Pritzker Suspends In-Person Registration For Online Sports Betting

Since the middle of March, Illinois game operators haven’t made any money. But, that might alter as a result of Gov. JB Pritzker & rsquo, s executive order on the state-and-quo’s in-person registration requirement for online sports betting.

While Pritzker’s latest executive order is active, Illinois residents can fully register their legal sportsbook accounts online. The key question now is, will this make a difference?

Pritzker orders in-person register to be suspended

Casino owners in Illinois are somewhat comforted by Pritzker’s action, given that their facilities remain shut. Presently, there is no information on when games in Illinois might recommence. Consequently, there is no existing method to make an online bet in Illinois.

Under Illinois law, sports bettors were required to physically register their accounts with online sportsbooks. However, this requirement will become obsolete once the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) grants the first of three independent online-only permissions. It’s also important to note that according to Illinois laws, the IGB is required to wait 540 days after physical sportsbooks start accepting bets before it can issue these licenses.

On April 9, the 540-day period started during which Rivers Casino Des Plaines accepted the first legal wager in Illinois. However, Pritzker’s order only temporarily suspends the enforcement of Illinois law; it does not change it.

The in-person registration will recommence once his order has expired, unless the 540-day time limit expires first. Bettors in Illinois who are not well-versed with online gambling will then need to register again at the appropriate locations.

At present, there is no set schedule for when Pritzker’s order will expire. The situation is dynamic and heavily dependent on the reduction of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This temporary alteration could potentially provide some essential income to IL casino operators. However, it is unlikely to impact the status quo of the IL Lottery.

Why the IL Lottery’s standing status hasn’t changed

Illinois legislation allows video drawing terminals within the state to accept parlays. However, these VLTs are not permitted to take single-event bets.

The state has mandated the temporary closure of VLT facilities, together with casinos. Similar to casinos, there is no definitive schedule for any alteration in their current status.

Although the VLTs were currently in use, terminal operators were still far from having their sports betting products ready before the closure. Considering Illinois residents can’t access the necessary equipment, it’s unlikely they will make any effort to speed up this process.

There could potentially be some benefits for the owners of casinos, sports, and other gambling establishments in Illinois. Currently, everything hinges on the rate.

How Pritzker & rsquo’s order could help casino operators

Pritzker’s order does not affect the IGB’s timeline for issuing standalone online licenses. Also, the issuance is prohibited by IL law until the 540-day deadline.

As a result, state facilities remain the fastest way for online sportsbooks to enter Illinois. Illinois laws permit sporting venues with a minimum capacity of 17,000 to apply for sports betting master licenses.

Every learn license holder has the choice to contract the sportsbook operator to manage the company’s virtual division. While this can be managed internally, it is often preferred by facilities.

An online sportsbook operator might find a solution in purchasing a physical gaming facility within the state borders. However, this approach could be more expensive and time-consuming compared to simply negotiating a deal with a master license holder.

The specific terms of discussions between facilities and online casino operators are not often disclosed to the public. Usually, facilities grant website operators the use of their licenses in return for a portion of the revenue and other charges.

Before IL casinos were shut down, no online sportsbooks had begun accepting bets in IL. However, BetRivers, the online sports betting app for Rivers Casino, is well-placed to be the first.

Though there’s no set date for the launch of BetRivers or any other online casino in Illinois at present, Pritzker’s change in stance could speed up these plans. However, this situation is complex with several variables.

Why Pritzker & rsquo’s order might not change the game for bettors

Despite the lack of an in-person registration requirement for Illinois bettors, the question now arises: Will Pritzker’s order expire or will online operators in Illinois actually begin operations?

BetRivers is set to launch in Illinois tomorrow, but it still needs to undergo audits by the IGB. There’s likely still work needed to prepare the software and website for accepting bets. A representative for BetRivers chose not to comment on Friday night.

Users who don’t have IL lovers have a few additional steps to follow in the process. Not only do they need to develop products for the market, but they also have to negotiate market access, apply for and obtain licenses, and undergo checks.

Just like any other federal agency, the IGB has limited assets. An unexpected rush on regulators could potentially delay the process.

Pritzker’s order may expire before online service providers in Illinois become operational. If this happens, the advantage for Illinois bettors could be minimal, if not non-existent.

Regardless, Pritzker’s action could potentially encourage online sports betting apps to negotiate market access agreements aggressively with Illinois’ master license holders. For the businesses holding these certificates, any profit is better than none.