If you’re wondering “is prop betting legal in Illinois,” the short answer is: Yes—but with a few caveats. Illinois has legalized sports betting, including prop bets, but the way you can access them depends on who you are, where you’re located, and how you’re betting.
Prop bets (short for proposition bets) let you wager on specific outcomes, like whether a quarterback will throw over 275 yards, or if the first touchdown scorer will be a tight end. They’re not just fun—they’re sharp, strategic, and wildly popular among Illinois bettors.
Let’s break down what’s legal, what’s not, and where you can actually place those bets today.
A Quick Look at Illinois Sports Betting Laws
Illinois legalized sports betting in 2019 under the Sports Wagering Act, and online sportsbooks launched in 2020. That was a game-changer for fans across the state. But Illinois being Illinois, the laws come with some quirks.
Can You Bet Props Legally in Illinois?
Yes. Prop betting is absolutely legal—but only on professional sports. Illinois law prohibits all player props on in-state college teams. That means if you’re trying to bet on a University of Illinois running back to score twice, you’re out of luck (unless you leave the state or use an offshore site, which we don’t recommend).
Legal Prop Betting in Illinois: What’s Allowed
- ✅ NFL player props (passing yards, TDs, receptions)
- ✅ NBA props (points, rebounds, assists)
- ✅ MLB props (home runs, strikeouts)
- ✅ Team props (first to score, over/under team total)
- ❌ College player props (banned in-state)
- ❌ Props on high school sports (banned nationwide)
Where to Bet on Props in Illinois (Ranked)
There are more than a dozen sportsbooks available in Illinois—but not all are built the same when it comes to props. Some offer deep markets with alt lines and live props. Others barely scratch the surface.
Here’s our breakdown of the best sportsbooks for prop betting in Illinois.
1. FanDuel Sportsbook – Best for NFL Player Props
FanDuel is the prop king in Illinois. You’ll find player combos, alt lines, SGPs (Same Game Parlays), and more, especially for NFL and NBA games. The UI is slick, and the live betting experience is top-tier.
🔥 Best Features:
- Deep player markets
- Custom prop builder
- Fast live updates
2. DraftKings Sportsbook – Best All-Around
DraftKings offers some of the most creative props around, from stat milestones to first-quarter combos. Their stats-based layout makes researching picks feel like playing fantasy sports.
🔥 Best Features:
- Robust prop categories
- Easy stat navigation
- Tons of SGP options
3. BetRivers – Best for Illinois Locals
Based in Chicago, BetRivers knows the market. Their odds aren’t always the sharpest, but the props are solid—especially for MLB and NBA. Plus, their rewards program is a nice touch for regulars.
4. Caesars Sportsbook – Best for Simplicity
If you’re newer to prop betting, Caesars makes it easy. The layout isn’t fancy, but it’s beginner-friendly. You’ll get all the core props, though the depth isn’t quite what FanDuel or DK offers.
Can You Bet College Props in Illinois?
This is the section that trips people up. The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) has a strict rule: no individual player props for in-state college teams. That includes:
- University of Illinois
- Northwestern
- DePaul
- Southern Illinois
- And others
If you’re betting on March Madness and want to hammer Terrence Shannon Jr.’s over—you’ll need to take a drive to Indiana or use an out-of-state app. However, you can still bet on the outcome of the game, team totals, or spreads. Just nothing player-specific.
This rule doesn’t apply to out-of-state teams, so you’re free to bet on Duke, Alabama, or USC player props to your heart’s content.
What About DFS Prop Betting in Illinois?
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) sites like PrizePicks and Underdog have exploded in popularity. But Illinois has cracked down on them too. In 2023, both sites temporarily pulled out of the state due to legal pressure from the IGB over their pick’em-style contests, which mimic prop bets.
As of mid-2025:
- PrizePicks is NOT available in Illinois.
- Underdog Fantasy is NOT available in Illinois.
They’re working on regulatory compliance, but for now, these “fantasy prop” platforms are off-limits in the state.
Why Illinois Bettors Love Prop Bets
Props are personal. They let you zero in on the stuff you care about—not just who wins, but how it happens. And with player tracking data, advanced stats, and fantasy crossover appeal, props feel like a game within the game.
Whether it’s:
- Justin Fields to rush for 50+ yards
- DJ Moore to catch a TD
- The Bears defense to get a pick
Props give you more ways to win (or lose… but we’re staying positive here).
Live Prop Betting: What You Need to Know
Illinois sportsbooks also offer live prop betting during games. You can jump in mid-drive and bet whether the next play is a run or pass, or if the next drive ends in a field goal.
Some tips for live props:
- Use a low-latency app (FanDuel is fast)
- Watch with a delay buffer to avoid being behind the lines
- Act quickly—prop odds shift constantly during live play
Live props are great for seasoned fans who follow the flow of the game—and love a little adrenaline.
Prop Betting Tips for Illinois Bettors
Whether you’re a seasoned sharp or a casual Sunday bettor, here are 7 tips to crush prop bets legally in Illinois:
1. Know the Law
Stick to legal books. Avoid offshores—they’re risky, unregulated, and can block withdrawals.
2. Fade the Public
If 90% of people are on one player to go over his rushing total, that’s often a sign to look the other way.
3. Shop Around
Line shopping is key. Fields might be 49.5 rush yards at DraftKings and 47.5 at Caesars. That 2-yard edge matters.
4. Use Stats—But Smartly
Don’t just look at averages. Use context: weather, defensive matchups, game script, and injury reports.
5. Same Game Parlays = Fun, Not Strategy
They’re sexy. They’re profitable—for the books. Keep SGPs small and for entertainment.
6. Don’t Overextend
Stick to a unit size. Don’t throw your whole bankroll chasing a +500 prop because of a gut feeling.
7. Track Your Bets
Use an app or spreadsheet. If you’re serious, act like it.
The Future of Prop Betting in Illinois
The Illinois Gaming Board has hinted at revisiting college prop rules—but nothing official has changed yet. There’s also chatter about allowing DFS-style pick’em contests under new regulation.
The market is growing fast:
- Illinois had over $1 billion in total handle in several recent months
- Props make up a significant portion of bets for casual users
- FanDuel and DraftKings continue to expand features in the state
Bottom line? Illinois is a prop-friendly state, but still a bit conservative. If lawmakers loosen the college restrictions, the floodgates could open.
Final Verdict: Is Prop Betting Legal in Illinois?
Yes, prop betting is legal in Illinois—as long as you’re betting on professional sports and using a licensed sportsbook. You can’t bet college player props on in-state teams, and fantasy prop apps are in limbo, but you’ve still got plenty of options.
Whether you’re betting on Justin Fields, the Bulls’ latest rookie, or Cubs strikeouts, Illinois gives you the legal framework to do it right.
Just make sure you:
- Use licensed sportsbooks
- Avoid in-state college player props
- Stay within your limits
- And have fun with it
Prop betting in Illinois is legal, fun, and full of options—just how we like it.
FAQ: Prop Betting Legal in Illinois
Is prop betting legal in Illinois?
Yes, but only on pro sports. You can’t bet on individual player props from in-state college teams.
Can I use PrizePicks or Underdog in Illinois?
Not currently. Both platforms paused operations in Illinois due to legal disputes with the IGB.
What’s the best sportsbook for prop bets in Illinois?
FanDuel and DraftKings are the best overall, with deep markets and live props.
Can I bet live props in Illinois?
Yes! Live player and team props are fully legal and available at most major sportsbooks.