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

The notion that stadium financial sportsbooks do reduce casino revenue is not one that Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot supports.

At last, progress is being made on the city’s casino license project, with Chicago now having five bids to select from. In mid-December, companies will present their plans to the public.

Rush Street Gaming, a company co-founded by Neil Bluhm, is one of those firms. Recently, Bluhm voiced his opposition to sportsbooks in Chicago stadiums, asserting that they would result in excessive customer overlap. His statement was:

“A gambler who not only places bets on tables and slot machines, but is also highly probable to gamble on sports. This accounts for 20% of our business. This isn’t a made-up conversation.”

Lightfoot responded earlier this week, as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Some individuals, who are current sportsbooks users at their own games and are trying to eliminate them in Chicago, have given strict directives. However, they haven’t provided any compelling evidence that Andhellip will miraculously ruin a Chicago game. We have seen no proof to substantiate this claim.

Lightfoot went on:

There’s been a lot of discussion from individuals who stand to gain from stopping sports teams from owning their own sportsbook. Yet, talk is cheap. I’m more interested in concrete facts and data.

Under the Sports Wagering Act, sporting venues across Illinois are eligible to apply for sports betting certificates. While Lightfoot publicly supports this idea, Chicago must also repeal its ban on sports betting.

The city aims to select a winner for the Chicago casino license in the first quarter of 2022. Two out of the five bids are from Bluhm’s Rush Street Gaming.

Therefore, it is significant to observe the disagreement between the people of Lightfoot and Bluhm.

casinos in Chicago stadiums

Chicago is set to become one of the main US cities to feature stadium sportsbooks, despite not being the first in the city to do so. This development was factored into the regulations that were implemented in 2019 to foster gaming growth.

In order for stadium sportsbooks to become a reality, the city must enact an ordinance. Alderman Walter Burnett proposed such an ordinance in July. The Chicago Cubs are already in agreement with DraftKings to construct a sportsbook at Wrigley Field. It’s also known that the United Center is interested in launching a retail sportsbook, although they are currently without an official partner.

It is likely that FanDuel will eventually become that partner.

Bluhm, a tycoon who holds considerable sway in the Illinois game sector, opposes stadium sportsbooks. The subsequent events may act as a test of his influence.

Rush Street faces rivalry for the city’s game.

Bally’s and Hard Rock also submitted bids for the Chicago casino license. The two bids made by Bally’s are viewed as the greatest challenge to Rush Street securing the license.

Hard Rock also holds a possibility, however, its concept appears more unlikely than the other four.

Could a public disagreement over a crucial issue between Bluhm and Lightfoot boost Bally & rsquo’s chances of obtaining the license?

The relationship between the mayor’s department and others, as well as the Bluhm home, is also complex. Due to these close connections, some individuals recently assumed that Rush Street would easily secure the certificate.

Neil Bluhm’s daughter, Leslie Bluhm, is one of the largest political donors to Lightfoot. Earlier, there were rumors that no other competitors would bid for the license because of the assumed advantage of Rush Street.

This summer, Lightfoot felt compelled to converse with his favorite locals, “& ldquo.” Eventually, she declared:

I’ve been informed that a short discussion on this topic has taken place. The Request for Proposals (RFP) is accessible to everyone and there are no classics from home. We aim to provide the best opportunities for people nationwide who appreciate the worth of living in a city like Chicago.”

Watching the development process of the Chicago casino will be fascinating.