PointsBet Sportsbook Gets Cleared To Land In Illinois

Currently, BetRivers is the sole legal online sportsbook functioning in the Prairie State. However, this might change soon. The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) paved the way for the operation of PointsBet Sportsbook in Illinois on Thursday.

The licensure was the final regulatory hurdle to provide sports betting at the Hawthorne Race Course in Cicero and online. Now, the timeline for the launch is primarily up to the license holders.

the day of the PointsBet Sportsbook Illinois build

PointsBet USA CEO Johnny Aitken issued a statement following the board’s decision, despite the lack of a formal timeline for launching in the Prairie State, either online or in retail stores.

The PointsBet team is thrilled to announce that our partners at Hawthorne Race Course have received a four-year master sports betting license today. Together, we look forward to launching an unrivaled sports betting experience, using our industry-leading wholesale and mobile product, for sports enthusiasts in Illinois who have been eagerly awaiting this moment.

We are enthusiastic to showcase the competitive edge we have by fully owning our technological environment, offering unparalleled speed and user-friendliness on a bespoke, frictionless platform. This will validate the longstanding belief that the best product always triumphs. We are certain that we will provide Illinois consumers with exactly what they desire, both in-person and online, due to our prime retail locations strategically positioned in and near downtown Chicago.

PointsBet already obtained its vendor permit and was just waiting for Hawthorne’s licensure to start operations in IL. It remains unclear if the brand will begin accepting in-person bets as it develops its online product for residents of Illinois.

However, it’s certain that Illinois bettors must visit the racecourse to place bets on that online sportsbook. Illinois law requires in-person registration for online betting until the Illinois Gaming Board grants the first three licenses for online-only sportsbooks.

Bookmakers in Illinois can place bets from any location once they have registered. However, there is another significant issue related to mobility.

In Illinois, will there be cellular sports betting?

Questions such as whether PointsBet will offer iOS or Android apps in Illinois are still unanswered. Online gamblers in the neighboring state of Iowa are limited to betting on the brand’s desktop or mobile website.

However, gamblers in Indiana and New Jersey can utilize the PointsBet software for managing their sports betting activities. Although the application is still under development, PointsBet may restrict mobile access to its website to ensure the product’s existence.

The growth of Hawthorne may not be limited to the inception of the sportsbook. On Thursday, the IGB also took preliminary steps towards permitting the property to transform into a fully operational “racino”.

The IGB initially considered Hawthorne suitable for a license to offer casino games. This is essentially equivalent to being preapproved for a car or home loan.

Hawthorne is ready to submit a formal application for a casino certificate with that move. However, there is some uncertainty about Hawthorne’s readiness. Additionally, it will take the IGB some time to review the application.

Furthermore, there was news about casino lines in different parts of the state at the IGB meeting on Thursday. As a result of the table decision, Danville’s city leaders must take action.

Casino programmer in Danville is authorized to create new plans.

The latest gambling expansion law enacted by the state incorporated the development of a casino in Danville. HavenGaming applied for a license to develop and manage this property last October.

In January, Haven asked for approval from the IGB to modify its app. The primary focus of their discussion was the conditions of its agreement with the city, which the community standards considered to be insufficient.

However, the request was denied by the table. Before Thursday’s meeting, Haven requested a full withdrawal of its application. The members of the IGB did approve this request.

After receiving approval, the developer can now start turning its intentions into reality. At the same time, Haven can initiate new negotiations with the city by sending a new software.

The PointsBet Sportsbook Illinois is inching closer to becoming a reality. Illinois residents can expect more updates on this matter soon.