Esports Betting in Illinois

Esports has been an emerging trend in the world of gaming, and its foothold in the betting industry is gaining prominence.

With more people in the Prairie State turning their attention to this digital sporting phenomenon, now might be the time for you to get into esports betting in Illinois.

Is esports betting legal in Illinois?

Yes, esports betting is perfectly legal in Illinois. The state has allowed sports betting since 2019, and this naturally extends to esports.

So, whether you're looking to place a bet on traditional sports or are more interested in the virtual arena, Illinois offers a regulated and secure environment for both.

Best esports betting sites in Illinois

If you’re looking for a complete list of legal betting sites in Illinois, we recommend you take a look at ILBetting.com. However, these are some of the best sportsbooks if you want to bet on esports in Illinois:

DraftKings

Originally known for its mastery in the daily fantasy sports realm, DraftKings has successfully ventured into sports betting, including esports.

The platform provides a smooth, user-friendly interface coupled with a variety of betting options across popular games like Dota 2, CS:GO, and League of Legends. If you're new to esports betting, DraftKings also offers informational guides to help you make informed bets.

FanDuel (League of Legends only)

While FanDuel is a big name in the sports betting world, its esports offerings are currently limited to League of Legends.

However, if you're a LoL enthusiast, FanDuel provides a reliable and streamlined betting experience. The platform offers various betting options specifically designed for League of Legends, giving fans of the MOBA plenty of ways to engage with their favorite game.

Betway (launching in 2023)

Set to launch in Illinois in 2023, Betway is a highly-anticipated addition to the esports betting market. Known for its comprehensive sportsbook and competitive odds, Betway is expected to offer a rich selection of esports titles to bet on.

From classic games like Dota 2 and CS:GO to emerging titles like Valorant, Betway is likely to become a major player in the Illinois esports betting scene upon its arrival.

Popular esports to wager on

While esports itself offers a wide array of games to choose from, some stand out as popular favorites among betters in Illinois. These include:

• CS:GO: A first-person shooter that has been around since 2012, CS:GO has become a staple in the esports betting world. Teams of terrorists and counter-terrorists face off to complete objectives, making for tense and strategic gameplay that is perfect for betting.
• Dota 2: This is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game that is the sequel to the community-created Warcraft III mod. Dota 2 is known for its deep strategy and intricate gameplay mechanics, providing ample opportunities for various types of bets.
• League of Legends: Another titan in the MOBA genre, League of Legends (LoL) has millions of active players and a bustling esports scene. With regional and international tournaments taking place regularly, LoL offers a variety of betting options.
• StarCraft 2: This real-time strategy game has had a robust professional scene for years. Known for its high skill ceiling and fast-paced action, StarCraft 2 is a bettor's delight, offering multiple leagues and tournaments to wager on.
• FIFA: The electronic counterpart to the world's most popular sport, FIFA esports has also grown in popularity. Whether it's the ePremier League or the eWorld Cup, FIFA esports offers the same thrills as its real-world counterpart, making it a popular choice for sports bettors transitioning to esports.
• Valorant: A newer first-person shooter that combines elements from various other games in the genre, Valorant has quickly risen in the esports ranks. With its unique characters and abilities, it offers a fresh take on tactical shooters and a growing market for bettors.
• Call of Duty: A household name in the world of first-person shooters, Call of Duty (CoD) has a professional league that has attracted high-level competitors. Matches are fast-paced and engaging, offering various betting options like match winners, point spreads, and more.
• NBA2K: This basketball simulation video game has gained traction in the esports community, especially among fans of the NBA. With games mimicking real-life basketball matches, NBA2K offers a familiar setting for traditional sports bettors.
• Rocket League: Imagine soccer, but with rocket-powered cars instead of human players. That's Rocket League for you. It's a unique esport that offers high-octane action and is quickly growing in the betting community.
• Hearthstone: A digital collectible card game based on the Warcraft series, Hearthstone has a different pace compared to other esports but offers just as many betting opportunities. With multiple tournaments and a wide variety of strategies, it's a game that can be both entertaining and rewarding to bet on.

These games have not only garnered significant followings but also offer competitive landscapes, making them ideal candidates for placing bets.

Types of bets you can place on esports

Betting on esports isn’t just about picking a winner or loser. There are multiple ways you can get in on the action:

• Moneyline Bet: This is the simplest form, where you bet on the team that you think will win.
• Point Spread: Here, a team must win by a certain number of points or rounds, adding another layer of complexity and excitement.
• Totals (Over/Under): You bet whether the total points, kills, or other metrics will be over or under a set number.
• Prop Bets: These are bets on specific events within a game, like who will get the first kill, the duration of a match, etc.

Payment methods on IL esports betting sites

In today's digital age, you have more payment options than ever. Here's how you can get your money into and out of esports betting sites in Illinois:

• Credit/Debit Cards: A quick and convenient way to deposit or withdraw funds.
• Bank Transfers: Directly move your money to and from your bank account, though this might take some time.
• E-wallets: PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller are among the popular e-wallet options available.
• Cryptocurrencies: Platforms are increasingly accepting cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, offering added privacy and often quicker transaction times.

So, whether you’re a seasoned esports fan or a newcomer looking to diversify your betting activities, Illinois offers a promising landscape for esports betting. Get your game on today!