Chicago Original

BetRivers Illinois Review

BetRivers was the first online sportsbook to launch in Illinois (June 18, 2020) and remains tightly tied to Rivers Casino Des Plaines. The product is more conservative than DK/FD but the iRush Rewards loyalty unlocks at Rivers properties statewide, and the Chicago Bears partnership makes it the default for Bears fans.

Overall Rating4.6/5 ★
LaunchedJune 18, 2020 (first IL online)
PartnerRivers Casino Des Plaines
Per-Bet Fee$0.25 per wager
2nd Chance Bet up to $500
Bonus bet refund if first bet loses · BetRivers signature IL offer (Rivers Casino Des Plaines hometown brand) · valid through July 15, 2026
See Bonus Details →

Ratings Breakdown

overall
4.6
bonus
4.4
app
4.3
markets
4.4
odds
4.6
support
4.5

Pros

  • First-mover in Illinois — most retail integration
  • iRush Rewards loyalty + Rivers Casino tie-in
  • Chicago Bears official partner
  • Sharper than average on regional sports
  • $0.25 per-bet fee

Cons

  • App UX dated vs. DK/FD
  • Player prop depth limited on smaller sports
  • Live betting odds occasionally lag market
  • Welcome offer (2nd Chance up to $500) less generous than competitors

Key Specs

Parent Company
Rush Street Interactive (NYSE: RSI)
Retail Location
Rivers Casino Des Plaines (BetRivers Sportsbook)
Payment Methods
PayPal, Online Bank Transfer (ACH), Debit Card, Play+, Cash at Rivers
Min Deposit
$10
Min Bet
$1 (plus $0.25 per-bet fee)
Max Bet
Up to $10,000
Withdrawal Speed
24-72 hrs
App Rating
4.5★

Welcome Bonus

BetRivers' Illinois welcome is a 2nd Chance Bet up to $500. If your first cash wager loses, you get a single bonus bet equal to your loss, capped at $500. Single-chunk bonus bets are harder to clear than DraftKings' split-out $25 bonus bets.

Mobile App & UX

App rating: 4.5★ iOS / 4.2★ Android. Functional but feels a generation behind FanDuel. Bet slip and parlay tools are reliable; same-game parlay is single-game only (no cross-game).

Sports & Markets

All major US sports covered. Player props decent on NFL/NBA but thinner on NHL/MLB. Local college coverage (retail only).

Odds & Pricing

Pricing is competitive — often a half-point better than DK on regional markets. Same-game parlay margins are reasonable.

Banking & Payouts

$10 minimum deposit. PayPal/Play+ instant. ACH withdrawals 3-5 business days. Cash payouts available at Rivers Casino with valid ID.

Customer Support

24/7 live chat + phone. In-person support at Rivers Casino Des Plaines is the strongest in-state.

Promotions & Loyalty

iRush Rewards links online play with Rivers Casino visits. Points earn on every bet and convert to free play or comps at Rivers Des Plaines. Chicago Bears co-branded promotions run weekly during NFL season.

Verdict

BetRivers is the local hero — best for Chicagoland bettors who visit Rivers Casino or want a Bears-themed sportsbook. Best for: Bears fans, retail-online crossover users, Rivers Casino regulars.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did BetRivers launch in Illinois?

June 18, 2020 — the first online sportsbook to go live in the state.