How to choose a betting app in Illinois: a beginners’ guide

Sports betting is sweeping across the United States, with new regions moving to legalize online gambling at an impressive rate. First, there was only Las Vegas, then New Jersey joined, and it had a domino effect. Since the blanket ban on betting was lifted by officials at a national level, placing the decision in the hands of governors of each state. They voted to permit betting within state lines or keep the long-running gambling ban in place.

Most major states have already legalized betting or are at an advanced stage with discussions to do just that. The likes of New York and California are expected to join the movement in 2022. One of the latest states to allow residents and visitors to bet online was Illinois. There, an order to remove the betting ban was issued in the summer of 2020, with the legal gambling age set at 21. Sports fans were free to create an account at any online licensed bookmaker, and, not long after, the biggest names in the industry began to receive new members from Illinois.

Sports betting in Illinois has gone from strength to strength since. Governors are already reaping the rewards of taxing the world’s most famous online bookmakers, those based in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia. The millions of dollars made from taxing gambling businesses have proven to be the biggest attraction to allowing betting.

We’re here to help

Are you ready to get involved? If you are a lover of professional sports, like boxing, American football, soccer, horse racing and tennis, you may want to aim to make a profit from your passion. It can seem confusing to new or inexperienced bettors. How do you know which bookie is for you, what is the best welcome bonus for you and what do all the different types of sports betting markets mean?

These are questions that need an answer if you are to avoid making a mistake that could end up costing you cash or causing you to lose out on the most generous odds. We are here to help. This article explains what you should look for in an online sportsbook and the simple steps to creating an account and placing bets on sports.

Our aim is to help introduce you to the sports gambling industry and give you the best possible chance of beating the bookies and making a profit from your gambling. Read on to find the best online sports betting features, how to sign up in minutes and the best welcome bonuses available to new players.

The best betting features

When looking for an online sportsbook betting app to join, you’ll quickly realize you are spoiled for choice. There are plenty to choose from, and most promote themselves as offering customers the best betting service.

It may seem a little overbearing when faced with so much competition, but it puts you in control. You can insist on the best service. Some best betting features are available at the top betting apps. These aren’t luxuries but, instead, what you deserve. Look for a welcome bonus, lots of sports and markets, cash-out, in-play, live streaming, a range of payment options, 24/7 customer service and a live casino tab.

How to sign-up

Follow the below steps to create an online betting account with any major sportsbook.

 

  • Visit the homepage of your chosen bookie and click the Join button
  • Fill in the registration form
  • Create a username and password
  • Make your first deposit and place a bet on sports

Welcome Bonuses

The top bookies give new players a welcome bonus. The best of them and the one you should look out for is the free bet. The most popular new customer promo is a deposit matched bet which gives you a free bet equal in value to your first deposit and wager. For example, if you sign up, deposit 50 and place a bet on sports for a 50 stake, you’ll bank 50 free bet to use on your favorite sportsbook market.

There’s also a risk-free bet which protects you from losing your first wager. If you create an account and place a winning bet, you keep the profits due to you. All is good. But if your first bet loses, the bookie will refund your stakes so you can have another go.

Cool Things Chicago
Logo