As of May 1, 2020, Colorado sports betting apps are now legal as long as bets are placed with licensed sports betting operators and within the Colorado border. You can sign-up and bet anywhere using your mobile phone, website, or bet in-person at Colorado retail sportsbooks but you must be over the age of 21.

1. If you encounter any issues in your online sports betting experience, from struggling to place a bet or banking issue, the app should provide plenty of details on how you can get in touch. The best online betting apps will have a live chat option and an email address, a.
2. To help you find the best sports betting sites, this guide lists the top three best online sports betting sites: Bovada, BetOnline, and MyBookie. There are many factors that make the best online betting sites. These sports sites cover many sports and have the fastest payouts. They are honest, trusted and reliable.

The industry has grown quickly with sportsbooks from local Colorado casinos like BetMonarch and established national brands like William Hill, FanDuel Sportsbook, and BetMGM. Bettors have wagered more than $839 million in the last seven months at legal Colorado sportsbooks.

Choosing the best sports gambling app can be quite overwhelming as there are over a dozen licensed sports betting operators to choose from in Colorado. We’ve put together a list of the best Colorado online sports betting apps available in the state along with their sign-up bonus and why we recommend choosing them.

Many of the products featured on this page are from partners who compensate us. It does not influence our evaluations and our opinions are our own.

BEST COLORADO SPORTS BETTING APPS FOR DECEMBER 2020

In the best sports betting apps, you can also access the FAQ menu, where frequently asked questions are answered in advance. In our experience, however, the help menu via a mobile device is generally not as extensive as in the desktop version. Usability and Navigation. A very important point of a good betting app is, of course, usability. Paytm First Games is one of the most popular sports betting apps that you can download. The app allows you to bet in premier cricket leagues and matches happening in India and around the world. Also, the app allows you to earn real money. Simply make your fantasy premier league team and win Paytm cash and rewards.

• William Hill: Best For New Bettors + Free Bet
• BetRivers: Best Deposit Bonus
• PointsBet: Best For Risky Bettors + Newest App
• FanDuel Sportsbook: Best For Betting Experience
• Sportsbetting.com: Best Web App
• BetMGM: Best For MGM players
• DraftKings Sportsbook: Best Mobile App

COLORADO ONLINE SPORTS BETTING DETAILS

Best For New Bettors & Risk-Free Bet

Licensed in Colorado

Sportsbook Rating Excellent
William Hill Review

William Hill

Sign-up Bonus: $500 Free Bet

Bet on: iOS, Android, and Web

William Hill is one of the world’s leading sports betting brands. The company itself dates all the way back to 1934, and it first launched William Hill US in 2012. It started out in Nevada but has since expanded to CO, NJ, NV, IA, FL, IL, MS, NM, RI, and WV.

William Hill has a strong selection of sports to bet on in Colorado, including popular mainstays like the NBA, NHL, MLB, NFL, as well as more niche competitions like table tennis, rugby, and darts.

William Hill offers a variety of deposit and cash-out methods to make getting started easy for new bettors, and even offer pre-paid William Hill cards to make moving money into and out of an account as seamless as possible. Its app is pleasing to the eyes and easy to navigate compared to some others and is available on both iOS and Android phones.

William Hill offers an up to $500 free bet for new online accounts. To redeem, simply enter the bonus code COSHARPRF. If you lose your first bet, your account will be credited with a free bet for the amount of your lost wager.

Best Deposit Bonus

Licensed in Colorado

Sportsbook Rating Excellent
BetRivers Review

BetRivers

Sign-up Bonus: 100% up to $250

Bet on: iOS, Android, and Web

Whether you’re a casual bettor placing wagers on your favorite teams for fun, or a more serious risk-taker looking to lay down some serious cash, BetRivers has you covered. The app and website offer a functional and aesthetically pleasing mobile experience.

BetRivers offers an extensive reward system ranging from basic rewards for smaller bets to mysterious high-end luxury rewards for top-tier bets. Its sign-up bonus, a $250 match with welcome code 250MATCH. This sign-up bonus may not seem generous as some other CO sportsbooks offer, but the 1x wager requirement and robust rewards program manages to make it an enticing package for new players.

In addition to the usual lineup of pro and college sports, Bettors will find moneyline bets, point spreads, and unique parlay bets on BetRivers. If you’re feeling outrageously lucky, you can try BetRivers’ jackpot parlay bet. Bettors can choose between three and eight random outcomes. If all the bets occur the way the bettor predicted, then they win the jackpot.

Best For Risk Bettors + Newest App

Licensed in Colorado

Sportsbook Rating Excellent
DraftKings Review

PointsBet

Sign-up Bonus: Two Risk-Free Bets up to $1,500 – Use Code BIGBONUS

Bet on: iOS, Android, and Web

Australia-based PointsBet launched in Colorado the week before Thanksgiving 2020. It’s partnered with Double Eagle Casino in Cripple Creek as their mobile sports betting partner, and also has a partnership with the University of Colorado. PointsBet’s unique offering is its PointsBetting wager, a risky-yet-rewarding wager not for the faint of heart.

PointsBet offers odds on just about every sport you can think of, including basketball, football, golf, boxing, rugby, and more. You can also place bets against the spread, on the moneyline, and on the over / under. And much like their competitors, they offer live in-game sports betting for select events.

PointsBet sets itself apart from the pack when it comes to PointsBetting. It allows bettors to wager on one side of a points bet and bet on how much they’ll win their bet by. If bettors win by ten points, they’ll win ten times their stake.

Best For Betting Experience

Licensed in Colorado

Sportsbook Rating Excellent
FanDuel Review

FanDuel Sportsbook

Sign-up Bonus: $1000 Risk Free Bet

Bet on: iOS, Android, and Web

Much like DraftKings, FanDuel Colorado was once solely known for fantasy sports but today is a fully functioning, legal online sportsbook. In Colorado, you will find all major sports leagues available on their site, including the NBA, NHL, MLB, NFL, international soccer, tennis, and more.

At FanDuel, you have the ability to wager on the spread, the moneyline, the halves and quarters of select games, and the over/under.

Additionally, the book offers parlay bets, teasers, future bets, live sports betting, and round-robin bets. Round robin bets combine three or more selections into smaller parlay bets to cover all combinations into By 2`s, By 3`s, etc.

The most common new player offer at FanDuel is a $1000 risk-free bet. However, as is the case with all bonuses, we recommend you understand the playthrough requirement before opting to take advantage of the offer.

You can access the FanDuel sportsbook via their website or their mobile app. I highly recommend FanDuel for Colorado sports bettors as their odds are competitive and they offer action on just about every sport imaginable.

Best Web App

Licensed in Colorado

Sportsbook Rating Excellent
SportsBetting.com Review

Sportsbetting.com

Sign-up Bonus: Up to $150 Deposit Bonus

Bet on: iOS, Android, and Web Browser

Even though Colorado’s sports betting landscape is shaping up to heavily favor online betting, not all of those wagers are placed using apps.

Sportsbetting.com offers an incredible experience via their website on your phone’s mobile web browser. They recently launched their iOS and Android app but we have heard many still enjoy using their website so they don’t need to download a separate app on their mobile device.

Sportsbetting.com offers a full roster of pro and college sports to bet on and has a unique welcome bonus. Instead of a single risk-free bet like many sportsbooks offer, Sportsbetting.com gives new players up to $150 dollars via their deposit bonus.

Best For MGM Bettors

Licensed in Colorado

Sportsbook Rating Excellent
BetMGM Review

BetMGM

Sign-up Bonus: $500 Deposit Bonus

Bet on: iOS, Android, and Web

One of the few CO sportsbooks tied to a physical casino brand is BetMGM. MGM is a household name, so you can have confidence that an upstanding company with a good reputation is behind this product. You’ll find all of the usual lines on BetMGM, for major pro-US sports as well as less-common events and competitions.

BetMGM offers a deposit bonus of up to $500 for new users with a minimum $10 deposit. BetMGM’s app is straightforward and easy to navigate, with the most popular and timely lines clearly visible at the top of the screen. All of the menus are easy to access as well, which saves bettors time if they know exactly what they want to bet on.

BetMGM has a partnership with the Denver Broncos which includes a premium lounge at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium.

Best Mobile App

Licensed in Colorado

Sportsbook Rating Excellent
DraftKings Review

DraftKings Sportsbook

Sign-up Bonus: $1000 Deposit Match (20% up to $1k)

Bet on: iOS, Android, and Web

Having gotten its start running fantasy games, DraftKings Sportsbook has morphed into one of the top online sportsbooks available in the U.S., and it’s open for business for Colorado sports bettors.

DraftKings offers lines on virtually every sport, including football, soccer, basketball, boxing, UFC, and more. Additionally, you can place future and prop bets and wager on live sports for select events. DraftKings even offers teasers and parlays, which is essentially standard at brick-and-mortar books.

If you are a new player, you will undoubtedly have the option to take advantage of a new player bonus. The monetary value and offer varies from time-to-time. During the time of our review, they were offering new players up to a $1,000 deposit bonus.

To get started, you can either access the sportsbook via your web browser or download their mobile app. We found the interface to be rather straight-forward and easy to use, which is especially helpful if you are new to sports betting.

Best For Simplicity

FOX Bet

Sign-up Bonus: $500 Risk-Free + $500 Deposit Bonus

Bet on: iOS, Android, and Web

FOX Bet is a legal online sportsbook that is also affiliated with FOX Sports. Despite the corporate media affiliation, FOXBet holds its own relative to its competitors. I found the sports leagues available on FOX Bet to be on par with just about every other sports app available to residents of Colorado. Including but not limited to the NFL, NCAA, NBA, MLB, and much more.

Most wager options are available, such as ATS, over/under, parlay bets, and futures bets. Additionally, FOXBet offers a Bet Boost feature, which is where the book provides improved odds on certain lines (mainly futures), which is beneficial to you as a bettor.

The new player bonus is valued at $1,000 and broken down to a deposit match of up to $500 and a risk-free bet of up to $500. Like every sportsbook mentioned here, wager requirements do apply to their new player signup bonus.

Simply put, FOXBet is a viable sports betting option. If you are a fan of the NFL you’ll particularly enjoy using FOXBet as the book integrates many of their TV personalities who cover the NFL on FOX. Thus, you can tail on their action or use their knowledge and expertise to help you determine your bet slip. The sportsbook is accessible via their website and their mobile app.

Terms and Conditions apply to all sign-up bonuses and promotions. Please refer to each online sportsbook for more information.

Colorado Sports Betting Apps 2020

In addition to our top recommendations above, these are all of the sports betting apps in Colorado that are licensed, regulated in Colorado, and available for download:

• Elite Sportsbook (Web App)

Sports Betting Apps Launching Soon

Bet365

One of the largest online sportsbooks, boasting more than 45 million global customers, UK-based Bet365 is poised to enter the CO sports betting market through a partnership with Century Casinos, Inc., owners of Century Casino in Cripple Creek and Central City.

Through the partnership, Century Casinos will operate an online sportsbook in Colorado under the bet365 brand. Bet365 offers competitive lines on all the major sports you’d expect, as well as newer options like esports.

Bet365’s foray into the newly minted Colorado sports betting market marks the third U.S. state for the brand, the first two being New York and New Jersey.

Barstool Sports

A Barstool Sports branded retail sportsbook opened at Ameristar Casino in Black Hawk in November 2020. Ameristar is the biggest casino in Colorado, so it makes sense that it is partnering with Barstool, which Penn National Gaming acquired in early 2020. Although an online sports betting app is announced, it is unclear when Colorado sports bettors will be able to place their first bets.

The following sports gambling apps have been licensed or announced for a future Colorado launch, but are not operational just yet:

• BetAmerica
  
• Twin River
• WynnBet
• Tipico
• Playsports – Partnership with IGT and Maverick Gaming

Best Mobile Sports Betting App

What Are The Benefits Of Using Online Sportsbooks?

In the age of the coronavirus, online sportsbooks are a boon to sports bettors and sportsbook operators alike. Bettors can wager from their homes, where they can isolate and social distance. And sportsbooks can build and satisfy their customers without relying on retail locations. It offers flexibility that’s vital to the pandemic-stricken marketplace.

Bettors can rest assured these online sportsbooks are fair. The Colorado Department of Revenue licenses each legal sportsbook in Colorado. Throughout their examination of each licensee, they determine whether a prospective sportsbook can operate fairly. The Division of Gaming’s rules governing sportsbook conduct include a mandated cash reserve to pay bettors their winnings and a security audit to ensure bettor information remains secure.

Whether bettors wager through an app or on a desktop, they have access to the same betting options. Bettors can enjoy sports betting remotely and get everything out of it.

How Different Are Sportsbooks From Each Other?

All sportsbooks offer the same core bets and lines. However, there are important differences between Colorado’s sportsbooks. The most important differences are odds and deals.

Odds Differences

Not all sportsbooks offer the same odds. Odds are usually set by oddsmakers who calculate the odds of an event happening, then build in a house advantage. They weigh the risk to ensure sportsbooks bring in more stakes than they have to pay out in winnings. Each variable and house advantage is weighed differently at every sportsbook.

For example, here are the moneyline odds at Colorado’s online sportsbooks on who’ll win the NFL Week 10 game between the Broncos and the Raiders:

Anyone betting on the Padres would get the best odds at the sportsbooks offering +100 odds. The best Rockies odds are at SBK, which offered -105 odds. Two sportsbooks didn’t offer odds on that game at all, so understanding the breadth of options in the industry is vital. Some bettors have multiple sportsbook accounts to take advantage of odds differences. Since all the apps are available to download, bettors can easily compare odds and make informed choices.

Unique Boosts And Deals

In addition to new player bonus offers, some sportsbooks offer special bets called ‘boosts.’ At first glance, they’re the same bets with higher odds. For example, Fox Bet offered a boost on the Dallas Mavericks scoring over 25.5 points in each quarter. It was originally +205, but it was boosted to +220. That increases the winnings a little bit. And sometimes, it really is just a boost in odds.

However, other boosts are secretly parlay bets. DraftKings offers an odds boost on the Islanders, Penguins, and Flames to win their games on August 1. Since all three teams must win, this boost is technically a parlay bet.

Boosts encourage bettors to place bets on certain games at increased risk. It’s a clever tactic to increase bets on wagers that are unlikely to win. That translates to money in the sportsbook’s pocket.

But sometimes, bettors win instead. How’s that for sneaky?

What Makes An Online Sportsbook App Good?

Besides good odds and great deals, there are a few things that set the best sportsbooks apart.

Speed

When there’s a lag between pages loading, betting becomes very frustrating very quickly. Great sportsbooks, like SBK, smoothly transition between pages. Whether bettors are prospecting lines or adjusting their bet slips, speedy apps make a massive difference.

Navigation

It must be easy for bettors to find the sports they’re looking for. Hiding the ‘all sports’ list in a menu in a hidden corner of the app is not good work. But if a sportsbook makes it easy to browse different events, bettors could stumble upon new bets that excite them. That’s a good deal for sportsbooks trying to engage bettors, and for bettors who want to branch out.

Stability

If a sportsbook app crashes, bettors aren’t going to trust that sportsbook to take care of their money. It’s a judgment that’s not completely fair. A great sportsbook could just have a bad app. However, bettors will take a glitch and judge the rest of the product accordingly. App stability is imperative to earning consumer trust.

Seamless Deposits And Withdrawals

Bettors want to win money, and sportsbooks want to earn it. However, bettors need to be able to move money back and forth between accounts to fund their accounts and collect their winnings. Sportsbooks know that the transfer process must be seamless. Even bad sportsbooks make it easy to deposit and withdraw funds.

How Bettors Can Deposit Money In Colorado’s Online Sportsbooks

There’s no sports betting without a first deposit. Here’s how most online sportsbooks accept bettors’ funds.

Common In-App Deposit Methods

Since sportsbooks must comply with anti-money laundering laws, there are only a few ways to deposit funds. Luckily for bettors, these standard options are among the most convenient and reliable.

Most sportsbooks accept bank transfers, whether it’s a direct account transfer or an advanced check deposit. Credit and debit cards are also common ways to fund accounts. Bettors input their card information like they would for any other online portal. PayPal is usually a deposit option, too. There are a few other deposit options, but most of them are variations of bank transfers or transfers between third-party services like PayPal.

Apple iOS Users

Since there are standard deposit options that link a transfer to a person’s identity, there aren’t any operating system-specific deposit options.

That means Apple Pay and iTunes gift cards cannot fund sportsbook accounts. Apple Pay is probably too new for sportsbooks to accept. iTunes gift cards are linked to users’ iTunes accounts, so they definitely can’t fund a sportsbook account. Apple users will have to be content with the standard options available from their banks, cards, and PayPal accounts.

Android Users

Like iOS users, Android users have to download their sportsbook app of choice. Then they can sign up and find the option to deposit money in the app. Android Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay are not viable sportsbook deposit options. Android users are in the same boat that iPhone users are. They’re limited to the common deposit options and can’t take advantage of their operating systems’ unique approaches to payment.

It should go without saying that gift cards to the Android Marketplace are not valid sportsbook currency, either. Much of this is self-explanatory when bettors open a sportsbook app and complete the signup process.

Are Legal Online Sports Betting Apps Safe In Colorado?

Yes. When Colorado passed Proposition DD, the Colorado Division of Gaming wrote rules governing the state’s new sportsbooks. Those guidelines offer bettors some of the following protections.

Are Legal Sportsbooks Safe To Install On Bettors’ Phones?

Yes. No one is coming for you if you download a sportsbook app on your phone. However, bettors must make sure they download the right sportsbook app for their state. A New Jersey app won’t work in Colorado because it’s geofenced around New Jersey. Similarly, bettors can’t use their Colorado app abroad.

Bettors can download the app and create their accounts from anywhere. But if they aren’t in Colorado, then bettors cannot place wagers.

These apps may be available publicly, but it still restricts users. Online sportsbooks’ signup processes verify bettors’ ages. Even if a minor downloads a sportsbook app, they won’t make it through the signup process. Inputting a fake date of birth is one thing. But faking a social security number with a corresponding birthday is far harder.

And super illegal.

How Do Legal Sportsbook Apps Protect Bettor Information?

Online sportsbooks have standard security measures in place, like SSL certificates. These are encryption protocols similar to online stores. Bettor information is encrypted when they put it into the sportsbook and it’s not decrypted until it makes it to the server on the other side.

That means the only people who can read that information are the bettor and the sportsbook.

Licensed sportsbooks also undergo security audits shortly before launch. Sportsbooks won’t be licensed without a security system that can reliably protect bettor information. Bettors can rest assured that their information is protected throughout the entire betting process.

How Can Bettors Secure Their Mobile Sports Betting Accounts?

Keep your account to yourself. Don’t give anyone else your password or login information. It’s far from a high-tech solution, but it’s the easiest way to keep unwanted bettors out of your account.

Accessing Mobile Sports Betting In Colorado

You may think because sports betting is a regulated activity it may be difficult to access sportsbook apps on your phone. However, you can easily download and start betting at legal Colorado sportsbooks in minutes, instructions are below.

Install a Colorado Sportsbook App on your Phone

• Download the sports betting app via their website or by searching the App Store (iPhones or iPads) or Google Play (Android Devices)
• Install and run the app on your device
• Allow access to location (legally sportsbooks need to know that you are in Colorado before they can allow you to place a bet)
• Register for an account

The experience on sportsbook apps is relatively the same compared to any web interface. In other words, you’ll have access to the same sports leagues, lines, and bets, but you may notice a difference with the layout and navigation.

Legal Colorado Sports Betting Apps

Every sportsbook looking to provide gambling in Colorado must abide by certain rules and regulations before launching its sports betting app. Each operator who has launched in Colorado has met these requirements.

Age

The gambling age in Colorado is 21. This is also the minimum age to use a sportsbook app in the state. Bettors must provide identification to prove their age when registering with an app.

License Fee

Sportsbook operators are required to apply for and receive a license from Colorado. Each license provided to a casino allows retail sports betting on-site and one online betting skin. The applicant pays $10,000 before applying, an additional $125,000 license fee after approval, and $125,000 every two years. The Colorado gambling license fee is significantly less than in other states.

Tax Rate

Sports betting operators are charged a tax of 10 percent on their net sports betting proceeds. Net sports betting proceeds include the total amount wagered on sports, less the winnings. This 10% Colorado gambling tax rate is applied to the operator, meaning the sports betting company, not the bettor.

Colorado Sports Betting App FAQ

Yes, bettors in Colorado can place sports bets online, by using a web browser or by downloading a sportsbook app onto an Apple iOS or Android device. Online casino apps are not legal in Colorado.

No. You must be located within Colorado state lines to register and place a bet but you don’t need to be a Colorado resident to bet on sports in the state.

Yes, you can place online sports betting wagers via a mobile app or on your computer anywhere in Colorado as long as it’s a licensed operator by the State of Colorado and you are physically in the state.

Mobile apps provide a level of convenience. With an app, you are able to access everything you would at a brick-and-mortar sportsbook provided that you are connected to the app within the state of Colorado as apps are required to implement geotargeting technology to regulate access. You can also use your web browser on your phone or computer to access the sports betting sites.

Yes, you can download real money sportsbooks through the Apple iOS app store.

Yes, although they are not in the Google Play Store. Google does not permit any sports betting apps or gambling apps in its store. You will need to download the app directly from a Colorado online sportsbook’s website. Once the app is downloaded, there is no difference from using any other app on your phone that is downloaded directly from the Google Play Store.

In short, sports betting apps are not very different from an online sportsbook or a physical sportsbook and are related as they are all licensed and regulated by the state of Colorado. Sports betting apps are optimized for mobile devices in terms of their usability and how they interact with your internet connection and / or cell phone service provider.

Online sportsbooks is a term used that refers to sportsbooks that are accessed via a website and brick-and-mortar sportsbooks are physical locations that are licensed to operate as a bookkeeper.

No, apps are free to download. You will only be charged when you decide to make a deposit.

Yes. DraftKings Sportsbook was one of the first sports betting apps to launch in Colorado. It is available on web browser and as a download for both Apple iOS and Android users.

Illinois sports betting apps are live. The Prairie State saw its first sports gambling app in June 2020 when BetRivers started taking bets. Since then, DraftKings launched in partnership with Casino Queen. FanDuel followed in late August of 2020 with an online sportsbook, which it launched with Par-A-Dice Casino in East Peoria, Illinois. PointsBet and William Hill launched the state’s fourth and fifth sportsbooks apps in September.

To access sports betting apps, Illinois players just need an internet connection and a desktop or mobile device. The process to access an online sportsbook in the Land of Lincoln is simple and convenient, giving you full access to a bevy of bets and offers after just a few minutes.

Getting started with mobile and desktop sportsbook apps requires you to create an account using the information you’d typically give to an online shopping or social media site. It’s a similar process to those employed by the apps we use every day, so most bettors will have no trouble kicking off their sports betting experience in Illinois.

The only added step is mandatory geolocation to confirm you’re within state borders when you place a bet. As of August 20, 2020, there is no requirement to complete registration in person, but that could change. The order lifting the requirement will stay in effect until December 12, 2020. After that, in-person registration could return. Moreover, the state temporarily closed Illinois casinos and retail sportsbooks on November 19, 2020, in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19. This means that the only way to bet on sports in Illinois is through a sportsbook app.

Here’s a closer look at online sports betting apps in Illinois.

Best Mobile Online Sports Betting Apps In Illinois

BetRivers Illinois

BetRivers provides a polished and streamlined sportsbook experience for Illinois bettors.

BetRivers is the official online sportsbook of Illinois’ Rivers Casino in Des Plaines. Playing with BetRivers offers some great advantages to players. The site will match your first deposit up to $250, allowing you to double your account value when you first deposit funds. The bonus is a great way to get started with sports betting. The interface is sleek and intuitive. Sports and featured bets appear on a bar at the top of the screen, so you can easily navigate the site to find your favorite bets.

BteRivers launched its full iOS app in September. That means Illinois bettors can access BetRivers on a desktop or mobile browser and through both iOS and Android apps.

See our full Review Of BetRivers Illinois Sportsbook.

DraftKings at Casino Queen

DraftKings penned a deal with Casino Queen in East St. Louis, Illinois, to provide technology for the property’s sportsbooks. This includes online sports betting, which allows DraftKings to access the Illinois market as one of the first online sports betting apps.

DraftKings is an undeniable leader in the sports betting industry and is the first Illinois sportsbook to offer a native iOS and Android app along with a robust website. In addition, a DraftKings-branded sportsbook will eventually open at Wrigley Field.

New bettors at DraftKings Illinois can get up to $1,000 as part of a 20% first deposit match bonus.

See our complete Review Of DraftKings Illinois.

FanDuel Illinois

FanDuel launched its online sportsbook in Illinois on August 28, 2020. This made it the third online sports betting site to go live in the Prairie State.

After weeks of rumored deals, FanDuel finally launched in partnership with Par-A-Dice Casino in East Peoria, Illinois. The property is owned and operated by Boyd Gaming. Boyd also owns a 5% stake in FanDuel, so the partnership makes sense. Previous rumors hinted at a possible purchase of Fairmount Racetrack in Collinsville, but no new information about that deal has come to light. It could still happen, but for now, FanDuel offers an online book using the Par-A-Dice license.

Bettors can get up to $1,000 in risk-free bets when they sign up for FanDuel’s sportsbook.

See our complete FanDuel Illinois Review.

PointsBet Illinois

PointsBet launched Illinois’ fourth online sportsbook. The company inked a deal with Hawthorne Racecourse in Cicero, Illinois, just a few miles outside of Chicago. PointsBet also plans to open a few off-track betting facilities in the Chicagoland area in addition to its retail sportsbook at Hawthorne Racecourse. This makes it the closest sportsbook to downtown Chicago.

The sportsbook from PointsBet went live on September 12, just in time for the first slate of Sunday football games for the 2020-2021 NFL season. PointsBet offers both an android and iOS app. It works seamlessly, and there’s the added bonus of PointsBetting, the company’s unique bet type for high-risk, high-reward betting.

William Hill Illinois

William Hill joined the Land of Lincoln’s online sports betting scene on September 15, 2020. It became the state’s fifth online sportsbook not long after it launched a retail book at Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin.

William Hill’s sportsbook is accessible on both iOS and Android, though our initial research showed no signs of a desktop betting platform. It’s possible that could come into play later. For now, eager bettors should stick to mobile devices and tablets.

New players at William Hill are treated to a risk-free bet up to $300.

Full List of Live Illinois Sports Betting Apps

There are currently five sports betting apps available to download in Illinois:

Best Online Sports Betting App How To Verifications

• BetRivers Illinois App >> Sign up to claim a 100% deposit match bonus up to $250
• DraftKings Illinois App >> Sign up to claim a 20% deposit match bonus up to $1000
• FanDuel Sportsbook Illinois >> Sign up to claim up to $1000 in risk-free bets
• PointsBet Illinois >> Use bonus code BIGBONUS to claim up to $1500 in two risk-free bets
• William Hill

Illinois Sportsbooks At A Glance

In-Person Registration Requirements In Illinois

One wrinkle when it comes to taking full advantage of online sportsbooks in Illinois is the government’s ever-changing stance toward in-person registration requirements. It’s possible to download an app and start registration, but before making the first bet bettors need to visit a retail sportsbook location or casino partner to complete the process. This was the initial requirement under the Illinois sports betting law.

During 2020, Governor J.B. Pritzker has lifted and reinstated the requirement for in-person registration so many times it’s starting to get confusing.

For a brief time, Governor Pritzer lifted this requirement due to COVID-19 related concerns. In July 2020, he reinstated the restriction. Then, he lifted the restriction once again on August 20, 2020. This can seem a bit onerous, particularly before the first bet, but once registration is complete all bets can be placed online using the chosen app. At least through December 12, 2020, you can register completely online without a visit to a retail property.

What Are The Benefits Of Using Legal Online Sportsbook Apps In Illinois?

Betting on a legal online sportsbook app has distinct perks.

First and foremost, the convenience of playing on your mobile device is hard to beat. As long as you’re within Illinois and have an internet connection or cell signal, you can sign on and place a wager once you’re registered. If a game is happening live and you want to place an in-play wager, you can quickly sign-on using your phone or tablet to make the bet. The ease of use is one of legal mobile bettings’ primary advantages.

Of course, safety and fairness play a huge role in making the online betting experience top-notch in Illinois. Sportsbook apps are operated by companies that must adhere to the state’s regulations and offer a fair selection of bets using official data. That’s a requirement that offshore providers don’t have to worry about. Legal betting ensures you’re playing in a safe and secure environment.

How To Install Online Sports Betting Apps On An Apple iOS Device

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how you can install a sportsbook app on your iPhone or iPad.

1. Choose your preferred sports betting app and download it from the iOS App Store.
2. Register for an account. You’ll need to provide some personal information: name, email, address, phone number, etc. You also may need to submit a driver’s license number or social security number to confirm your age.
3. Download a Geolocation app. Your preferred sports betting site will give you instructions on how to do this. It’s required so you can verify your location when placing a bet.
   1. Note: some sites just use your phone’s GPS and don’t require a separate download.
4. Make a deposit and start betting!

How To Install Online Sportsbook Apps On An Android Device

Best Online Sports Betting Sites

Google prohibits all gambling apps from its Google Play marketplace, but you can still install sportsbook apps on your Android device. Here’s how:

1. Pick your favorite sportsbook and visit its website on your mobile browser. You can also search “[Sportsbook] Illinois Android app” and you should get helpful results.
2. Scroll down and you should find an icon that has the Android logo and says “Get it for Android” or something similar. Click on that icon.
3. The link will take you to a page with instructions to guide you through the installation process. Follow the steps on the page to download the sports betting app onto your Android device.
4. Open the app and sign up for an account using your name, email, etc.
5. If necessary/prompted, download a geolocation app. In some cases, the app will ask for your location instead of making you download a separate service. Either way, this confirms you are within the state where you plan to bet.
6. Connect a payment method, deposit, and place your wager.

Are More Sportsbooks Apps Coming To Illinois?

With only five sportsbooks live, Illinois is at a very early stage with regard to its sports betting industry. The state will undoubtedly see many more sportsbook launches, almost all of which will include sports betting apps.

BetRivers, DraftKings, PointsBet, William Hill, and FanDuel are live. But the Prairie State will soon see many more providers enter the sports betting market. Illinois is sandwiched between Iowa and Indiana, two states that had a headstart in legalizing and launching online sports betting. Nearby Michigan recently legalized sports betting and online casino gaming, though it has yet to launch. Illinois sits in the center of the growing midwestern online gambling market, and we’ll soon see industry leaders flock to the state to provide betting apps to an enthusiastic audience.

Plus, 18-months following the launch of sports betting in the state, Illinois will grant three online-only sports betting licenses, further expanding the market. Before that happens, though, expect a number of providers to throw their hats into the ring by partnering with land-based Illinois casinos.

Barstool Sportsbook

Penn National Gaming and Barstool teamed up to provide sports betting, and it’s likely the partnership will bring an app to the Illinois market. Both companies have been relatively hush-hush about Illinois plans, but it’s safe to expect a launch in the near- to mid-future.

Golden Nugget Sportsbook

In November 2020, Golden Nugget announced an intention to enter the Illinois market. They plan to open a retail casino in Danville, Illinois, as well as launch its sports betting app in Illinois. One of the most respected names in casino gaming in the US, Golden Nugget is making a name for itself by launching a sports betting app in several states, including nearby Michigan.

FOX Bet

FOX Bet is another big contender that’s likely to launch a sports betting app in Illinois. The Stars Group, which owns FOX Bet, is also partnered with Caesars. Like William Hill, the company could use that partnership to gain a foothold in the Illinois landscape.

Whether it’s with Caesars, another partner, or an online-only license, FOX Bet will almost certainly launch a sportsbook app in Illinois.

What Makes For A Good Mobile Sports Betting App?

Navigation

When you play on a sportsbook app, you should be able to quickly and easily find your desired bet. Or, if you’re just browsing, you should never be lost. A good sportsbook app will have simple but intuitive navigation tools, a clear way to place a bet, and helpful tips for beginners.

Access To Promotions

From the minute you sign up, sports betting should be rewarding (even if you don’t always win!). Sign up bonuses like deposit matches show that a sports betting app cares about gaining customers. Loyalty programs and benefits show that they want to keep existing players engaged. Promotions and bonuses make for a better sportsbook experience.

Seamless Deposits

After you connect your preferred payment method, whether it’s PayPal, your debit card, or online banking, how many clicks or taps does it take to make a new deposit? A top-notch sportsbook app makes this process incredibly easy. Just a few taps of the screen will get you to the deposit page, and you can seamlessly add funds to your account.

Speed

In any given sporting event, seconds matter. They can make a world of difference and determine the outcome of a match. When you place a bet, especially live bets/in-play wagers, the same is true of sportsbook apps. They must process your transactions quickly so you can log your bet and continue watching the game. Speed is a top priority when selecting a solid sportsbook app.

How Can Players Deposit Money In Online Sports Betting Apps In Illinois?

Sportsbook apps make deposits simple and seamless. There are a number of methods available, so you just have to choose the one you prefer and fund your account.

Methods To Deposit Money Using An Online Sportsbook App

Deposit methods can vary by sportsbook, but most apps allow similar options.

Online wallet services such as PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller are fairly popular with sports bettors. Among them, PayPal is the most commonly accepted. BetRivers, DraftKings, PointsBet, William Hill, and FanDuel all accept PayPal and allow you to quickly connect your account.

Credit and debit cards are another ubiquitous option for depositing funds. Almost every sportsbook will accept them. Just type in your card information to make your deposit. If you’d rather not use your personal card, sportsbook apps typically accept prepaid cards, too.

Online banking options such as wire transfer, ACH, and direct deposit are all common in the sports betting world as well. You can connect your bank account and make easy deposits right from your mobile device.

Apple iOS Users

All of the options above are accessible to anyone using an iOS device. Apple users can connect a payment method and deposit at a sportsbook using a variety of accounts.

You may wonder if you can use Apple Pay or an App Store Gift Card on an Apple device to fund your sportsbook app account. At this time, it doesn’t look like Illinois sportsbooks apps will accept these methods of payment. Instead, you’ll have to stick to the options above.

Android Users

Payment options for Android users are the same: PayPal and other e-wallets, credit and debit cards, online banking, prepaid cards, and bank transfers.

Is Using A Legal Online Sports Betting App In Illinois Safe?

Illinois has many safeguards in place, both on the legal and technological front, to protect users. Regulated sportsbook providers use world-class security practices to keep your information safe, too.

Are Legal Sportsbooks Okay To Install On My Phone?

Yes. Legal and regulated sportsbook apps are safe to install on your phone. Note that the process to install an Android app may include a notification about installing apps from the web onto your phone. This is required because Google doesn’t allow gambling apps in its official app marketplace.

As long as you’re using a sportsbook app provided by a company with a license, it’s safe. The Illinois Gaming Board governs sports wagering. The organization’s website has a list of licensees that you can use to confirm the safety of any given sportsbook app.

How Do Legal Sportsbook Apps Protect My Personal Information?

Sports betting providers are legally required to adhere to the Illinois Gaming Board’s rigorous regulations and rules. On top of that, they simply want to keep you as a customer. For both reasons, they’re well-incentivized to keep your information safe.

Sportsbooks use the same high-level encryption tools that protect your data at online shopping websites or online banking institutions.

How Can I Secure My Mobile Sports Betting Account?

You can secure your sportsbook account in a number of ways. The best path to protecting your data is enabling two-factor authentication (sometimes called multi-factor or strong authentication). With two-factor authentication turned on, you will enter your username and password to login as usual. But you’ll have an added step. You’ll be required to confirm your login by entering a code sent to your phone (via text) or email address. Two-factor authentication adds another layer of protection to your account.

When you use your account regularly, log out after each session to protect your information as well.

Legal Online Sportsbook Apps In Illinois: Common Questions

Best Online Sports Betting App Michigan

21. The legal gambling age in Illinois is 21, and that applies to online betting. When you sign up for a sportsbook account, you’ll use a government-issued ID to confirm your age before you can place a bet.

Top Online Sports Betting Apps

Online Sports Betting

The Illinois Gaming Board. The IGB is a government organization that sets regulations for sports betting providers and grants licenses to companies approved to offer sportsbook apps.

For more information, including a list of licensed providers in Illinois and an overview of Illinois sports betting legislation, you can visit the IGB website.

Illinois sports bettors can wager on almost any sport. Baseball, hockey, basketball, and football are the most popular offerings. Tennis, golf, NASCAR, MMA, darts, rugby, cricket, and other options are available as well.

Illinois places some restrictions on college sports betting. You can bet on college sports in the state, but not on any matches that include an in-state school (even if the match is played elsewhere).

No. Google does not allow gambling apps in its Google Play app store, even if those apps are completely legal. Instead, Android users have to download their preferred sportsbook’s app directly from the provider’s website. Most sports betting sites have a direct link that allows you to download the app right to your phone in a few simple steps.

Bovada Sports Betting

Yes. DraftKings partnered with Casino Queen in East St. Louis and launched Illinois’ second online sports betting site (after BetRivers).

Players can download the DraftKings app for iOS or Android. DraftKings has great beginner’s guides for sports betting newcomers as well.

Yes. DraftKings, PointsBet, BetRivers, William Hill, and FanDuel have iOS apps you can download directly from the App Store.