Illinois Sports Betting Bonuses

The following guide contains a shortlist of Illinois sports betting bonuses from legal Illinois sports betting sites. We discuss the most common bonus offers and how to claim a new customer bonus. We’ll also provide an example bonus for you get a feel for how they work.

Though a new customer bonus may appear to be free cash, you should really treat it just like play money. The bonus’ terms and conditions, combined with the sportsbook’s house rules, make it near impossible to come out ahead. Additionally, Illinois state regulators closely monitor promotional offers to ensure sportsbooks aren’t misleading customers or mispresenting the offer’s rules and limitations.

Illinois players should view sports betting bonuses as a way to test drive a sports betting site at minimal risk to their bankroll. If you’re reluctant to take the bonus, you don’t have to claim it. In fact, we actually advise you to contact customer service and refuse most offers, as they simply won’t work in your favor.

Most importantly, you’ll get to know our featured Illinois sportsbook, BetRivers, and the various bonuses and promotions it offers to Illinois players.

Illinois Sports Betting Bonuses

Bonus
BetRivers Sportsbook#1 BetRivers
REVIEW
New Customers - 2nd Chance Bet up to $500 - Code: SPORTS
Bet Now
21+ Playable in IL only
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-426-2537
BetMGM Sportsbook#2 BetMGM
REVIEW
New Customers - Up to $1500 Paid Back in Bonus Bets
Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days
One new customer offer/Add'l Terms

Bet Now
21+ Playable in IL only
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-426-2537

Table of Contents

Types of Bonuses

Illinois sports betting bonuses commonly fall into one of three categories depending on the customer’s relationship with the online sportsbook. For example, new customers are typically offered a one-time bonus to get them through the door. Then, once they’ve been playing for a while, they’ll be able to claim bonuses targeted to existing customers.

Common Types of Illinois Sports Betting Bonuses

The following are different types of betting bonuses. Though the exact categories may vary depending on the particular sportsbook, these are the most common we’ve seen at various legal sports betting sites.

  • New Customer Bonuses – Sportsbooks want to earn your business with a generous welcome offer. Note that the sportsbook’s rules will prohibit you from combining a new customer bonus with other offers.
  • Existing Customer Bonuses – Commonly targeted to specific sports and wagers, with seasonal availability by sport or event.
  • Free Play Contests – Available to all customers. Examples include Pick’em games, novelty video games for prizes, football squares, etc.
  • Customer Loyalty Programs – Though not technically a bonus, joining a loyalty program can lead to gifts, special offers, and other perks.
  • VIP Benefits and Promotions – Special rewards, prizes, a dedicated host or concierge, and preferential treatment for high-end players.
BetRivers Illinois - 21+ Playable in IL only
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-426-2537
New Customers - 2nd Chance Bet up to $500 - Code: SPORTS
Bet Now BetRivers Illinois

Illinois Sports Betting Bonuses

In general, BetRivers will offer the same bonuses across all states for the assurance and convenience of its customers.

  1. Match Play – Deposit match bonuses are among the most commonly offered bonuses. Sports betting match play bonuses work like casino match play offers you would find in Las Vegas. Your initial deposit up to a certain amount is matched 100%. The most common limit is $250, though some will go as high as $500.
  2. 2nd Chance Bet – If your very first wager loses, you’ll get a bonus bet equal to the amount of your first bet, up to a specific limit. The most common amount is $100, with some bonuses going higher during peak customer acquisition periods.
  3. Parlay Bet Insurance – Earn a bonus on select losing wagers. For example, a 4+ selection MLB parlay with just one losing selection will qualify you for a bonus bet. You’ll also find this promotion offered for the NFL, college football, and tennis.
  4. Bet and Get – Earn a bonus bet when you place a qualifying wager that ends up losing. Example qualifying wagers include Same Game Parlays and special prop bets for the NFL, College Football, MLB, and soccer.
  5. Free Play ContestsBetRivers offers Free Play contests to all its customers. Contests vary seasonally. The most popular BetRivers free play contests include its Pick’em Game, Football Squares, Super Bowl and March Madness contests.

BetRivers Signup Bonus

BetRivers offers a competitive new customer bonus. Unlike promotions from other sportsbooks, the terms and conditions of BetRivers’ sign up bonus are fair and not overly restrictive.

BetRivers Ohio - 21+ Playable in Ohio only
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-589-9966
New Customers - 2nd Chance Bet up to $100 - Code: SPORTS
Bet Now BetRivers Ohio

BetRivers 2nd Chance Bonus

Here are the basics on BetRivers’ 2nd Chance New Customer bonus bet. Note that the upper limit on the bonus bet may vary from state to state.

  • Use Code “SPORTS“.
  • If your first real money wager loses, get a bonus bet equal to value of your first bet, up to $100-$500 depending on your state.
  • Bonus Bet will be credited to your account within 24 hours of when your losing wager settles.
  • Bonus Bet must be used within 30 days.
  • Can only be used once per customer at any Rush Street Interactive betting website. For example, you cannot use this promotion in a state you’re visiting if you’ve already used it in your home state.

2nd Chance Bonus Details

There are a few details to remember about this bonus offer. Not every wager, bet amount, and odds value can be utilized with your bonus bet money.

Most importantly, bear in mind that you can only place bets with odds of -200 or longer, and that you if you win, you’ll only get the profits credited to your account. The original bonus bet stake will not be returned.

  • Your free bet must be placed on wagers with odds of -200 or longer only.
  • Can be used on any sports offering, within normal wagering limits.
  • If you win, BetRivers will credit your account with the wager’s profits. The original stake – your bonus bet – will not be returned.
  • First deposit must be $10 or more.
  • Cashout, early buyout, or counter betting voids participation.
BetRivers Ohio - 21+ Playable in Ohio only
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-589-9966
New Customers - 2nd Chance Bet up to $100 - Code: SPORTS
Bet Now BetRivers Ohio

Other BetRivers Promotions

BetRivers offers its customers a wide variety of bonuses and promotions. Depending on the particular time of year, you’ll find customized promotions for contests, specific types of wagers like prop bet and parlay bet insurance, and “Bet and Get” bonuses. Here’s a generic sampling:

  • NFL and College Football Squares – Look for Same Game Parlays with the Squares icon. Bet $10-$50+ to earn 1-3 squares depending on the size of your wager. Check your square’s numbers against the away and home team scores. Winning standard squares get a $20 bonus bet. You could also win up to $10,000 in bonus bets with boosted squares.
  • Tuesday Home Run Insurance – Bet on any MLB player to hit a homerun on Tuesdays during the promotional period. Receive your bet back up to $25 if they hit an extra base hit during the game.
  • NFL Sunday Parlay Insurance – Bet 4+ selection NFL parlay on Sundays during the regular season. If exactly 1 leg loses (and no more) get your bet back up to $25 as a bonus bet. Odds must be -200 or greater to qualify.
BetRivers Ohio - 21+ Playable in Ohio only
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-589-9966
New Customers - 2nd Chance Bet up to $100 - Code: SPORTS
Bet Now BetRivers Ohio

How to Claim an Illinois Sports Betting Bonus

Time needed: 2 minutes

The following steps explain how to apply a bonus code to your new or existing Illinois sports sports betting account.

  1. Access your sportsbook account.

    Register a new account using one of our recommend sports betting sites or access your existing account.

  2. New customers must enter all their personal details to create a new account.

    Be sure to enter your name, email address, cell phone number, and physical address. You’ll also need to provide the last four digits of your Social Security Number for identity protection purposes.

  3. Apply the bonus code to your account.

    New customers must enter the code in the “promo” field on the new account form. Existing customers must select an offer from the promotions page to apply it to their account.

  4. Deposit money if necessary.

    Deposit funds to your account if the bonus requires an immediate deposit. Use your Visa, MasterCard, or Discover credit or debit card.

  5. Place qualifying wagers to meet the promotion’s requirements.

    Some sports betting bonuses come with minimum wagering requirements, rollovers, and other terms and conditions. Make sure to place qualifying wagers to satisfy the promotion’s requirements.

Illinois Sports Betting Bonuses

Bonus
BetRivers Sportsbook#1 BetRivers
REVIEW
New Customers - 2nd Chance Bet up to $500 - Code: SPORTS
Bet Now
21+ Playable in IL only
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-426-2537
BetMGM Sportsbook#2 BetMGM
REVIEW
New Customers - Up to $1500 Paid Back in Bonus Bets
Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days
One new customer offer/Add'l Terms

Bet Now
21+ Playable in IL only
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-426-2537

FAQs About Illinois Sports Betting Bonuses

Can I make money from a new customer sports betting bonus?

Though a new customer bonus may appear to be free cash, you should really treat it just like play money. The bonus’ terms and conditions, combined with the sportsbook’s house rules, make it near impossible to come out ahead. Additionally, Illinois state regulators closely monitor promotional offers to ensure sportsbooks are not misleading their customers.

Can I refuse to accept a new customer sports betting bonus?

If you’re reluctant to take the bonus, you don’t have to claim it. In fact, we actually advise you to contact customer service and refuse most offers, as they simply won’t work in your favor. Illinois players should view sports betting bonuses as a way to test drive a sports betting site at minimal risk to their bankroll.

What is a Bet and Get sports betting bonus?

Earn a bonus bet when you place a qualifying wager that ends up losing. Example qualifying wagers include Same Game Parlays and special prop bets for the NFL, College Football, MLB, and soccer.

What is a 2nd chance sports betting bonus?

If your very first wager loses, the sportsbook will award you a bonus bet equal to the amount of your first bet, up to a specific limit. The most common amount is $100, with some bonuses going higher during peak customer acquisition periods.

What is parlay insurance?

Earn a bonus on select losing wagers. For example, a 4+ selection MLB parlay with just one losing selection will qualify you for a bonus bet. You’ll also find this promotion offered for the NFL, college football, and tennis.