PointsBet Sportsbook Gets Cleared To Land In Illinois

Written By Derek Helling on July 30, 2020Last Updated on September 11, 2020

BetRivers is currently the only legal online sportsbook operating in the Prairie State. That may change very soon, however. On Thursday, the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) cleared the way for PointsBet Sportsbook in Illinois.

That licensure represented the last regulatory step to offering sports wagering at the Hawthorne Race Course in Cicero and online under that auspice. Now the timeline to launch is largely in the licensees’ hands.

the day of the PointsBet Sportsbook Illinois build

Although there’s no official timeline for either online or retail launch in the Prairie State, PointsBet USA CEO JohnnyAitken released the following statement after the board’s decision:

The PointsBet group is overjoyed to learn that our companions at Hawthorne Race Course have been granted a four-year master sports wager certificate today. Collectively, we will soon introduce the superior sports betting experience that sports fans in the great state of Illinois have been eagerly anticipating with our market-leading wholesale and mobile product.

We are eager to demonstrate the competitive advantages we have by owning our technology environment from end to end, such as unmatched speed and ease of use on a customized platform that & rsquo, is friction-free, in order to fulfill & ldquo’s long-held claim that the best product will prevail. We are confident that we will give Illinois consumers exactly what they’ve been craving, both in person and digitally, thanks to our superior retail locations conveniently situated in and around downtown Chicago. & rdquo,

PointsBet already had its vendor permit, meaning it was just awaiting Hawthorne’s licensure to get to work in IL. It’s uncertain whether the brand will start accepting in-person bets as it builds out its online product for Illinoisans.

However, what is certain that to wager on that online sportsbook, Illinois bettors will have to visit the racecourse. IL law mandates in-person registration for online wagering until the IGB issues the first three online-only sportsbook licenses.

IL bookmakers can place wagers from anywhere in the position once they have registered. However, there is one more important issue with mobility.

In Illinois, will there be cellular sports betting?

Another queries, such as whether PointsBet will provide an iOS or Android apps in Illinois, remain unanswered. Online bettors in the neighboring state of Iowa can only wager on the brand & rsquo’s desktop / mobile website.

However, bettors in Indiana and New Jersey can use the PointsBet software to manage their sports gambling operations. While the application is still being developed, PointsBet might limit wireless usage to the website in order to get the product exist.

Hawthorne’s growth may not be limited to the beginning of the sportsbook, either. The IGB also made an early move on Thursday toward allowing the property to become a fully functional & ldquo, racino. & rdquo,

Hawthorne was also initially deemed by the IGB to be appropriate for a license to provide casino games. That & rsquo is essentially the same as being preapproved for a car or home loan.

With that action, Hawthorne is prepared to submit a formal application for an casino certificate. Uncertainty exists regarding how ready Hawthorne is to do so. Also, It will take some time for the IGB to review that software.

Additionally, there was some news regarding those casino lines elsewhere in the state at the IGB & rsquo meeting on Thursday. Danville‘s city leaders need to get some work done as a result of the table andrsquo decision.

Casino programmer in Danville is authorized to create new plans.

When the state enacted its latest gambling expansion law, it included the development of a Danville casino. Last October, HavenGaming applied for a license to develop and operate that property.

Haven requested the IGB’s approval to change its app in January. The main topic of discussion was the terms of its deal with the city, which it deemed inadequate by the standards of the community andrsquo.

But the table turned down that request. Haven requested a complete withdrawal of its application prior to Thursday & rsquo’s meeting. The members of the IGB & rsquo did approve that request.

Haven can then send a new software and engage in new negotiations with the city. The developer may now begin working on making its intentions a reality after receiving approval.

The PointsBet Sportsbook Illinois is also getting closer than ever to being a fact. Illinois residents should be prepared for more information rapidly on that front.

Helling, Derek Avatar
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Helling, Derek

Helling, Derek is a lead writer for PlayUSA and the manager of BetHer. He is a 2013 graduate of the University of Iowa and covers the intersections of sports with business and the law.

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