Will BetMGM Come To Illinois? FanDuel-Fairmount Deal Could Be Invite In Disguise

It was significant reports in and of itself when Fairmount Park changed its name to FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing.

However, a seemingly uninteresting part of the deal could significantly influence the sports betting scene in Illinois.

FanDuel has declared it will move its sports betting license from Par-A-Dice Casino to the horse track, as reported to Play Illinois by a spokesperson. Despite this, it will still manage the Par-A-Dice retail sportsbook. However, each entity is only permitted one mobile skin in Illinois.

Therefore, if FanDuel Sportsbook is transferring its mobile license to the horse track, it implies that the mobile license associated with Par-A-Dice would become available.

Does a new controller seize the opportunity?

BetMGM appears to be a reasonable fit.

On Sept. 4, BetMGM submitted an application for a sports betting license in Illinois, which is still under review.

What’s intriguing is that BetMGM doesn’t have a clear route into the market. To bypass the 18-month “penalty box”, operators need to collaborate with a land-based casino, racetrack, or sports venue.

Unless other sports franchises emulate the Chicago Cubs by launching an in-stadium sportsbook, there aren’t many options left across the state.

Regarding Illinois casinos, four out of the 10 have significant partnerships with sports betting entities.

• DraftKings
• William Hill
• BetRivers
• Unibet

Once it exists, Barstool will likely be used at one of the Hollywood games.

Once ready to offer sports betting, Jumer’s Casino & Hotel is likely to incorporate some form of Bally’s branding, following Twin River’s transformation into Bally’s.

This means that the remaining options are Hollywood Casino, Harrah’s Joliet, Harrah’s Metropolis, and Par-A-Dice. So far, neither of the Harrah’s casinos have indicated any interest in sports betting. Both Hollywood casinos are owned by Penn National Gaming.

Nonetheless, Par-A-Dice is owned by Boyd Gaming. This is beneficial for the BetMGM sports app in Illinois.

Boyd and BetMGM have a relationship.

In 2018, the two entities forged an agreement. The following is from their press release:

In regions where Boyd Gaming or MGM Resorts run authentic casinos – both brick and mortar and online licenses are obtainable. Both entities will have the chance to provide online and mobile gaming systems, inclusive of sports betting, casino gaming, and poker. This market entry agreement permits each business to expand their online and mobile entertainment presence across 15 states.

Although it’s not guaranteed that BetMGM will secure the Par-A-Dice registration, all signs suggest this could be a possibility.

BetMGM, possibly the most famous operator not currently active in Illinois, has shown interest in the state, as evidenced by its pending passport application. The moves made by FanDuel have paved the way for its entry into the state.

The critical question is when FanDuel formally moved its license. It’s unclear because this would necessitate approval from the Illinois Gaming Board.

2021 ought to be filled with brand-new Illinois providers.

In September, Illinois recorded a handle of $305.2 million. As the market matures and more innovative operators join the competition, this number could potentially increase.

All reputable sports betting providers in the US give top priority to the Prairie State.

Currently, Unibet and Barstool have plans to commence operations in the Land of Lincoln in 2021. It is also likely that Jumer’s (presumably Bally’s) has intentions to provide sports betting within this same year. Additionally, we’ve previously discussed the prospect of BetMGM entering the market.

The sudden implementation of smart registration in Illinois has benefited quick actors. However, the market continues to be attractive for new operators as further growth is expected.