Andrew Wilsher
Show Bio
From Saturday, March 5, sports bettors in the state of Illinois will no longer be required to register their online sports betting accounts in person. Prior to this date, bettors looking to create an online sports betting account had to attend one of five casinos in the state. So if a new user wanted to register an account with PointsBet, they would have to travel to one of the casinos in order to do so.
However, in December 2021, Governor Jay Pritzker amended Illinois’ sports betting law to get rid of that requirement starting from Saturday, March 5. And finally, that day has arrived.
Bettors in Illinois are now able to register their accounts online directly from their mobile devices with one of seven sportsbooks, including PointsBet.
Other sportsbooks accepting online registration include FanDuel, DraftKings and Caesars. BetMGM could also be joining the state party very soon.
Illinois residents will now have the ability to sign up and bet from their mobile device on their local sports teams, including the Chicago Bears in the NFL, the Chicago Bulls in the NBA, the Chicago Cubs and White Sox in MLB and the Chicago Blackhawks in the NHL.
Betting on in-state colleges allowed in person
Saturday, March 5 will also allow the people of Illinois to bet on in-state colleges for the first time — just in time for March Madness! However, these bets must still be placed in-person at retail sportsbooks and will not be accepted online.
The betting markets will also be limited, with bets based on the final score or outcome the only ones allowed. That means that markets like player props will remain prohibited. Bets on colleges outside of Illinois are still valid with online sportsbooks, however, so there will still be plenty of ways to enjoy the NCAA Tournament!
Pickswise is the home of free sports picks, news, and best bets. Check out our expert NBA picks, NCAAB picks, NHL picks and Soccer picks for the latest game picks.
