The Fighting Illini football team is hard at work preparing for the upcoming 2026 season, so let's get our bets placed! Photo by Paolo Aldrighetti on Unsplash A football laying on a football fieldUnder Illinois Law, There's A Major Catch When It Comes To Betting On College TeamsIllinois' Sports Wagering Act specifically prohibits betting on in-state college teams, including the University of Illinois. The bottom line is that if you’re physically in Illinois, betting on the Illini is off-limits. So is betting on Northwestern University, Illinois State University, Northern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University, and every other Illinois college. You can't bet on (men's or women's):BaseballSoftballSoccerVolleyballLacrosseHockeyTennisGolfOr any other NCAA-sanctioned sport featuring an Illinois college or university.