Lightfoot: There Is ‘Zero Indication’ Stadium Sportsbooks Would Cannibalize Chicago Casino Revenue

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot does not endorse the idea that stadium financial sportsbooks decrease casino revenue.

Finally, there is progress on the city’s casino license project in Chicago, as there are now five bids to choose from. In mid-December, the companies will present their plans to the public.

Neil Bluhm, co-founder of Rush Street Gaming, is one of the individuals who have spoken out against the introduction of sportsbooks in Chicago stadiums due to concerns about overlapping customer bases.

This is not a fictional conversation, but rather a description of a gambler who not only participates in table games and slot machines, but also frequently wagers on sports. This segment makes up 20% of our business.

Lightfoot replied earlier this week, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Certain individuals who currently use sportsbooks are attempting to eliminate them in Chicago, but they have issued strict directives without providing any convincing evidence that their actions will have a negative impact on Chicago games. So far, there is no proof to support this claim.

Lightfoot went on:

There has been much debate from those with a vested interest in preventing sports teams from owning their own sportsbook. However, actions speak louder than words. I am more focused on tangible evidence and statistics.

According to the Sports Wagering Act, sporting venues throughout Illinois have the opportunity to seek sports betting certificates. While Lightfoot has expressed her support for this initiative, Chicago must additionally lift its prohibition on sports betting.

The city plans to announce the winner of the Chicago casino license by the first quarter of 2022, with two of the five bids coming from Bluhm’s Rush Street Gaming.

Hence, it is important to take note of the differences in opinion between the residents of Lightfoot and Bluhm.

casinos in Chicago stadiums

Chicago is poised to join the ranks of major US cities with stadium sportsbooks, following in the footsteps of others in the city. The decision to allow this was influenced by regulations put in place in 2019 to promote the growth of the gaming industry.

For stadium sportsbooks to be established, the city needs to pass an ordinance. Alderman Walter Burnett introduced a proposed ordinance in July to make this happen. The Chicago Cubs have already agreed to work with DraftKings to build a sportsbook at Wrigley Field. The United Center is also looking into opening a retail sportsbook, but they have not yet found a partner for the venture.

FanDuel is likely to become the eventual partner.

Bluhm, a prominent figure in the Illinois gaming industry, is against the introduction of stadium sportsbooks. The upcoming events will likely determine the extent of his influence.

Rush Street faces rivalry for the city’s game.

Bally’s and Hard Rock have also applied for the Chicago casino license. Bally’s bids are seen as the biggest competition for Rush Street in securing the license.

While there is a possibility that Hard Rock could be chosen, its likelihood seems lower compared to the other four options.

Is it possible that a public dispute between Bluhm and Lightfoot regarding a critical issue could improve Bally’s odds of securing the license?

The interactions between the mayor’s department, other entities, and the Bluhm home are intricate. Because of these strong ties, some people have recently believed that Rush Street would effortlessly obtain the certificate.

Leslie Bluhm, daughter of Neil Bluhm, is one of the top political contributors to Lightfoot. Speculation arose that no other bidders would compete for the license due to the perceived advantage of Rush Street.

This summer, Lightfoot felt the urge to chat with his favorite locals. Eventually, she announced:

I have been told that a brief conversation has occurred regarding this topic. The Request for Proposals (RFP) is open to all and there are no restrictions based on location. Our goal is to offer top-notch opportunities for individuals across the country who value the benefits of residing in a vibrant city like Chicago.

It will be intriguing to observe the progress of the Chicago casino’s development.