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While BetRivers was the first mobile sportsbook to launch in Illinois in June 2020, BetMGM debuted in the state nearly two years later in March 2022. Despite the delay, it is now one of the biggest online sportsbooks in the Prairie State.
Illinois residents have several premier sportsbooks to choose from, but BetMGM stands out thanks to its extensive betting markets (including specials for Chicago-based teams), state-of-the-art app and strong welcome offer for new customers.
A popular and well-regarded sports betting brand throughout the U.S., BetMGM is based in New Jersey and is promoted by several celebrities, including Jamie Foxx and Wayne Gretzky.
Is BetMGM Legal in Illinois?
Yes, BetMGM is legal in Illinois. Its betting site went live in the state in March 2022, just in time for March Madness.
BetMGM entered the state through a partnership with East Peoria’s Par-A-Dice Hotel & Casino.
BetMGM Illinois Promo
Like most sportsbooks, BetMGM has a special welcome promo for new customers in Illinois. These promotions are designed to attract new sports bettors to join with special one-time-only offers.
These promos allow new users to get a feel for the sportsbook and see if they enjoy the experience.
Sportsbooks also have promotions for existing users, such as profit boosts and referral bonuses, but they are not as generous as the welcome offers for first-time customers.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Offer | Get up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first wager loses |
| Promo Code | FORBES |
| Requirements | New users only, 21+ and in eligible state |
| Eligible Bet Types | All bet types |
| Availability | AZ, CO, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MS, NV, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, PR, TN, VA, WV, WY |
| Offer Expires | Feb. 10, 2025 |
| Apple Store Score | 4.8/5 |
| Google Play Store Score | 4.3/5 |
| Date Verified | Dec. 4, 2024 |
| Claim Bonus |  |
Does BetMGM Have a Retail Presence in Illinois?
While BetMGM is one of the biggest names in North American gaming and has retail sportsbooks throughout the country, it doesn’t have a physical presence in Illinois. BetMGM only offers online wagering in the state.
That said, Illinois has plenty of retail sportsbooks with other brands if you prefer to wager in-person. The closest state to Illinois with a physical BetMGM location is Michigan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you use BetMGM in Illinois if you’re just visiting?
Yes, as long as you’re physically present in the state and over 21 years old. If you’re located within Illinois’ borders and are at least 21, you can use BetMGM regardless of where you live.
Like most online sportsbooks, BetMGM has a geolocation tool to verify your location and confirm that you’re in a legal sports betting state before letting you place any wagers. It will also confirm your age when you register for an account.
What are some bet types on BetMGM Illinois?
BetMGM offers a full range of sports bets in Illinois.
It has traditional betting markets like moneyline, spread and Over/Under. Beyond that, it offers numerous prop bets, futures, alternative lines, teasers and more.
BetMGM also allows you to build custom parlays and same-game parlays if you want to combine multiple wagers into one and shoot for a higher (but riskier) payout.
What are some deposit methods at BetMGM Illinois?
BetMGM users in Illinois have several deposit methods to choose from, including the following:
- Credit/Debit Cards
- PayPal
- Online Banking
- Venmo
- BetMGM Play+
- PayNearMe
- BetMGM Gift Card
- Apple Pay
- Wire Transfer
All are safe ways to fund your sports betting account, so users can choose whichever is most convenient.
Is BetMGM the best betting site in Illinois?
Illinois has many sports betting sites to pick from, but BetMGM is considered one of the best thanks to its industry-leading odds, promotions, betting markets and customer service.
If you’re looking to join a sportsbook in Illinois or haven’t signed up for BetMGM yet, it’s worth checking out.
How We Evaluate Betting Promotions
While we don’t have a formal rating for sports betting promotional offers, we only write about consumer-friendly signup offers regarding the following criteria.
- Size of offer: Sports betting signup bonuses generally range from $100 to $1,500. The size is important, but it depends on the type of the offer. Regardless of size, a sports betting signup offer can give you some cushion for your first betting experience. Remember, these offers are one-time deals.
- Offer format: Most sportsbooks offer a so-called “bet & get” offer, where if you make a wager, you will receive so-called bonus bets. These wagers are in the form of site credit. Sometimes, your bet must win to claim the site credit. Other sportsbooks will offer a so-called “no sweat” bet where you can get a refund in the form of site credit if your first wager loses. Both have their advantages.
- Time to receive site credit: It’s better if you receive your site credit immediately rather than having to wait 2-3 days. This can be relevant to your betting experience. However, all sportsbooks issue site credit in a timely manner.
- Odds requirement: It’s always better if the promotion doesn’t stipulate a minimum or maximum odds for your qualifying wager.
Some sportsbook signup offers are slightly better than others, but you can claim one new user offer at each sportsbook. You should claim each site’s offer if you want to try out multiple sports betting sites.
