By striking the deal with Casino Queen, DraftKings avoided an 18-month delay to enter the Illinois market. Sportsbooks in brick-and-mortar casinos were the only ones allowed to operate when the state launched sports betting in March, leaving online-only companies 540 days behind. FanDuel Sportsbook follows in DraftKings' footsteps in Illinois, as DraftKings did a near-mirrored move with Casino Queen in St. These moves have been taken so FanDuel Sportsbook avoids the 'penalty box' law, which prevents mobile-only sportsbooks from launching in the state in the first 18-months of legal sports betting offerings. Join the fun at DraftKings at Casino Queen, the best casino in Illinois! Located in East St. Louis, IL offering Gaming, Entertainment, Dining, Hotel, RV and More. Aug 28, 2020 DraftKings at Casino Queen Sportsbook Emerges in Illinois August has been a big month for DraftKings at Casino Queen Sportsbook as it burst onto the scene in the Illinois online sports betting race. Jan 21, 2021 DraftKings has made its move into Illinois with a fantastic sportsbook. This easy-to-use site and mobile app are created with the customer in mind. Whether you'd like to place pregames, live bets or futures, DraftKings Sportsbook is the go-to platform. Now, DraftKings is rewarding all new Illinois customers with a great welcome offer.
When it comes to launching in new states, nothing pleases online sportsbooks more than being able to set up shop in time for the start of the new NFL season – and that is what DraftKings Sportsbook did in Illinois. DK's entry into the Illinois sports betting field has benefited everybody involved: DraftKings took advantage of a betting-mad Midwest sports market. Simultaneously, Illinois natives were treated to first-class online sports betting app that checks nearly all the boxes.
Here is a breakdown of what new users can expect from DraftKings Sportsbook Illinois, and how it compares to other IL online sportsbooks competitors William Hill and BetRivers sportsbook.
DraftKings Sportsbook app & Mobile
Like any good IL sportsbook app, DraftKings has an app available for both the iPhone and a downloadable Android app. You can download load either from anywhere in the US, but you need to be in one of the legal states before you can place a wager on them. Wondering how to download the DraftKings IL sportsbook app? Here is how it's done:
Downloading the DraftKings Sportsbook app for Android
- Visit sportsbook.draftkings.com
- Create an account if you are a new player
- Scroll to Sportsbook mobile app at the bottom of the page
- Click download for Android
- Press OK to keep the dksportsbook.apk
- Press open, then install the APK
- Launch the app and sign in
Downloading the DraftKings Sportsbook app for iPhone & iPad
- Visit sportsbook.draftkings.com
- Create an account if you are a new player
- Scroll to Sportsbook mobile app at the bottom of the page
- Click on Download on the app store
- Go to iTunes, use the GET button & install
You won't find the Sportsbook app from DraftKings in the Android Google Play store. Why? Well, the Play Store simply doesn't allow any real money sports betting apps to be in there. You need to download and install the DraftKings Sportsbook APK to get the app, and the quickest and safest way to get it is from the mobile site.
The DraftKings mobile interface is among the best in the sports betting industry — and as you would expect, that expertise has carried over to the Illinois online sportsbook app:
DraftKings seemingly took the 'if it isn't broke, don't fix it' approach when building the sportsbook interface and the online interface. The desktop look is familiar and respected by many across the industry who will dive into the legal sports betting scene. The mobile app resembles what it has already built for daily fantasy sports (DFS). Now that the initial bugs have been resolved, users will have no issue finding out where to go, as the layout is straightforward to understand and navigate through.
Design-wise, we love the sportsbook app. If you have ever used the DFS app from the operator, you will be familiar with the design and set up. It's fast, easy to use, and is one of the best betting apps out for Android and the iPhone.
DraftKings Sportsbook Illinois Deposit Bonus
DraftKings is not playing around when it comes to giving sports bettors an offer they cannot refuse. DraftKings is putting its best foot forward by offering a firstdeposit bonus up to $500 with a risk-free bet up to $500.
The way it works is straightforward:
Create your DraftKings Sportsbook account at sportsbook.draftkings.com and make your first deposit. DraftKings IL will match 100% of your first bet up to a maximum of $500, while also providing a 20% match on your first deposit up to $500. The bonus has a 25x play-through wagering requirement. Once your first wager has settled, you will receive a free bet in your account, totaling 20% of your first deposit.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL)
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), or TN REDLINE: 800-889-9789.
21+. NJ/PA/WV/IN/IA/CO/IL/TN only. Deposit bonus requires 25x play-thru. Deposit Bonus issued as site credits. In partnership with Meadows Racetrack & Casino. Eligibility restrictions apply. See DraftKings.com/sportsbook for details.
This bonus is a lot of things to many people – and it is one of the best in the industry, particularly if you are planning on making a big first deposit. Bettors in Illinois looking to make a big deposit splash will not do much better than this.
Betting Options
DraftKings Sportsbook is the market leader in setting odds and offering unique wagers. They are often first-to-market – including on NBA props, NFL futures, and matchups for golf. Of legal options, they are leading the way. There are many other leagues available within each sport. On a given week, DraftKings IL will offer odds and a range of other markets on the PGA Tour, Euro Tour, and the Korn Ferry Tour.
Bet types available
DraftKings is among the leaders in the US for bet types. You can find many player props available for football, basketball, finishing position markets for NASCAR, and much more that you cannot find anywhere else in the US.
In addition to all the standard bets, you can get at any regular US sportsbook. These include:
- Spreads
- Totals
- Moneylines
- First half
- Second half
- Futures
- Player props
Sports Markets Available To Bet On
In general, DraftKings offers the broadest range of bet types you will find in any US sportsbook. For example, they are one of the only books to offer odds on golfers to make or to miss the cut, which is centered on finishing position and otherwise known as 'Head to heads.' DraftKings also typically provide the most player props for NFL, NBA, and other major sports.
- Boxing
- College Basketball
- College Football
- Cricket
- Darts
- Formula 1
- Golf
- Indy Car
- MLB
- MMA
- NASCAR
- NBA
- NFL
- NHL
- Rugby
- Soccer
- Tennis
Banking Methods at DraftKings
DraftKings Sportsbook Illinois offers its players multiple ways to deposit into their account, and although the withdrawal methods are limited, DK sportsbook's payouts are incredibly efficient and quick.
Deposit Methods at DraftKings Illinois
- ACH/Echeck
- Credit/Debit Card
- Skrill
Withdrawal Methods at DraftKings, Illinois:
- Cash at Cage: Bring your ID to the brick and mortar casino after requesting your cash withdrawal;
- Check: DK Illinois will send a check to the verified address on your DraftKings account
- Credit/Debit Card
While it would be great to see DraftKings offer more methods on both sides of the money transfer process, it is not tricky for Illinois natives to move their funds back and forth.
Safety and Security
Like most online sportsbooks worldwide, DraftKings Sportsbook Illinois uses SSL protocol to protect its users' information. It triggers an instant security review if any suspicious activity is reported on a user's account. They also use geolocation and player location checks to confirm you are within regulated state borders before placing a bet.
Customer Service
For Illinois bettors who prefer to speak with a real person quickly, your customer service experience will not be ideal. DraftKings technically offers 24/7 support thanks to live chat but speaking to a live agent over the phone is a lot less likely outcome than being prompted to fill out a form and get a callback. With all that been said, it is not easy to imagine a more comprehensive FAQ page than what DraftKings offers.
You can reach their customer service operations via e-mail at Sportsbook@draftkings.com.
User Experience
DraftKings IL offers every bet type you could think of — and with how creative they have shown themselves to be in the DFS market, it seems likely that they will create new ways to bet in the future. You can now place bets on point spreads, over/under, moneylines, futures, proposition bets, and alternate lines. Perhaps the most exciting is that DraftKings IL offers live sports betting.
Also, DraftKings Sportsbook regularly offers 'insurance' bets. Participants are fully refunded their wager if they come close to winning their wager without actually doing so. DraftKings also offers 'odds boosts,' where it will provide better final odds for a game or prop outcome up to the max bet size, usually $50. Illinois bettors should make sure to read the regulations for all DraftKing promotions: for example, while some insurance bets will provide money back, others provide site credit instead – meaning it must be used at DraftKings, and cannot be cashed out. However, all regulations and stipulations are laid out within each promotion.
DraftKings Illinois does not reinvent the wheel here; there are enough standard bet types and fun event-specific promos, but you will find most bet types at other sportsbooks.
DraftKings at Casino Queen
Located along the astonishing Mississippi River in St. Louis, DraftKings at Casino Queen, previously known as Casino Queen, has been welcoming guests since 1993. DraftKings at Casino Queen is famous for its waterfront hotel, stunning views of The Gateway Arch and East St. Louis skyline, and unforgettable gaming experience with extraordinary service.
Casino Queen Hotel is in East Saint Louis, Illinois, and is open daily 8 am-6 am. The Casino Queen offers guests a 40,000 square foot gaming space features 993 gaming machines and twenty-nine table games. The Casino Queen also has four restaurants and two hotels with 157 rooms.
DraftKings was one of the first Illinois online sportsbooks to partner with a retail casino – the first being BetRivers being launched online in Illinois by the Rivers Casino.
Why are DraftKings partnered with Casino Queen?
A convergence of unexpected events led to this unexpected development. Initially, online operators such as DraftKings and FanDuel Sportsbook looked like they would be left outside looking in Illinois for the foreseeable future. Language in the state's betting laws created two majors, yet not impossible, mountains to scale:
- An 18-month 'penalty box' provision was designed to give the state's retail sportsbook operators a head start in the online space. Moreover, this provision was also designed to penalize mobile-only operators that previously ran daily fantasy games in the state. Such games were later ruled in violation of state betting laws by former Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan.
- An 18-month in-person registration requirement meant that prospective mobile bettors needed to be physically present at an Illinois retail sportsbook. That was problematic for DraftKings because it did not have an access deal with an in-state casino – so they decided to make a deal with the Casino Queen Casino.
So, what changed?
DraftKings entered a market access deal with Casino Queen in East St. Louis, meaning the 18-month wait was eliminated.
As for the in-person registration process – it has been a roller coaster ride.
Following a widespread shutdown spurred by the coronavirus pandemic, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker suspended the in-person registration requirement for mobile sports betting via Executive Order 2020-41.
While Pritzker temporarily put the in-person requirement back in place, it has once again been lifted – during an unprecedented run of significant sports action – through at least the middle of September. Of course, you can do it now and eliminate the need for any future rides.
What states is DraftKings legal in?
If you are wondering what the DraftKings legal states are, use our guide below to check whether DraftKings is legal in your state.
Illinois
DraftKings at Casino Queen online Sportsbook is now live in the state of Illinois. Download the DraftKings at Casino Queen Sportsbook app to start placing bets.
New Jersey
Both retail and mobile sports betting are live in the state of New Jersey. Mobile sports betting launched on August 1, 2018, when DraftKings Sportsbook took the first mobile wager. Download DraftKings Sportsbook or place your bets in person at the DraftKings Sportsbook location in Resorts Casino found at 1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
West Virginia
Both retail and mobile sports betting are live in West Virginia. DraftKings Sportsbook launched mobile sports betting on August 28, 2019.
Indiana
Both retail and mobile sports betting are live in the state of Indiana.
Pennsylvania
Both retail and mobile sports wagering are now live in the state of Pennsylvania.
New Hampshire
Mobile sports betting is live in the state of New Hampshire.
Iowa
Both retail and mobile sports betting are live in the state of Iowa.
Michigan
DraftKings sportsbook went live in MI on January 22nd, 2021, offering online and mobile betting.
Colorado
Mobile sports betting is live in the state of Colorado.
New York
Retail sports betting is live in the state of NY. Any betting must take place in person, with the possibility that mobile wagering will be considered later. You can bet in person at the DraftKings Sportsbook location in Del Lago Resort at 1133 NY-414, Waterloo, NY 13165.
Mississippi
Retail sports betting is live in Mississippi. The legislature considered but did not pass the mobile sports betting bill in 2019. You can place any bets in person at DraftKings Retail Sportsbook at Scarlet Pearl Sportsbook at 9380 Central Ave, D'Iberville, MS 39540.
Arkansas
Retail sports betting is live in Arkansas. Mobile sports betting may be approved in the future. DraftKings is not live with sports betting in the state.
Delaware
Retail sports betting only. It is possible that mobile sports betting is permitted in the future. DraftKings is not currently live with sports betting in the state.
District Of Columbia
Retail and mobile sports betting are authorized. Mobile sports betting throughout the district is conducted solely through the DC Lottery, while competitive retail sports betting is permitted at licensed sports arenas and bars/restaurants. DraftKings is not live with sports betting in the district.
Montana
Sports betting will be offered through the Montana state lottery exclusively. No statewide mobile sports betting is allowed. DraftKings is not live with sports betting in Montana.
Nevada
You can bet at land-based casinos and sportsbooks and online through websites and mobile apps connected to Nevada's sportsbooks. DraftKings is not live with sports betting in Nevada.
Oregon
Sports betting will be offered through the Oregon state lottery exclusively. DraftKings is not live with sports betting in Oregon.
Rhode Island
Retail and mobile sports betting is now live in Rhode Island. DK is not yet live with sports betting in the state.
Tennessee
Legislature passed a law in 2019 that authorizes mobile sports betting. No retail sports betting is approved. DraftKings is not yet live with sports betting in Tennessee.
Virginia
Mobile sports betting is now live in VA. DraftKings sportsbook now offers sports betting in Virginia, online & mobile.
You can reach their customer service operations via e-mail at Sportsbook@draftkings.com.
User Experience
DraftKings IL offers every bet type you could think of — and with how creative they have shown themselves to be in the DFS market, it seems likely that they will create new ways to bet in the future. You can now place bets on point spreads, over/under, moneylines, futures, proposition bets, and alternate lines. Perhaps the most exciting is that DraftKings IL offers live sports betting.
Also, DraftKings Sportsbook regularly offers 'insurance' bets. Participants are fully refunded their wager if they come close to winning their wager without actually doing so. DraftKings also offers 'odds boosts,' where it will provide better final odds for a game or prop outcome up to the max bet size, usually $50. Illinois bettors should make sure to read the regulations for all DraftKing promotions: for example, while some insurance bets will provide money back, others provide site credit instead – meaning it must be used at DraftKings, and cannot be cashed out. However, all regulations and stipulations are laid out within each promotion.
DraftKings Illinois does not reinvent the wheel here; there are enough standard bet types and fun event-specific promos, but you will find most bet types at other sportsbooks.
DraftKings at Casino Queen
Located along the astonishing Mississippi River in St. Louis, DraftKings at Casino Queen, previously known as Casino Queen, has been welcoming guests since 1993. DraftKings at Casino Queen is famous for its waterfront hotel, stunning views of The Gateway Arch and East St. Louis skyline, and unforgettable gaming experience with extraordinary service.
Casino Queen Hotel is in East Saint Louis, Illinois, and is open daily 8 am-6 am. The Casino Queen offers guests a 40,000 square foot gaming space features 993 gaming machines and twenty-nine table games. The Casino Queen also has four restaurants and two hotels with 157 rooms.
DraftKings was one of the first Illinois online sportsbooks to partner with a retail casino – the first being BetRivers being launched online in Illinois by the Rivers Casino.
Why are DraftKings partnered with Casino Queen?
A convergence of unexpected events led to this unexpected development. Initially, online operators such as DraftKings and FanDuel Sportsbook looked like they would be left outside looking in Illinois for the foreseeable future. Language in the state's betting laws created two majors, yet not impossible, mountains to scale:
- An 18-month 'penalty box' provision was designed to give the state's retail sportsbook operators a head start in the online space. Moreover, this provision was also designed to penalize mobile-only operators that previously ran daily fantasy games in the state. Such games were later ruled in violation of state betting laws by former Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan.
- An 18-month in-person registration requirement meant that prospective mobile bettors needed to be physically present at an Illinois retail sportsbook. That was problematic for DraftKings because it did not have an access deal with an in-state casino – so they decided to make a deal with the Casino Queen Casino.
So, what changed?
DraftKings entered a market access deal with Casino Queen in East St. Louis, meaning the 18-month wait was eliminated.
As for the in-person registration process – it has been a roller coaster ride.
Following a widespread shutdown spurred by the coronavirus pandemic, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker suspended the in-person registration requirement for mobile sports betting via Executive Order 2020-41.
While Pritzker temporarily put the in-person requirement back in place, it has once again been lifted – during an unprecedented run of significant sports action – through at least the middle of September. Of course, you can do it now and eliminate the need for any future rides.
What states is DraftKings legal in?
If you are wondering what the DraftKings legal states are, use our guide below to check whether DraftKings is legal in your state.
Illinois
DraftKings at Casino Queen online Sportsbook is now live in the state of Illinois. Download the DraftKings at Casino Queen Sportsbook app to start placing bets.
New Jersey
Both retail and mobile sports betting are live in the state of New Jersey. Mobile sports betting launched on August 1, 2018, when DraftKings Sportsbook took the first mobile wager. Download DraftKings Sportsbook or place your bets in person at the DraftKings Sportsbook location in Resorts Casino found at 1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
West Virginia
Both retail and mobile sports betting are live in West Virginia. DraftKings Sportsbook launched mobile sports betting on August 28, 2019.
Indiana
Both retail and mobile sports betting are live in the state of Indiana.
Pennsylvania
Both retail and mobile sports wagering are now live in the state of Pennsylvania.
New Hampshire
Mobile sports betting is live in the state of New Hampshire.
Iowa
Both retail and mobile sports betting are live in the state of Iowa.
Michigan
DraftKings sportsbook went live in MI on January 22nd, 2021, offering online and mobile betting.
Colorado
Mobile sports betting is live in the state of Colorado.
New York
Retail sports betting is live in the state of NY. Any betting must take place in person, with the possibility that mobile wagering will be considered later. You can bet in person at the DraftKings Sportsbook location in Del Lago Resort at 1133 NY-414, Waterloo, NY 13165.
Mississippi
Retail sports betting is live in Mississippi. The legislature considered but did not pass the mobile sports betting bill in 2019. You can place any bets in person at DraftKings Retail Sportsbook at Scarlet Pearl Sportsbook at 9380 Central Ave, D'Iberville, MS 39540.
Arkansas
Retail sports betting is live in Arkansas. Mobile sports betting may be approved in the future. DraftKings is not live with sports betting in the state.
Delaware
Retail sports betting only. It is possible that mobile sports betting is permitted in the future. DraftKings is not currently live with sports betting in the state.
District Of Columbia
Retail and mobile sports betting are authorized. Mobile sports betting throughout the district is conducted solely through the DC Lottery, while competitive retail sports betting is permitted at licensed sports arenas and bars/restaurants. DraftKings is not live with sports betting in the district.
Montana
Sports betting will be offered through the Montana state lottery exclusively. No statewide mobile sports betting is allowed. DraftKings is not live with sports betting in Montana.
Nevada
You can bet at land-based casinos and sportsbooks and online through websites and mobile apps connected to Nevada's sportsbooks. DraftKings is not live with sports betting in Nevada.
Oregon
Sports betting will be offered through the Oregon state lottery exclusively. DraftKings is not live with sports betting in Oregon.
Rhode Island
Retail and mobile sports betting is now live in Rhode Island. DK is not yet live with sports betting in the state.
Tennessee
Legislature passed a law in 2019 that authorizes mobile sports betting. No retail sports betting is approved. DraftKings is not yet live with sports betting in Tennessee.
Virginia
Mobile sports betting is now live in VA. DraftKings sportsbook now offers sports betting in Virginia, online & mobile.
Responsible Gambling
If you or somebody you know has shown signs of a gambling problem, referral service and crisis counseling can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) in Illinois.
Summary
DraftKings Sportsbook Illinois is not perfect, but it is pretty darned close – and as the competition becomes more fierce for those sports betting dollars, you can expect DraftKings Illinois to continue to add unique features, exciting promotions, and other aspects to keep Prairie State sports bettors coming back.
Other sportsbooks to consider are
Frequently Asked Questions on DraftKings Sportsbook
What are the bet limits at DraftKings Sportsbook Illinois?
DraftKings Illinois does not set an upper limit for bettors; max bets differ based on event and bet type. And unlike others in the online betting space, DraftKings Sportsbook allows bets as little as 10 cents, which is attractive to those just testing the online sports betting waters.
Can I play DraftKings Sportsbook in Illinois?
DraftKings Sportsbook launched its offering in Illinois on August 5, 2020, a little over a month before the scheduled start of the 2020-21 NFL season.
What measures does DraftKings Sportsbook have in place to help me manage my gambling?
Among the many things DK does well, this may be its most exceptional accomplishment. DraftKings wants to ensure you are only partaking in responsible gaming, so it has established three ways to ensure your safe play.
You can set your deposit limits for a day, week, or month. Additionally, you can essentially ban yourself from using the app for a period. Finally, you can access the app but disallow yourself from further deposits to 'cool off.' These features are essential steps for those who want online sports betting to stick around for the long term.
What help do DraftKings offer for new sports bettors?
Beyond the seemingly unlimited sports betting guides available, DraftKings provides new players with terms and conditions and responsible gaming obligations. The betting guide offers in-depth explanations and definitions for every term and bet type you ever need to know. Likewise, it offers extensive information about what you would need to know for each sport it offers bets on.
Draftkings Illinois At Casino Queen
Is DraftKings legal in Illinois?
Yes.Illinois bettors can now wager through DraftKings, despite Gov. J.B Pritzker signing an Illinois law written to give casinos a head start in Illinois' sports betting industry.
What is the best DraftKings Sportsbook promo code?
DraftKings Sportsbook does not require a promo code — all you need to do to redeem the $1,000 sign-up bonus is to visit sportsbook.draftkings.com. The sign-up bonus is comprised of a matched first bet and a deposit bonus, each worth up to a maximum of $500:
- The matched first bet: This applies to new players when they make their first bet at DraftKings Sportsbook. Here is an example: If your first bet is $150, you will get $150 in free bets instantly added to your DraftKings account in the form of bonus bets. The max that DK will match your first bet is $500.
- The deposit bonus: It is a 20% match worth up to $500. So, if you deposit $100, you will earn a $20 bonus. To earn the max $500 bonus, you would have to deposit $2,500.
How does the DraftKings Sportsbook risk-free bet work?
As we mentioned above, new users can get their first bet 100% matched at DraftKings Sportsbook, up to $500.
What does that mean exactly?
Well, let us say you place $450 on the Bears as 7-point home favorites against the Packers as your first bet, DraftKings IL would instantly deposit $450 in free bets into your account.
How does DraftKings Sportsbook match your deposit?
Like we mentioned in our review above, DraftKings Sportsbook will match 20% of your first deposit up to a total bonus of $500. Here are some specific examples: A $200 deposit would earn a $40 bonus, a $1000 deposit would earn a $200 bonus, a $2,500 deposit would earn the max $500 bonus. All you must do to redeem this deposit bonus is to visit sportsbook.draftkings.com.
Who can use DraftKings Sportsbook?
Anyone aged 21 or older living in a state with legalized sports betting can use DraftKings Sportsbook.
How to sign up for DraftKings Sportsbook?
Draftkings Illinois Bonus
If you are in a state where mobile sports betting is legalized, you can sign up for DraftKings Illinois Sportsbook using their app or website.
Why do DraftKings ask for my social security number?
DraftKings Sportsbook asks for your social security number (SSN) to verify your age and identity — a requirement of federal and state laws. All Illinois sports betting apps will require your SSN upon sign up.
Draftkings Illinois Promo
New Player $1,000 Sign Up Bonus
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