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While it is possible to bet the Fighting Illini from the Land of Lincoln in this year's March Madness tournament, one can only do so in-person using a state-operated app. There are other great options where you can place your bets remotely online at BetUS (now celebrating their 29th year in business). BetUS is licensed in the Dutch island of Curaçao, one of the largest online gambling hubs in the world.
Fighting Illini Knocked Out of Tournament
Illinois entered this year's March Madness with a 20-12 record straight up and a respectable 18-14 Against The Spread.
But the Fighting Illini came into their game versus Arkansas 3-9 Against The Spread in their last 12 neutral site games and 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall. Illinois lost 73-63.
Committing 17 turnovers didn't help matters either.
The Razorbacks were the most wagered on team Thursday at most books.
Fighting Illini March Madness History
Following an eight year absence from the Big Dance, Illinois returned in 2021 and this will mark their third straight appearance.
NCAA tournament runner-up
2005
NCAA tournament Final Four
1949, 1951, 1952, 1989, 2005
NCAA tournament Elite Eight
1942, 1949, 1951, 1952, 1963, 1984, 1989, 2001, 2005
NCAA tournament Sweet Sixteen
1951, 1952, 1963, 1981, 1984, 1985, 1989, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005
NCAA tournament appearances
1942, 1949, 1951, 1952, 1963, 1981, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2021, 2022, 2023
BetUS vs. In-State Illinois Apps
BetUS |
State Apps |
| No social security number necessary | Must provide social security number |
| Max welcome bonus $2500 | Max welcome bonus $1250 (Caesars) |
| Legal age 18 and up | Legal age 21 and up |
| Browser-based website betting | Energy draining apps |
| Anonymous betting and Bitcoin deposits, withdrawals available | Not anonymous, no crypto |
| Offers online casino gaming and horse racing, elections, Oscars, Drafts, novelty betting too | No online casino gaming |
| In-state college betting permitted | In-state college betting in person only |
| Will not report winnings | Sports bet winnings over $600 are subject to a 15% tax rate in Illinois and the state will withhold 25% of winnings for federal tax purposes. |
| Full remote registration | Full remote registration |
BetUS offers some great options that are comparible, if not better, to those of the state-regulated apps. "Regulated" should be placed in quotes as there have been countless documented issues with these apps in recent months - everything from crashing to account compromises - that have not been adequately addressed.
- Don Shapiro, Gambling911.com
