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You can't bet on Illinois schools like the Fighting Illini or Ramblers from Illinois regulated sites from within the state but you sure as Hell can using other popular brands like Bookmaker.eu. Those 18 and up from The Land of Lincoln are welcome to join Bookmaker and claim your welcome CASH bonus (max bonus $1600).
It's possible sites that just began operating from Illinois will at some point begin allowing bets on state schools. The situation in Illinois is constantly evolving.
Case in point, Governor J. B. Pritzker continues to permit individuals to register with state-based sites like Draftkings, FanDuel and BetRiver remotely. The actual legislation that passed required persons to visit a specified retail casino in order to start betting for real money via the mobile site. A two-year moratoream had been placed on remote registrations, but Covid-19 changed all that since casinos were shut down for some time and folks are still discouraged from visiting establishments that are non-essential.
Another change in the legal landscape came when once shunned Draftkings and FanDuel were permitted to operate after initially being placed on a two-year ban.
Now comes word that at least one lawmaker is looking to allow wagering on in-state schools. Could it have something to do with the University of Illinois Fighting Illinis having the 4th shortest odds to win the NCAA Tournament title this year? (for the $700 payout on a $100 bet).
Democrat Representative Mike Zalewski has a unique sales pitch, to say the least. A school can opt out of allowing books to take bets on their institution if they can prove their players are being harassed. Say what?
There is a reason wagers on in-state schools got scrapped from legislation prior to becoming law.
Illinois athletic directors like Josh Whitman strongly opposed allowing bets to be taken on his student athletes, following the framework first established by New Jersey lawmakers. Incidentally, NJ has its own dilemma with one of its schools rising from the ashes and suddenly making noise in this year's NCAA Tournament (Rutgers). As remarkable as this may seem, the Scarlet Knights will be participating in their first NCAA Men's College Basketball Tournament in 30 years.
It's not just about the Fighting Illini when it comes to the Prairie State. Loyola-Chicago is also in and promises a $4000 payout on a $100 bet should the Ramblers win. Just three years ago, they - and Sister Jean - were the tournament darlings.
Whether a change in law comes to fruition or not, one thing is certain: Illinois-based regulated sportsbooks will not be taking bets on any of the tournament games featuring either the Fighting Illini or Ramblers.
- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com
