As of my last update in early 2023, betting on Illinois teams within the state of Illinois is subject to certain regulations due to the state’s sports betting laws. Illinois legalized sports betting in June 2019 with the passage of House Bill 1939, and the first retail sportsbooks opened in March 2020.
Under Illinois sports betting regulations, there is a so-called “Action on Illinois” rule, which allows betting on Illinois professional sports teams but with some restrictions. Here are the key points regarding betting on Illinois teams in Illinois:
1. **Professional Teams**: Bettors can place wagers on Illinois professional sports teams, such as the Chicago Bears (NFL), Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox (MLB), Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks (NBA and NHL), and the Chicago Fire FC (MLS).
2. **College Teams**: Betting on Illinois college teams is generally prohibited. This includes teams from universities like the University of Illinois, Northwestern University, and others based in the state.
3. **Prop Bets**: While straight bets on the outcome of games are allowed, certain types of prop bets (proposition bets) related to Illinois teams may be restricted, particularly those that could be influenced by individual player performance.
4. **In-Game Betting**: In-game or live betting on Illinois teams may also be subject to restrictions.
It’s important to note that the laws and regulations regarding sports betting can change, and operators must comply with the Illinois Gaming Board’s rules. Sportsbooks in Illinois are required to have a license and operate within the legal framework set by the state.
For the most current information and specific details on what types of bets are allowed on Illinois teams, it would be best to check the latest Illinois sports betting laws or consult with a legal expert in the state. Additionally, the sportsbooks themselves will have their own terms and conditions that bettors must adhere to when placing wagers.