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Illinois sportsbooks provide some of the best odds in the country, giving local bettors a wide range of options. Below are the top apps offering the most favorable odds and lines in Illinois.
Best apps for Illinois sports betting odds
In Illinois, sports bettors have access to top odds by using a variety of apps. Here are the leading apps for finding the best sports betting odds in the state.
Latest Illinois sportsbook odds: Moneyline, spread and totals
Managing the most up-to-date numbers from multiple sportsbooks can be time-consuming, but Play Illinois’ live odds feed streamlines this process. We collect the latest odds and lines from various operators and display them in real-time on our platform.
How Our Live Odds Feed Works
Our feed compiles up-to-the-minute live odds for today’s games in various major sports. The data is sourced directly from each sportsbook, ensuring that the numbers are an accurate reflection of what you would find if you were to visit each book individually.
We are pulling the data directly from a feed and constantly updating our platform in real-time. This guarantees that there are no delays that could cause you to miss any important information. The figures displayed on our platform will always match those shown on the sportsbook.
At the moment, we offer live odds for the following sports:
Our plan is to expand the feed in the near future by adding more sports. To switch between different sports, simply use the league name drop-down menu and choose the sport you want.
You can duplicate this process for any kind of bet by using the menu provided. During the offseason of a sport, the feed may be empty, but you can still make futures bets on that sport.
Additional details will be provided in our “futures” section below, as well as information on all other types of bets.
We suggest checking out our live odds feed page in the near future, as we will be adding futures odds to our upcoming updates.
When are Sports Betting Lines Released?
Sportsbooks release odds and lines for each game on the schedule, with varying release times. However, a standard rule can be followed to determine when they will be available.
The odds for regularly scheduled sports events such as NBA, MLB, NHL, and NCAA basketball should be made available the night before or on the morning of the game.
If you do not see the odds listed for a game scheduled on the same day, it means that the sportsbook has not yet released the line or has taken it down. This could happen if there are uncertainties about a key player’s availability, for example.
Football teams in the NFL and NCAA compete in weekly games, with odds for these matchups typically released well in advance. Sometimes, odds for future games are even announced as the current week’s games are wrapping up.
The NCAA football regular season week wraps up on Saturday, and odds for the following week’s games are typically available by Monday. The NFL week concludes with Monday Night Football.
As the Sunday slate comes to a close, odds and lines are usually visible by Monday or Tuesday at the latest. A delay in the line for an NFL or college football game indicates that the betting world is waiting for important information.
What Causes Sports Betting Lines to Change?
After sportsbooks release the odds, betting activity begins to increase, leading to frequent changes in the posted numbers. What is the reason for these fluctuations?
The occasional fluctuations in the numbers can primarily be attributed to betting activity, although unexpected events like sudden injuries or trades can also be a factor in causing shifts.
Basically, when most of the public money goes towards one outcome of a bet, it creates an imbalanced situation for the sportsbook. This poses a risk for operators and is not ideal.
In order to maintain equilibrium in the betting action, oddsmakers may make slight adjustments to the numbers. This involves increasing the appeal of the underdog while decreasing the attractiveness of the favorite. If this approach fails to achieve the desired outcome, they will continue to fine-tune the numbers until they achieve the ideal balance.
Ideally, sportsbooks strive to attract balanced action on both sides to ensure profitability regardless of the outcome due to the juice. However, if they show excessive bias and the public’s predictions are accurate, they may end up facing significant liabilities from numerous payouts.
The sports betting odds market can change quickly, especially for popular games with a lot of bets. It’s a good idea to compare prices to get the best deals before placing your bets. Our live odds feed makes this simple and fast for you.
Bet Types
Our live odds feed offers statistics on the three main betting categories for team sports available at the majority of sportsbooks.
- Moneyline
- Point spreads
- Totals
As you browse through the different betting options and their corresponding odds, remember that these numbers are constantly being updated by the operators in real-time. It’s important to note that these odds can fluctuate based on market conditions, so they may vary if you check back later.
Once you have chosen a number that interests you, simply hover over the odds for the matchup to reveal a “Bet Now” button for quick betting.
By clicking on the link, you will be directed to a new page where you can create an account with the sportsbook. Additionally, by using our special link to sign up, you will receive a generous bonus.
How Do Odds Work?
There are a wide variety of options available on the sports betting menu, with matches happening almost constantly, providing numerous betting opportunities for each game.
With that being said, the three main types of bets we previously talked about are the main drivers of activity at online sportsbooks and apps. Now, let’s explore further what you need to know about them.
Moneyline betting
The moneyline bet is one of the simplest wagers to understand. All you have to do is pick the team you think will win the game and place your bet. This type of bet can be used for all the main team sports and works the same way in each of them.
The moneyline odds provide instant insight into which team is the favorite and which team is the underdog in the game. Negative numbers signify the favored side, while positive odds indicate the underdog side.
This is an illustration of what a moneyline listing resembles:
- Detroit Red Wings +140
- Chicago Blackhawks -120
This illustration shows that the Blackhawks are the expected winners against the Red Wings based on the odds. A small difference in the numbers indicates a close game may be on the horizon. Conversely, a large gap in the odds suggests bookmakers see a clear mismatch between the two teams.
One way to calculate potential earnings from moneyline bets is by simply analyzing the odds. Here is a straightforward method to help you do so.
The negative favorite number represents the wager amount needed to potentially win $100. For instance, in the previous example, a $120 bet on the Blackhawks could result in a $100 profit.
The underdog sees a positive number as the potential return on a $100 winning bet. For example, if $100 was bet on the Red Wings and they won, the profit would be $140.
Point spread betting
Point spread betting is a popular practice in football and basketball, but there are variations for other sports as well. For example, in baseball it is known as a run line, often set at 1.5 runs. Likewise, in hockey it is called a puck line, usually set at 1.5 goals.
Spreads can range from just one point for a close game to more than ten points for a clear mismatch. You have the option to bet on the favorite by subtracting the points or on the underdog by adding them.
In order for your bet to win, the team you choose must win by more than the spread. Here is an example of how a typical game listing may look:
- The New York Giants have odds of -110 and are favored by 2.5 points.
- Detroit Lions -2.5 (-110)
The Lions are favored by 2.5 points in this scenario, meaning they must win by at least 3 points to cover the spread. On the other hand, if the Giants keep the margin to 2 points or less, or even win the game, they would cover the spread.
The odds for the bet can be found next to the spread. Most operators start with -110 on both sides for spread bets, but the odds may change based on market activity. A successful $100 bet at -110 odds would yield a profit of around $90.90.
Totals (over/under) betting
The totals bet is popular for team sports and involves predicting the total number of points that will be scored in the game.
Oddsmakers set a benchmark number for bettors to predict if the total points scored will be higher or lower than that figure. In sports like MLB and NHL, which tend to have lower scores, the totals are usually single digits, such as 5.5 or 8.5.
Football scores frequently reach numbers in the double digits, such as 39.5 or 52.5, while basketball scores typically go into the triple digits, like 192.5 or 211.5. This is how the over/under section of an NBA odds listing looks on online sportsbooks and apps.
- Over 204.5 (-110)
- Under 204.5 (-110)
In this scenario, individuals who wager on the over are anticipating a total of 205 points or higher, whereas those who bet on the under are rooting for a final score of 204 points or lower.
The starting point for these bets, such as spreads, is usually set at -110, but it can change based on the amount of betting activity.
How Do I Calculate Sports Betting Payouts?
As you gain more knowledge in sports betting, you will begin to grasp the potential returns based on the odds. Sportsbooks also display the potential return when you enter bet amounts on the betting slip.
Nevertheless, it is still advantageous to understand the mathematics behind it. As we have demonstrated before, the moneyline is straightforward.
- Negative odds represent the amount required to be wagered in order to win $100. If the odds are -140, a bet of $140 must be placed to potentially receive a $100 return.
- Positive odds represent the potential profit you stand to make from a $100 bet. For example, betting $100 at +120 odds would result in a $120 profit.
Normally, spreads and totals have negative odds. Just keep in mind that when the number is -110, you can expect to receive around $90 as a return.
After that point, things may get complicated, but we have formulas to help us find the solution.
Profit Potential = Bet Amount / (Odds / -100)
Example:
The equation $100/(-140/-100)$ can be simplified to $100/1.4, which equals $71.43. Thus, the potential profit is $71.43.
To calculate potential profit, multiply the bet amount by the odds and then divide by 100.
Example:
$100*(+120/100) is equivalent to $100*1.2, which equals $120. This means that the potential profit is $120.
While it’s helpful to comprehend the mathematics involved in betting, there are many online betting calculators easily accessible on the internet.
More betting lines and odds
As mentioned before, our live odds feed will be enhanced with additional features in the future. There are multiple alternative ways to place bets on games that are currently not available. Let’s examine the key types of bets that you should seek out on any online sportsbook or app.
Futures betting
Futures markets revolve around outcomes that will be determined at a later date. They cover a wide range of major sports, with popular bets often placed on season champions and other forthcoming results.
- Upcoming forecasts for the NFL: Super Bowl champions, MVP, and beyond.
- Predictions for the NBA Finals, Rookie of the Year, and other NBA awards.
- Upcoming events in MLB: World Series, Cy Young Award, and more.
- NHL Futures: Stanley Cup, Hart Trophy, and More
- Future prospects in NCAA Football: National Championship and Heisman Trophy.
- Predictions for the NCAA basketball tournament include the Final Four teams and the Player of the Year.
During the offseason, futures odds are released for various sports. Many key markets are available year-round. With mostly positive odds, it’s easy to calculate potential payouts. For example, a $100 bet at +250 would result in a $250 profit.
Prop betting
Additional bets, known as props, can be placed on individual games. These wagers are typically popular, with interest spiking during major events such as the Super Bowl. Sportsbooks often release hundreds of props for this significant event.
In an average game, you can expect to come across numerous opportunities, with many focusing on player accomplishments.
- Will Jared Goff throw more than 2.5 touchdown passes?
- Will Dylan Larkin score a goal in the game? Answer with yes or no.
- In the game, who will amass more hits and walks: Miguel Cabrera or Jose Abreu?
Props can also be determined by game or team circumstances, such as predicting which team will have more rushing yards or if the game will go into overtime.
Live (in game) betting
This pertains to the quickly growing segment of the sports betting industry known as live betting. With live betting, you have the opportunity to place bets while the game is ongoing. Despite the fast-changing odds and markets, providers offer tools to help you stay updated on the action.
Betting live on sports through sportsbook apps is a fun and easy experience for users. These apps are popular for allowing users to watch the game and place bets on their device at the same time. Live betting options can vary, but some common ones include:
- Revised odds for moneyline, point spreads, and over/under totals.
- Betting on quarters and halves
- Real-time player prop wagers
The odds will be influenced by what is happening in the game. Those who can accurately assess shifts in momentum and player performance may use this knowledge to their advantage in live betting.
Parlay betting
Parlays, a popular choice among legal sportsbooks, are wagers that enable you to combine multiple outcomes on a single betting slip. Though the potential payouts can be substantial, winning parlays can be difficult as all picks need to be correct.
For example, imagine you were confident in these three NFL moneyline bets:
- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are favored with -160 odds over the Chicago Bears.
- The Carolina Panthers are expected to win against the Atlanta Falcons, with odds of +110 in their favor.
- The Los Angeles Rams have a -360 odds of winning against the Washington Football Team.
You can choose to place individual bets on each game or combine all three bets on one slip to potentially earn a higher return. The parlay odds will be determined by the outcomes of the individual games.
Once the games are added to the slip, the sportsbook will display the total odds for the parlay. In this case, the odds for the three-team parlay from our example games are +597.
If you bet $20 at odds of +597 and all three teams win, you would win $119.40. This shows how appealing parlays can be.
In simpler terms, keep in mind that sportsbooks depend greatly on parlay bets to make a profit. While they can result in winnings, it’s important to stay within your budget and not overspend.
Teaser/pleaser betting
Teaser and pleaser bets, commonly seen in football and basketball wagering, offer bettors more control over the point spread but can be quite intricate. These bets are often made by combining multiple games.
You have the authority to modify the spreads on select games, typically centered around key numbers such as 6 points in football or 4 points in basketball. When using a teaser, these points can help reduce the spread. For example, if you prefer the top two favorites on an NFL schedule:
- The Pittsburgh Steelers are leading the Philadelphia Eagles by 7 points.
- The Dallas Cowboys are predicted to win against the New York Giants by a margin of 9.5 points.
You are leaning towards the two top contenders to win, but the wide spreads are causing concern about covering. In this scenario, using a 6-point teaser could be a good choice, as it would enable you to decrease the spread on both games by that amount.
The result will be as follows:
- The Pittsburgh Steelers have a 1-point advantage over the Philadelphia Eagles in their upcoming matchup according to oddsmakers.
- The Dallas Cowboys are currently leading the New York Giants by 3.5 points.
Naturally, the payout from sportsbooks will differ depending on the number of points used, as they will adjust accordingly. Conversely, the pleaser bet functions in the opposite way, with the spread moving in the opposite direction.
With our selected teams, the spreads would now be displayed as follows:
- The Pittsburgh Steelers are predicted to win by a 13-point margin against the Philadelphia Eagles.
- The Dallas Cowboys are ahead of the New York Giants by 15.5 points.
Although it may be intimidating to cover such large numbers, betting on blowouts could make this type of wager more reasonable. The sportsbook will adjust the payout based on the pleaser, which should be more favorable to you given the additional risk involved.
How do Illinois Odds Compare to Vegas Odds?
Las Vegas used to dominate legal sports betting in the US for years, but that is no longer the case. More states, such as Illinois, have now legalized sports betting.
During Sin City’s reign, bookmakers held the authority over betting lines. However, the current landscape shows a slight shift. The experts in the desert still possess exceptional skills and utilize extensive data and precise algorithms to determine statistics, earning them well-deserved acknowledgment.
In summary, sports betting operators in legal states are providing odds comparable to those found in Las Vegas. Despite potential variations due to market activity, local bookmakers are typically reliable in their offerings.
In conclusion, it’s okay to take a moment to consider Vegas’ perspective on a game. However, you can trust that you’ll find similar odds right here at home.
Odds FAQ
Sports betting lines often change after they are first released, mostly due to the amount of bets being placed. When most of the money is being bet on one side, sportsbooks will adjust the numbers to even out the bets.
Oddsmakers heavily rely on extensive data, computer algorithms, and various resources to set lines. As a result, it can be difficult to accurately align with the sportsbooks’ predictions. Experienced handicappers often create their own power rankings to help determine a fair point spread. Additionally, there are numerous online power ranking systems that are accessible for free.
The implied probability of an outcome in sports betting can be determined by analyzing the odds ratio, which is calculated based on specific formulas that vary depending on the trend of the numbers.
- Negative odds: Odds/(Odds+100)*100
- Positive odds: 100/(Odds+100)*100
By observing the patterns in the formulas for negative and positive numbers, you’ll notice that negative numbers begin with odds while positive numbers always start with 100. After practicing these formulas multiple times, you’ll see that they are not as difficult as they initially appear. In fact, they can help improve your understanding of probability and potential outcomes.
There is no clear-cut answer to this question. If a survey were conducted among a large group of bettors, we would probably receive a variety of responses. In general, football odds markets are typically efficient because of the significant time gap between when the odds are released and the actual game time. Sports that are played more frequently may show more variability. Ultimately, it depends on your level of comfort with the specific sport. For the best odds, remember to regularly check the most up-to-date figures through our live odds feed.
The oddsmaker, who leads the team responsible for setting the odds at sportsbooks, relies on detailed data, computer programs, and specialized algorithms to determine the odds. Once the calculations are finalized, the odds are released to the public. Changes to the odds and lines may occur as bets are placed, based on where the majority of the wagers are coming from.
In essence, betting odds reflect the likelihood of a specific outcome. The team or player favored by the odds is expected to win, while the underdog is seen as less likely to come out on top. Despite this, unexpected upsets can occur in sports due to their unpredictable nature. Sportsbooks use advanced methods to calculate these odds, with specialized teams dedicated to this process. It is important to take the odds provided by reputable, legal sources seriously as they provide important insights for bettors.