Best Illinois Sportsbook Promos & Bonuses: April 2024

Best Illinois sportsbook promos

BetMGM boasts the sign-up bonus with the highest potential value, up to $1,500. To qualify for the bonus, you must lose your first wager. At the same time, DraftKings and FanDuel are offering guaranteed bonus funds in exchange for a small real-money wager of $5. 

SBR tip: Only Caesars (SBRBONUS1000), BetMGM (SBRBONUS), BetRivers (SBRBONUS) require promo codes when submitting your first deposit.

FanDuel IL welcome offer 🔵

New FanDuel Illinois customers can claim a bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets offer without the need for a FanDuel promo code. Here are the pertinent details:

• You can register on any device, but you'll have to download the FanDuel app to claim the bonus. 
• A minimum $10 deposit is required.
• Place a $5 bet on any available betting market. Win or lose, FanDuel will provide you with $150 in bonus bets.
• Bonus bets must be used within seven days of receipt.

FanDuel IL pros and cons

What does this promo mean for you?

FanDuel makes certain new bettors can stick around to make future wagers by offering $150 in bonus bets in exchange for any wager or $5 or more. You earn the bonus regardless of the outcome of your initial bet. 

How much money can I earn with the promo?

The maximum value of this welcome offer is $150. You could potentially use those bonus bets to earn further winnings, but it all depends on what bets you make with them. Remember that any potential winnings won't include the original bonus bet amount in the payout.

Why this bonus is better than others

FanDuel's $150 in bonus bets offer is nice because it comes with ultra flexibility. You can use it all at once or break it into multiple smaller pieces. 

DraftKings IL welcome offer 👑

One of the industry leaders in daily fantasy sports and sports betting, DraftKings Illinois' latest welcome offer allows new players to earn $200 in bonus bets by placing a first bet of $5 or more on any sport. No DraftKings promo code is required at the time of redemption. Take a look at the key information:

• You must make a minimum deposit of at least $5
• Your qualifying wager must be $5 or more 
• You'll receive $200 in bonus bets instantly
• The bonus is paid out in eight (8) denominations of $25 each
• You cannot redeem the bonus bets for cash and they expire in seven days.

DraftKings IL pros and cons

What does this promo mean for you?

This promo is great for new players because it provides the opportunity to add $200 in bonus bets to your bankroll via a $5 wager. Those eight (8) $25 bonus bets can be used on moneylines, point spreads, point totals, same-game parlays, and other live in-game betting markets to allow you to try and learn each bet type. Before wagering, check out the terms and conditions because some odds playthrough requirements may apply. 

How much money can I earn with the promo?

You can earn $200 in bonus bets instantly simply by wagering $5 on any sport. That money can’t be withdrawn, however. To earn money that can be paid out, continue to place bets that win. If one of your $25 bonus bets is wagered on an event paying 4-to-1 odds, and it hits, you keep $100 in profit. If you lose the $25, DraftKings eats the loss, not your bankroll. 

Why this bonus is better than others

The DraftKings bonus has a low cost of entry at only a $5 minimum deposit and first wager. It helps novice and first-time players find their footing without shelling out thousands of dollars to earn bonus bets right off the jump

BetMGM IL welcome offer 🦁

The sportsbook and self-appointed "King of Parlays" offer new players in Illinois up to $1,500 paid back in bonus bets. Use BetMGM promo code SBRBONUS to redeem this welcome bonus.

• $10 minimum deposit is required.
• The bonus only pays if you lose your first bet.
• If you wager more than $50 and lose, BetMGM will pay out the total amount in 20% bonus bet increments of the total amount lost. So, a $1,500 first bet loss would pay out in five (5) $300 bonus bets.
• If you bet less than $50 and lose, BetMGM will pay out one bonus bet credit.
• Bonus bets must be used within seven days of account credit.

BetMGM IL pros and cons

What does this promo mean for you?

It means new players can make a bet up to $1,500 and earn five individual $300 bonus bets should they lose. You don’t have to risk up to $1,500 and can wager as little as $10 on your first bet. Remember, your first bet needs to lose to unlock the bonus bets. If your first bet wins, no bonus bets will be paid out.

How much money can I earn with the promo?

This promo will earn no money if you win your first bet. If you lose your initial wager, the earnings potential of this promo is unlimited so long as you continue to pick winners.

Why this bonus is better than others

Compared to Caesars, any bonus bets awarded over $50 come in 20% increments, allowing new players to spread their future wagers around rather than risk it all on one additional bet.

BetRivers IL welcome offer ⚡

BetRivers recently updated its new-player welcome offer: Claim up to a $ 500-second chance bet with BetRivers bonus code SBRBONUS. Should your first bet lose, BetRivers will insure it up to $500.

• Minimum deposit of $10 is required.
• The first bet must lose for the welcome offer to kick in.
• The bonus bet value of up to $500 will be credited to your account within 24 hours.
• There are odds limits when wagering with bonus bet credits -200 or longer.

BetRivers IL pros and cons

 What does the promo mean for you?

The BetRivers welcome offer promo means new players can wager up to $500 with a built-in safety net. BetRivers will credit your account within 24 hours if your first bet loses, with whatever you lose up to $500. If your first bet wins, the promo bonus offer does not pay anything then or later.

How much money can I earn with the promo?

If your first wager wins, the earnings potential of the promo is zero dollars. If your first wager loses, new players can take the bonus bet credit, and if they continue to win, earnings potential is limitless. 

Why this bonus is better than others

If we’re being honest, BetRivers' previous welcome offer of a deposit match bonus up to $250 was better because bonus monies were guaranteed. However, a second-chance bet up to $500 is still pretty strong.

Caesars Sportsbook IL welcome offer 🏛

A Las Vegas casino and sports betting industry veteran has taken its talents online to Illinois. New customers can earn a first bet on Caesars of up to $1,000. You will need to use Caesars Sportsbook promo code SBRBONUS1000 to redeem the promo at the time of the initial required deposit.

• A minimum first deposit and wager of $10 are required.
• The first bet must lose to qualify for the welcome offer.
• Bonus credit(s) will be available within seven days after the first bet settles.
• The bonus expires 14 days after receipt.
• Bonus credit must be used on single bet.

Caesars IL pros and cons

What does the promo mean for you?

For Illinois' new players, Caesars has allowed you to be slightly more selfish with your first wager. Caesars IL will provide up to a $1,000 bonus bet should your first wager lose. Let's say that you wager $500 on the Chicago Bulls to win, and they get blown out, then Caesars will gift you $500 in bet credit to your account bankroll.

How much money can I earn with the promo?

If your first bet at Caesars sportsbook wins, no money can be earned with this welcome promotion. If your first bet loses, Caesars will reload your account with whatever you lost, up to $1,000, and you must wager that entire amount on a future bet within 14 days. 

The more wagers you win with those bonus funds equal, the more you can earn with this bonus offer. Consistency is vital, and it would be wise to find short odds with your bonus bet and build the bankroll from there.

Why this bonus is better than others

Simply put, Caesars' welcome bonus is one of the most valuable offers, assuming you can max it out. With a potential second-chance bet of $1,000, you could build your bankroll quite quickly if your first bet doesn't win.

Illinois sports betting promos quick facts

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

Illinois sports betting latest news

Apr. 15, 2024: DraftKings switches its IL welcome bonus, now offering a bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets deal, plus a No Sweat SGP for every day of the NBA Playoffs. 

Apr. 4, 2024: Fanatics Sportsbook goes live in Illinois, marking the 19th legal state for the sportsbook.

Mar. 15, 2024: BetMGM changes its Illinois welcome bonus, offering up to $1,500 in first-bet insurance for new customers. 

Feb. 22, 2024: Governor J.B. Pritzker proposes a new sports betting tax increase, which would combat the budget deficit. The proposal would raise taxes from 15% to 30% on betting revenue and add an estimated $100 million to the state budget.

Nov. 14, 2023: ESPN BET officially launches in Illinois as well as in 16 other states.

Dec. 8, 2022: Illinois records a single-month handle of over $1 billion for the first time in history, as October 2022 saw $1.03 billion in cumulative wagers placed.

Jun. 18, 2020: BetRivers becomes the first online sportsbook to launch in the Land of Lincoln.

Mar. 9, 2020: Rivers Casino (Des Plaines) becomes first of six casino applicants to open a retail sportsbook in Illinois.

Jul. 1, 2019: Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs SB 690 into law, officially legalizing sports gambling in Illinois.

How we rate and review sports betting promotions

We strive to thoroughly provide our readers with an in-depth and independent critique of all eight Illinois online sportsbooks and Illinois sports betting apps. Our team of experts also applies the same quality standards when we rate and review sports betting promotions and bonuses. We consider several factors like these:

• The earnings potential of each bonus.
• If the sports betting promo is guaranteed simply by signing up or by making a first deposit.
• If the bonus funds requires you to lose a first bet (or bets) to unlock value.
• If a promo code is required to redeem the promo?
• Is there a minimum deposit amount required?
• How long are the bonus funds good for, or do they carry an expiry date?
• If any playthrough requirements must be met before you can withdrawal.

Types of Illinois betting sign-up offers and bonuses

New players in Illinois have several options regarding sign-up offers and bonuses operators are using to entice and attract customers. Still, the three most common sportsbook promos are deposit match bonuses, bonus bets, and second chance bets.

Deposit match bonus

The popular deposit match bonus is becoming harder to find at legal Illinois online sportsbooks because the up-front cost for the operator is steep. A deposit match bonus equates to guaranteed funds for new players based on the amount of their first deposit.

So, your classic 100% deposit match bonus up to $1,000 would take a $1,000 deposit and double that player’s bankroll to $2,000, costing the operator $1,000 to convert a new player. A 50% deposit match up to $500 on a $500 initial deposit would kick in $250 for a bankroll of $750 to start for a new player. Deposit match bonuses are not impacted if your first bet wins, loses, or draws; the bonus funds are credited to your account simply by making a deposit. 

Bonus bet offer

Bonus bets, or 'bet & get' offers, have become increasingly popular over the last 12 months. They typically work like this: register a new account, make a minimum deposit, and place your first wager (which usually needs to be at least $5 or $10). Once you've done that, the sportsbook will credit your account with a handful of bonus bets, often in the $100 to $200 range. 

These bonus bets cannot be cashed out, but are a great way to make additional wagers and get a feel for your new sportsbook without having to risk more of your own money. Make sure you read and understand any terms and conditions first, though, since sometimes there are additional requirements (like having to win your first bet), odds restrictions, or short expiration windows. 

First bet offer

Sign-up bonuses labeled first bet offers are attractive because their peak value is higher than most modest welcome bonuses. However, the only reason operators have to pay out first bet bonuses is if, and only if, your first bet settles as a loss. If you win, you’re happy you won, and the operator is glad they don’t have to shell out account credits.

For example, Caesars frequently boasts a $1,000 first bet insurance deal. So, if you wager $1,000 on the Chicago Cubs to win their next game and they lose, Caesars will credit your account the entire $1,000 to try another bet. 

Referral bonus

Once you've claimed a welcome bonus, many sportsbooks will offer additional ongoing promotions to keep you interested. A common one is a referral bonus, where you can be rewarded for getting your friends to create an account with your sportsbook of choice. 

You'll use a unique sign-up code or link, which you'll pass along to your friends. If they use your referral to make a new account and an initial deposit, you'll get a small perk from the sportsbook. It's usually $20 to $50 worth, in the form of a bonus bet or some cashback rewards.

In our opinion, these sites have the best sportsbook referral bonus you can claim. 

Illinois online sportsbooks

Most casual bettors living outside of Illinois may need to learn that when sports betting became legal in June 2019, the bill stated that out-of-state operators must wait 18 months before entering the market. This allowed Chicago-based BetRivers to launch the first online sportsbook in Illinois before the likes of DraftKings and FanDuel entered the fray.

Today there are eight online sportsbook operators in the state, after Circa and Fanatics Sportsbook officially launched in Sept. 2023 and April 2024, respectively. Even though Cirica doesn't offer a welcome promo like the other books, all eight have dedicated mobile sports betting apps for download on iOS and Android devices. While each is worthy of consideration, we're calling out their unique calling cards and top features.

Illinois online and mobile sportsbooks

Illinois betting resources

With some sportsbooks offering new players guaranteed bonus bets and Caesars and BetMGM kicking in up to four figures plus rewards points, it’s easy for Illinois sports betting enthusiasts to get tunnel vision when it comes to sign-up promos. However, the goal should be the best-informed sports bettor, not the person who falls in love without doing homework.

We spend time building complementary resource guides to the best sportsbooks promos in Illinois, a more in-depth look at how sports betting bonuses work, and highlighting the best sportsbooks.

If you're curious about sports betting in other states, head over to our legal sports betting state tracker for all the latest updates. 

Sports betting by category

It doesn't matter what sport or league is your favorite; there's a great sportsbook bonus waiting for you at any number of legal and licensed sportsbooks in your state. Here's a list of the best sportsbooks by category, to make your decisions even easier:

Responsible sports betting with Illinois promos

The Illinois Gaming Board regulates all forms of gaming in the state. In addition to ensuring the integrity and safety of those who engage in sports betting, the IGB also offers services for those seeking help for problem gambling.

Proceeds and a portion of the tax revenue collected from operators and sports bettors go towards these programs to educate, prevent and treat gambling addiction. Some of the resources available include:

• Self-exclusion programs that is a voluntary option for those who want to limit their exposure to casinos and sportsbooks, both retail and online.

• The Illinois Gaming Board Problem Gambling registry provides regular emails and courses on recognizing, treating, and preventing gambling problems before they get out of control.

• The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) launched a website for those seeking assistance with their gambling.

IDHS helpline: 1-800-843-6154

National U.S. gambling helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER

With online sportsbooks offering so many glitzy promotions to new players, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment. However, practicing safe sports betting and protecting your bankroll is of the utmost importance to avoid the pitfalls of gambling addiction.

Sportsbook promos and bonuses in other regions

Sportsbook promos & bonuses in legal U.S. states

Sportsbook promos & bonuses in international regions

• Canada sportsbook promos (excluding Ontario)

• U.K. sportsbook promos