Will Barstool Sportsbook, More Operators Launch In Illinois In Time For The Super Bowl?
Illinois has been home to five wireless casinos since mid-September.
Given Illinois’ ranking as the fourth largest sports betting market in the US in October, it is surprising that we have not seen a new sportsbook launch since then. The revenue numbers for November could potentially propel Illinois into the third spot.
Operators prioritize it without a doubt. When can we expect the record to be extended?
Three operators, including Barstool, BetMGM, and Unibet, are expected to launch in 2021.
It is likely that Bally’s will be seen in Illinois in the future, with Jumer’s Casino & Hotel applying for a retail sports betting license.
For now, let’s focus on the Unibet sportsbook, Barstool, and the BetMGM sportsbook app in Illinois.
We are aware of the challenges and obstacles that may impede our progress.
Barstool Sportsbook Illinois did debut when?
Sources suggest that Barstool is targeting to launch its operations in Illinois in time for March Madness betting, but it is uncertain if it will be ready before the Super Bowl.
Penn National Gaming currently holds a Management Services Provider license, but that does not automatically ensure that it will maintain possession of it.
Barstool is planning to launch financial casinos at either Hollywood Casino in Aurora or Joliet, both of which are owned by Penn and have access to the El industry.
As of now, the Barstool online sportsbook is operational in Pennsylvania and Michigan exclusively.
Once it launches in Illinois, anticipate it becoming a major competitor. Chicago has a strong and active Barstool fan base, and with only five website operators currently in the market, it is not as saturated as in other states.
When did Illinois’ BetMGM Sportsbook debut?
BetMGM submitted an application for a Management Services Provider license on September 4, however, the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) has yet to reach a decision on the matter.
The situation at BetMGM is intricate. At first, it appeared that they would be unable to enter the business without forming a partnership with a professional sports team due to financial constraints.
FanDuel has announced that it will be relocating its main sports betting license to Fairmount Park, which will now leave Par-A-Dice Casino open for other opportunities.
As a result, BetMGM and Par-A-Dice are likely to form a partnership in the near future. However, the transfer of FanDuel’s license to Fairmount Park is still pending, which is currently hindering BetMGM from commencing operations.
FanDuel has confirmed that they will continue to operate the retail sportsbook at Par-A-Dice. However, under Illinois law, each entity is limited to one mobile skin. This means that BetMGM could potentially obtain the mobile license in the future.
We expect the transfer of FanDuel’s license to be finalized in the upcoming months, after it was announced in November.
Once IGB approval is received, BetMGM will be able to launch.
When does Illinois’ Unibet Sportsbook debut?
Things are easier with Unibet.
There are no obstacles in the relationship, as it is a financial partnership with Argosy Casino Alton.
Unibet submitted an application for a Management Services Provider registration on November 16. It can begin utilizing the registration once it receives approval from the IGB.
Manuel Stan, Senior Vice President of Kindred US, notified Play Illinois in October that Unibet was gearing up to launch in Illinois in early 2021. It appears that they are staying on schedule for this rollout.
Unibet is currently operating in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey with plans to soon launch in Iowa.
Where in Illinois is you place a Super Bowl wager?
While it may seem like Illinois residents won’t have access to Super Bowl betting through Barstool, BetMGM, or Unibet, there are actually five mobile betting options currently available in the state. These options include:
DraftKings, the most popular casino, received $141.4 million in wagers in October, as reported in the latest earnings statement.
However, it seems that some significant players are starting to embrace the approach. It will be interesting to see how they compare to the current market leaders when they enter Illinois.
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