Illinois sports betting is flourishing, giving Prairie State bettors the ability to wager on a wide range of sports through online platforms and apps. While bets can be placed on popular leagues like the NFL and MLB, as well as college sports, there is one restriction: mobile betting on Illinois college teams is not permitted.

With that being said, you can now wager at physical sportsbooks in person. Nevertheless, the ban on online betting will continue until at least 2025.

There are many other college football teams available for betting, so the decrease in bets on the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Northwestern Wildcats may not be very noticeable. Thanks to sportsbook apps being available online, placing bets has become extremely convenient, with a wide variety of games and betting options to choose from.

NCAA Football Live Odds

Below are the live NCAAF game lines and future odds available at online sportsbooks in Illinois. Click on any odds to be taken directly to the sportsbook where you can secure bonus bets or bonuses and place your NCAA football wager. Use the drop-down menu to switch between point spreads, moneylines, and total odds.

If you can’t see the team you want to bet on, check the full live odds board under “NCAAF.”

How does college football betting work?

College football has become extremely popular among sports bettors, second only to the NFL in terms of annual bets placed. A full lineup of games every Saturday keeps fans engaged throughout the season.

You must be at least 21 years old and located within state boundaries to legally bet on college football. However, mobile betting on college teams from Illinois, also known as the Prairie State, is not allowed. Therefore, it is against the law to wager on teams from universities in Illinois.

• Eastern Illinois
• Illinois State
• Northwestern
• Northern Illinois
• Southern Illinois
• University of Illinois
• Western Illinois

It is against the law in Illinois to place mobile bets on Division II teams such as McKendree and Quincy universities, as well as any of the 18 Division III schools.

You are able to wager on these teams at brick-and-mortar sportsbooks, but online betting is not permitted.

How to read college football odds

Always make sure you understand the basics of college football betting before placing any bets.

There are a variety of betting options to choose from for every game on the NCAA football schedule, but the most common bets include point spreads, moneylines, and totals (over/under).

When looking at college football odds, each game will usually include the game schedule, the teams playing, the point spread, the moneyline, and the total.

Team	Point Spread	Moneyline	Total
Ohio State	-7.5	-300	43
Michigan	+7.5	+150	43

 

In this situation, Ohio State is projected to win by 7.5 points. The moneyline bet is at -300, with the over/under set at 43.

To win a bet on the Buckeyes with the point spread, they must win their game by a minimum of eight points. For instance, a final score of 35-21 would be a successful bet, while a score like 35-28 would result in a loss.

Another option is to place a moneyline bet on the team you predict will win. For instance, if you bet $100 on Ohio State and they are victorious, you would receive $133.33 in total – your original $100 bet and an extra $33.33 in winnings. Conversely, if you wagered the same amount on Michigan and they win, your total payout would be $250, consisting of your initial $100 bet and $150 in winnings.

If you choose the over/under bet, you must predict if the total score of both teams will exceed or fall below 43 points.

So, in the event of a 21-20 nail-biter finish, those who bet the under will come out on top. If the final score is 24-20, then the over bettors will be the winners. However, if the game ends in a 22-21 score, it will result in a “push.” This means that neither side wins or loses, and the sportsbook will refund your bet.

How to shop for the best lines at IL sportsbooks

The key to reaching your full potential as a gambler is thorough research and preparation.

Having a comprehensive understanding of various team dynamics, beyond just looking at statistics, can give you a competitive edge. It is essential to consistently search for the most favorable betting lines as a key component of your overall betting strategy.

Each sportsbook sets its own betting lines. For example, if the Florida State Seminoles are playing against Georgia, a sportsbook such as FanDuel may have the moneyline odds at -120 for Georgia and +135 for Florida State based on your prediction after conducting research.

Upon further investigation, it appears that Caesars Sportsbook is offering Georgia at -120 and Florida at +150 for the same game. With a higher return on investment at Caesars, it would be more advantageous to place your bet on a Seminoles’ victory there.

Sometimes, you might see adjustments in the betting odds at a sportsbook you previously looked into. For example, let’s look at the college football game between Georgia and Florida State. Initially, the betting lines were -120 for Georgia and +135 for FSU at FanDuel. But, after news broke that Georgia’s starting quarterback got hurt in practice, the odds could change to Georgia at -110 and FSU at +120.

The odds have shifted for a few reasons. Bookmakers have adjusted their prediction, suggesting the game will be more closely contested than originally thought. While they may still favor Georgia, their confidence has wavered. Additionally, heavy public betting on one team can influence the odds to prevent the sportsbook from incurring losses. Ultimately, these changes serve as a reminder that sports betting is a business.

What’s the difference between betting on college football and NFL?

Mainly, the move from collegiate football to professional leagues does not drastically change the game. While there may be slight differences in rules, the core essence of the sport remains the same. Additionally, the betting format remains consistent throughout the transition.

Nevertheless, there are disparities between the two tiers regarding the variety of teams, media exposure, on-field performance, and the manner in which sportsbooks establish odds.

The NCAA football landscape is divided into two main divisions: the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) with 130 teams and the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) with 127 teams. Additionally, there are 32 teams competing in the NFL, not counting the teams in Division II and lower divisions.

Simple calculations show that there are more weekly college games, making them popular on legal sportsbook apps and websites. However, the NFL garners the most attention from both bettors and the media. Although the NCAA remains competitive, the NFL’s significant influence is unparalleled.

This does not mean that college football has fewer fans, but rather that fan interest is not evenly spread among teams like it is in the NFL.

Additionally, college football typically sees lower betting activity compared to professional football. This is primarily because of the prevalence of uneven matchups, higher error rates in games, and the frequent turnover of players on college rosters.

Having fewer uncertainties makes betting with confidence easier. In the NFL, surprise stars don’t often emerge, while freshmen can shine in college games. Bettors tend to focus on teams with returning experienced players.

In college football betting, you can expect to see wider spreads caused by disparities between teams. By conducting thorough research, you may find more favorable betting lines that could lead to potential opportunities.

How to bet on college football in Illinois

As more sportsbooks open in Illinois, there will be an expansion of betting locations. It is important to compare the odds for the games you intend to wager on and conduct thorough research before placing any bets.

What are the different types of bets you can place on college football? Let’s break down the four main types of bets and give an example of each.

Moneyline

Moneyline betting is the most straightforward type of wagering where you simply need to pick the team you believe will win a game. For example:

Team	Moneyline
South Florida	+540
Memphis	-910

It appears that the books are predicting a lopsided match, with Memphis expected to dominate. The odds heavily favor Memphis, making it likely to be a one-sided contest. A $910 bet on Memphis winning would result in a $1,010 payout, while a $100 bet on South Florida causing an upset would net you $640 in total – your original bet plus $540 in winnings.

Point spread

In this type of bet, oddsmakers assign a number to indicate the team they expect to win and by how much. To win the bet, you must choose the team that you think will exceed the predicted margin. For example:

College Team	Point Spread
Nebraska	+3.5 (-108)
Wisconsin	-3.5 (-102)

Oddsmakers are predicting a close game between Wisconsin and Nebraska, with Wisconsin expected to win by just over 3.5 points. As a bettor, it’s your decision whether you think the game will be closer than anticipated. If you believe Wisconsin will win by more than 3.5 points and place a $100 point spread bet, a correct prediction could earn you $198.04, giving you a profit of $98.04. However, if Nebraska wins or loses by less than 3.5 points, you would lose both your bet and stake.

Totals

When it comes to totals, or over/unders, oddsmakers set a number that they believe will be the total score of both teams in a game. As a college football bettor, you must determine if the teams will score more or less than this predicted total. For instance:

College Team	Over/Under
Wyoming	54 (-110)
Colorado State	54 (-110)

After analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of each team’s offense and defense, you must decide whether the total score will exceed 54 points. If you believe defense will be the key factor, betting on the under would be wise. Conversely, if you think both teams will excel offensively and struggle defensively, an over bet may be more appropriate. In either case, a winning $100 bet will result in a $190.91 return, including your initial bet and a profit of $90.91.

Futures

A futures bet is when you place a wager on an upcoming event, such as predicting the winner of a national championship or the Heisman Trophy. You can find NCAA football odds at your favorite sportsbook and make your bet based on your predictions. For example, let’s take a look at the odds for the 2021 Heisman Trophy.

Spencer Rattler (Oklahoma quarterback)	+800
DJ Uiagalelei (Clemson quarterback)	+1100
JT Daniels (Georgia quarterback)	+1200
Bryce Young (Alabama quarterback)	+1200

It is evident that all the options for this futures bet have favorable odds, with lower numbers signaling the favorites. While futures bets necessitate thorough research, it is common for fans to make bets based on instinct at the beginning of the season.

The lines on futures bets can change often during the season, and betting odds for college football events like the national championship are usually posted soon after the previous season ends. Making futures wagers requires accurate predictions; if someone other than your chosen Heisman winner receives the award, you will lose your bet.

Sportsbook rules for betting college football

Keep in mind that every sportsbook has unique wagering rules. Therefore, it is important to carefully review the terms and conditions before placing any bets.

When wagering on NCAA football, it is important to adhere to certain standard guidelines.

• Once 55 minutes of play have elapsed, a football game becomes official. If the game ends before reaching this time limit, it is classified as “no action” or a “cancel,” resulting in all bets being refunded and no payouts being issued to winners.
• When betting on point spreads, moneylines, or totals, any scoring that occurs during overtime will be included in the final outcome.
• Bets placed during the second half of the game, including overtime scores, will be counted. But overtime scores will not be considered for bets placed during the fourth quarter.
• All games must take place on the scheduled date and at the designated location.

Nevertheless, these rules are not absolute, so it is crucial to take into consideration any specific regulations set by individual sportsbooks prior to making a wager.

How to watch or stream NCAAF games in Illinois

For most people, it’s not feasible to have the right mix of cable channels to satisfy their craving for live college football.

What are some options for watching or streaming NCAA football games in Illinois? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Broadcast television typically airs college football games each week, allowing viewers to watch for free with a modern TV antenna.
2. Apps: Can they solve all your problems? If you want to watch college football on your phone, then yes, they can. The WatchESPN app is compatible with Android, iOS, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, and more. Since ESPN and its affiliated channels air over 80% of college football games, you’ll have plenty of choices. You can also download apps specifically for the ACC, Big Ten, PAC 12, and SEC if you want to keep up with specific conferences.
3. Watch live college sports with a monthly subscription service featuring games and events from 100+ schools. Enjoy a variety of sports beyond just college football, accessible on your computer or through an app on Android, iOS, or Roku devices.
4. Although radio broadcasts have been around for a while, many stations now provide free online streaming, making it easier to follow your favorite teams by tuning in to their affiliated radio station. There is a special charm in listening to the play-by-play and color commentators over the speakers while visualizing the game unfolding.

NCAA football teams in Illinois

Even though online betting on college football games involving Illinois teams is prohibited by law, you can still show your support for them and there are numerous teams to choose from.

Here is a list of NCAA football teams and the conferences they belong to:

Team	Championship Subdivision	Conference
Eastern Illinois Panthers	FCS	Missouri Valley
Illinois Fighting Illini	FBS	Big Ten
Illinois State Redbirds	FCS	Missouri Valley
Northern Illinois Huskies	FBS	MAC
Northwestern Wildcats	FBS	Big Ten
Southern Illinois Salukis	FCS	Missouri Valley
Western Illinois Leathernecks	FCS	Missouri Valley
McKendree Bearcats	DII	Great Lakes Valley
Quincy Hawks	DII	Great Lakes Valley
Augustana Vikings	DIII	CCIW
Aurora Spartans	DIII	Northern
Benedictine Eagles	DIII	Northern
Chicago Maroons	DIII	Midwest
Concordia Cougars	DIII	Northern
Elmhurst Bluejays	DIII	CCIW
Eureka Red Devils	DIII	Northern
Greenville Panthers	DIII	UMAC
Illinois College Blueboys	DIII	Midwest
Illinois Wesleyan Titans	DIII	CCIW
Knox Prairie Fire	DIII	Midwest
Lake Forest Foresters	DIII	Midwest
Millikin Big Blue	DIII	CCIW
Monmouth Fighting Scots	DIII	Midwest
North Central Cardinals	DIII	CCIW
North Park Vikings	DIII	CCIW
Rockford Regents	DIII	Northern
Wheaton Thunder	DIII	CCIW

Biggest rivalries in Illinois college football

Illinois has several exciting rivalries that keep college football fans on the edge of their seats.

• The Illinois vs. Northwestern series dates back to 1892 and has seen 114 matchups. Illinois currently holds a slight lead in the series at 55-54-5. The teams now play for the Land of Lincoln Trophy, but from 1947 to 2008, they competed for the Sweet Sioux Tomahawk.
• The feud between Illinois and Purdue has been ongoing since 1890. In the 96 games they have played against each other, both teams have emerged victorious 45 times and tied in 6 matches.
• The Illibuck Trophy has been contested by the Illinois and Ohio State teams since 1902, making it the second oldest trophy awarded in a Big Ten rivalry game. Despite a brief period of success for Illinois in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Buckeyes have largely dominated the competition. Currently, Ohio State leads the series with a record of 68-30-4, much to the dismay of Illini fans.

Is college football betting legal in Illinois?

After two years of legislative efforts, betting on college football in Illinois was legalized in 2019. The bill was signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker.

The first legal sports bet made in person took place at Rivers Casino Des Plaines on March 9, 2020. Following this milestone, BetRivers Sportsbook Illinois introduced the first online betting app on June 18, 2020.

It is legal to bet on collegiate sports, but betting on certain NCAA teams within the state using a mobile device is prohibited.