betting sites have in common, it’s almost always the following:

• Bonus features. Any sportsbook that wants to stand out needs to provide more. This means live streaming, predictions, podcasts about different sports, and even social media content.
• Stable software. All the top brands focus on function over looks. That doesn’t mean the UI ugly is ugly. It’s just that the operator invested the biggest amount of effort into making everything smooth under the hood.
• Live chat support. No matter your experience level, you should be able to contact support easily. Live chat is the obvious choice and should be available 24/7. It’s 2024, and there’s no excuse to avoid doing this.
• Flexible limits. Both rookies and vets should be welcome. If you want to bet casually or deposit six figures, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to do so. Our top picks check this box, by the way.

How to Avoid Misleading Illinois Sports Betting Bonuses

Just because they’re not illegal, that doesn’t mean misleading bonuses aren’t damaging. If you don’t want to lose time or money, look for the following:

• The amount is too big. The best betting sites in Illinois aren’t stupid and don’t want to burn money. They observe the market and adjust their offers accordingly.
• You have too little time to spend the money. Rushing leads to mistakes and blunders. Avoid bookies who implicitly force you to do so.
• Convoluted rules. No matter how unpleasant they are, rules must appear in simple English. If that’s not the case, don’t risk it and find another site.
• Restrictive and abusive limits/requirements. Some IL bookies are simply shameless and try to extract as much profit as they can. They mostly do so through high wagering requirements and caps on winnings.

Getting into the Nitty Gritty About Bonuses at Illinois Betting Sites

Bonuses aren’t just about the amount you’re given. Instead, you have to dive into the nitty gritty and look into all the other details. Most of the time, it’s these details that make or break your experience. Don’t be insistent on doing everything ASAP. Instead, look at the bonus from a numbers-based perspective and simply choose the best deal. Include any other factors you deem important, too.

Good Illinois Sportsbooks vs. Bad Ones: How to Tell Them Apart?

Truth be told, there are some Illinois betting sites that don’t deserve your time. But how does one decide what’s good and what’s bad? Let’s take our findings from all these years and compare the chief characteristics of both proper and lackluster IL sportsbooks.

Five-step Guide to Playing at IL Betting Sites

One of the best things about betting sites in Illinois is the plethora of educational content at your disposal. But oftentimes, blogs, guides, and reviews only complicate things further. Gambla’s experts are, as you know, fans of simplicity. That’s why we reduced the whole onboarding process to just a couple of simple steps. Apply them, and you’ll see your experience improve drastically.

1. Analyze Gambla’s top list. First things first, check our latest top picks for Illinois bettors. Compare the current state with your own preferences, and you’ll eventually find the right site. Of course, this doesn’t have to be a single site. A shortlist will do, too.
2. Take a look around. Once you have a couple of contenders, analyze them first-hand. Just visit the website(s) and be vigilant. Write down what you like or don’t like and compare the sites. That way, you’ll find it easy to eliminate unworthy bookies.
3. Find a suitable bonus and claim it. Before you share any personal information, compare the bonuses, too. Sometimes, it’s a good idea to accept a compromise in exchange for an extra boost in the beginning.
4. Strategize. After you’ve created an account and verified it, it’s time to create a game plan. This requires monitoring the bookie for a while, so there’s no need to rush. Wait for the ideal promo and try to mix knowledge and opportunity. Of course, this means staying away from sports you don’t follow.
5. Play away. Don’t forget to set a budget after coming up with a strategy. Make sure it’s something you can afford to lose. And remember — focus on the fun and don’t take losses too seriously. They happen to everyone, all the time.

Reasons to Trust Gambla’s Illinois Sportsbook Reviews

Many of our readers are wondering why they should trust us. And in all honesty, that’s a pretty valid question. Although we can write about our experience and accomplishments, we believe our reviews are great because we are:

• Independent. While we do get a commission for some actions our readers take, our content is completely objective. We don’t take payments in exchange for positive reviews. Betting sites in Illinois know what they’re in for, and they don’t even try to sweeten the deal.
• Well-versed in all kinds of sports. Our team is comprised of fans of all major sports. From NBA fanatics to the NFL faithful, you’ll get all kinds of scoops. It’s for the best, as you should never rely on the opinion of one person.
• Armed with custom testing & review systems. Truth be told, most of our work revolves around analyzing websites from a user’s perspective. However, we also look behind the scenes and apply several secret testing methods. We’re always looking to improve, so each review makes our knowledge library even larger.
• Devoted to updating our lists regularly. Many review sites invest all their effort into conducting thorough reviews. And then, they think their work is done. Gambla disagrees. Our view is that betting sites in Illinois are living, breathing beings. They change and get better or worse with time.
• Impervious to scams and tricks. With decades of combined iGaming industry experience, our team has seen it all. Therefore, we’re able to sniff out misleading bonuses, strict limits, and scams at a moment’s notice.

Terms & Conditions: Why You Need to Read Them 

Believe it or not, the T&Cs are the easiest way to find everything about a bookie. This is because betting sites in Illinois are legally required to disclose all the rules, limits, and other details. Likewise, this document is legally binding since you have to accept the T&Cs before registering. As you can presume, this is both good and bad. It’s a positive thing because you can get the gist of things. At the same time, though, these documents are always boring to read. But at the end of the day, it’s about your safety. You can spare 15 minutes on it, can’t you?

Importance of Licensing

Likewise, you should always look for an IGB license. Every legitimate betting site in Illinois publicly displays its license number and other details. If that’s not the case, consider it a red flag. There’s no reason why a bookie shouldn’t have an IGB badge and license no. in the footer area. A lack of this means the site’s owners are either careless or operating illegally.

Mobile Betting is the Future in IL 

All the best betting sites in Illinois have apps. It’s not an extra feature anymore. Everyone has a smartphone, and not offering an app would be foolish. Ideally, these apps should be beginner-friendly. However, that also means they mustn’t be different from the desktop version too much. That way, beginners can make the move quite easily. Gambla always does multi-platform reviews. Thus, you can count on our recommendations to have outstanding iOS and Android betting apps.

5 Key Tips for Beginners at Illinois Betting Sites

And last but not least, you’re going to need some extra firepower. Having the best Illinois betting sites and bonuses just isn’t enough anymore. You have to seek every tool possible if you want to gain an edge. For starters, try applying Gambla’s expert tips and see how they affect your strategy.

1. Don’t let yourself suffer from FOMO

Every bettor feels guilt when they miss out on a great opportunity. But it happens. In fact, there are hundreds of great-value sporting events happening at any given time. You can’t win them all, so don’t expect to do so. Make a plan in advance and slowly add suitable pairs to your slip.

2. Leave your emotions at the door

Sure, we all love the Bulls and the Sox, but there’s no place for love in sports betting. It’s fun to support your favorite team, but let’s be real – your outright won’t bring Lonzo back. So, make sure you only consult viable data before placing bets. The Bears probably won’t win the Super Bowl, and you burning money won’t help them to do so.

3. Bankroll management is everything

There’s no such thing as a reason to bet more than you planned. Bets aren’t either good or bad — they’re just predictions pertaining to events in the future. So don’t be swayed by supposed ‘opportunities.’ Stick to your plan and remain disciplined at all times. It’s easy to lose control, but you can prevent that from even happening.

4. Avoid sports you don’t follow

There will be times when you encounter attractive lines on niche sports. But what do you really know about the 2nd tier of Vietnamese women’s volleyball? Start off with leagues and teams you actually watch. Then, try moving on to similar things and slowly expanding your knowledge base.

5. Rely on numbers, not assumptions

You’ll probably see plenty of tips, predictions, and pre-made slips. All these things can theoretically be good, but they’re mostly just shots in the dark. Instead of using other people’s opinions, learn about the key stats and how to read them. It might feel annoying in the beginning, but it’s the only way to reliably tackle any sporting event.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Betting Sites in Illinois