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The U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act in May 2018, granting states the option to legalize sports betting. Illinois soon became one of the first states to legalize sports betting, launching retail sports betting in March 2020 and online sports betting in June 2020.
DraftKings Sportsbook launched in the state at the same time sports betting launched and has become synonymous with sports betting in the state. New users initially had to register at the sportsbook’s retail location at Casino Queen in East St. Louis, but now they can sign up online.
While the state has many other mobile sportsbooks, DraftKings stands near the top. It has an abundance of betting markets, a state-of-the-art mobile app and a strong welcome offer for new customers who sign up in Illinois.
Is DraftKings Legal in Illinois?
Yes, DraftKings is legal in Illinois. It arrived there when Illinois launched sports betting in 2020.
DraftKings debuted in Illinois through its aforementioned partnership with Casino Queen in East St. Louis and has since launched a physical sportsbook adjacent to Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs.
DraftKings Illinois Promo
Like most sportsbooks, DraftKings has a special welcome promo for new users in Illinois. DraftKings and other sportsbooks run these promotions to attract new customers, enticing them with bonus bets and other forms of site credit.
Bettors can use these initial bonuses to explore a sportsbook and see if they like the experience without risking too much of their own money.
DraftKings’ welcome offer usually ranks among the best in the business, and its Illinois promo is no different.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Offer | Bet $5+, get $150 in bonus bets if first bet wins |
| Promo Code | N/A |
| Requirements | New users only, 21+ and in eligible state |
| Eligible Bet Types | All bet types |
| Availability | AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, NC, NJ, NY, NH, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, VT, WY, WV |
| Offer Expires | Jan. 5, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET |
| Apple Store Score | 4.8/5 |
| Google Play Store Score | 4.5/5 |
| Date Verified | Dec. 4, 2024 |
| Claim Bonus |  |
Does DraftKings Have a Retail Presence in Illinois?
Yes, DraftKings has a retail presence at Casino Queen in East St. Louis and an in-person sportsbook next to Wrigley Field.
As the second-oldest MLB stadium behind Fenway Park, Wrigley Field is a top destination for baseball fans and tourists alike, making the DraftKings there a popular spot during baseball season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you use DraftKings 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 DraftKings regardless of where you live.
Like most online sportsbooks, DraftKings 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 DraftKings Illinois?
DraftKings offers a wide 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.
DraftKings also allows you to build custom parlays and same-game parlays through its Parlay Builder tool if you want to combine multiple wagers into one for a chance at a higher payout.
What are some deposit methods at DraftKings Illinois?
Is DraftKings the best betting site in Illinois?
DraftKings has a lot of competition in Illinois, but it’s still one of the best betting sites in the state. It stands out with its sleek and user-friendly interface, extensive betting markets, competitive odds, frequent promotions and quality customer support.
If you haven’t joined DraftKings 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 typically 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: Many 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 bonus 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.
Photo Illustration by Rafael Henrique/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
