Online sports betting is again available for potential new bettors in the state Illinois just in time for you to shop some odds for the second rounds of both the NBA and NHL Playoffs. After social distancing made it impossible to register in person, remote registration will be available until at least Sept. 19. At that point, there would need an extension. Otherwise, potential sports bettors could again be in a position where they cannot register.
Odds shopping is the best way to make sure you’re finding the best bang for your betting buck. Please enjoy our new, FREE website that shows you what each sports betting odds are in real-time. You can sign up, track your bets, get notifications when a line moves and see how much money you’re making over time. Check it out right HERE.
Illinois Online Sports Betting Registration Returns
The COVID-19 pandemic has really thrown a wrench into the Illinois sports betting market. The state required in-person registration in order to participate in online sports betting. The problem with that is the physical locations have remained closed, due to social distancing requirements.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker waived the in-person registration requirement through July 26 but decided not to re-issue the order. That was until Friday, Aug. 21, when he again waived the in-person registration for at least 30 days. This means anyone eligible within the Illinois border can now remotely register for an account and place bets anywhere within state lines.
Where Can I Sign Up For Online Sports Betting in Illinois?
This news of remote registration again being allowed was a welcomed update for Illinois’ two online sportsbooks. Remember, one of the biggest edges a sports bettor has is to shop around for the best price.
Bet Rivers Sportsbook
BetRivers owns Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, Illinois, and as the first sportsbook in Illinois, has had a big head start on the competition.
Sign-up for Bet Rivers Sportsbook and receive an additional 100% on your first deposit up to $250.
Join Here. Â
Looking for more information about Bet Rivers? Check out our review here.
DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings Sportsbook is partnered with Casino Queen in East St. Louis, Illinois. This is essential, as the sports betting laws in Illinois prohibit online-only sportsbooks from entering the market in the first 18 months, giving physical locations a head start. Of course, the pandemic has made this a lackluster head start.
Join DraftKings sportsbook and receive a sign-up bonus of up to $1,000 for new users. Â Here’s a breakdown of the offer: (a) deposit bonus up to $500 (deposit is matched at 20% and bonus requires 25x play through); and (b) a $500 risk-free first bet.
To read our review of the DraftKings Sportsbook, click here.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling, and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800 GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537). *21+. Deposit bonus is in DK Dollars which have no cash value and must be used on DraftKings. Bonus requires 25x Play-Thru.  Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for details.
If you’re looking for content and other resources as a new sports bettor, make sure to check out our new Awesemo Odds section of the site.
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