Will Barstool Sportsbook, More Operators Launch In Illinois In Time For The Super Bowl?

Illinois currently hosts five wireless casinos, and it has been that way since the middle of September.

It’s somewhat unexpected that we haven’t seen a new sportsbook launch since that time, considering that Illinois was ranked as the fourth biggest sports betting market in the US in October. The revenue figures for November could potentially push IL into the third position.

Operators undoubtedly prioritize it. So, when will the record lengthen?

It is known that at least three operators – Barstool, BetMGM & nbsp, and Unibet – are planning to launch in 2021.

With Jumer’s Casino & Hotel applying for a retail sports betting license, it’s probable that we’ll see Bally’s in Illinois at some point.

Let’s concentrate on the Unibet sportsbook, Barstool, and the BetMGM sportsbook app in Illinois for now.

We are conscious of Here & rsquo and also potential hurdles that may obstruct our path.

Barstool Sportsbook Illinois did debut when?

Sources indicate that Barstool aims to be operational in Illinois for March Madness betting, but it may not be ready in time for the Super Bowl.

Penn National Gaming now possesses a Management Services Provider license, but this does not necessarily guarantee that it will be.

Barstool is expected to initiate financial casinos at one or both Hollywood Casinos in Aurora and Joliet. Both these casinos are under the ownership of Penn, which also grants access to the El industry.

Currently, the Barstool online sportsbook is only live in Pennsylvania and Michigan.

Anticipate it turning into a significant contender once it launches in Illinois. Chicago boasts a large and engaged Barstool fan base, and since there are presently only five website operators, the market isn’t as crowded as in some states.

When did Illinois’ BetMGM Sportsbook debut?

BetMGM applied for a Management Services Provider license on September 4, but the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) has not made a decision yet.

The situation at BetMGM is complex. It initially seemed as if it couldn’t financially enter the business unless it partnered with a professional sports team.

Then, FanDuel announced that it was moving its primary sports betting license to Fairmount Park, thereby leaving Par-A-Dice Casino available.

Consequently, BetMGM and Par-A-Dice may soon team up. However, until this happens, the transfer of FanDuel & rsquo’s license to Fairmount Park is still not confirmed, preventing BetMGM from operating.

FanDuel has announced its intention to continue managing the retail sportsbook at Par-A-Dice. However, according to Illinois law, every entity is only permitted to have one mobile skin. Therefore, theoretically, BetMGM could potentially secure the mobile license once it becomes available.

We anticipate that the transfer of FanDuel’s license will be completed in the coming months, following its announcement in November.

Pending approval from IGB, that is when BetMGM should be able to launch.

When does Illinois’ Unibet Sportsbook debut?

The situation is simpler with Unibet.

The relationship faces no hurdles as it involves a financial partnership with Argosy Casino Alton.

Unibet applied for a Management Services Provider registration on November 16. Its use can commence as soon as it gets approval from the IGB.

Manuel Stan, the Senior Vice President of Kindred US, informed Play Illinois in October that Unibet was planning to launch in Illinois in early 2021. It seems that they are on track for this schedule.

Unibet is currently established in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Additionally, it plans to launch soon in Iowa.

Where in Illinois is you place a Super Bowl wager?

Despite the appearance that Illinois residents won’t be able to place bets on the Super Bowl through Barstool, BetMGM or Unibet, there are presently five mobile betting options available in Illinois. These include:

• DraftKings
• BetRivers
• FanDuel
• PointsBet
• William Hill

According to the latest earnings statement, DraftKings, the most popular among those casinos, received $141.4 million in wagers in October.

Nonetheless, it appears that some major players are adopting the method. It will also be intriguing to observe how they stack up against the current market leaders once they arrive in Illinois.