Pending Approval, TheScore Bet To Jump Into Illinois Sports Betting Pool This Year

Through Harrah & rsquo, s Joliet Casino & nbsp, TheScore Bet gained access to the Illinois market and plans to provide mobile sports betting by the end of the year.

The 10-year deal is with Caesars Entertainment, the owner of Harrah’s casino. A portion of theScore’s Bet Illinois revenue will be given to Caesars as part of the agreement.

theScore Bet’s Chairman and CEO, John Levy, stated:

Achieving industry access in Illinois represents a substantial growth that will elevate Illinois as one of the top states for our award-winning smart sportsbook. As a leading figure in the casino and entertainment industry, we’re excited that Caesars has agreed to this partnership, which will increase the presence of Score bet and open up other significant new markets.

TheScore Bet is now established in Indiana, Iowa, New Jersey, and Colorado.

It is probable that BetMGM and Unibet will launch in Illinois before theScore Bet. However, by the end of 2021, the number of online sportsbooks in Illinois could be approaching double digits.

TheScore Bet: What is it?

TheScore Bet is a popular French online activities company, not to be mistaken for the Chicago sports talk radio station 670 The Score. This company is particularly well-known outside of Canada.

The app has been accessible in the US for quite some time, however, the TV station is exclusively available in Canada. Levy spoke about theScore’s brand recognition at our affiliated site, PlayIndiana, during its launch in the Hoosier State.

We often joke that we’re the most recognized yet least known brand in the US sports industry. If you’re familiar with ‘The Score’, you should anticipate a similar approach in how we deliver sports news and information to our users and sports enthusiasts. In reality, our shift towards sports betting is simply an extension of what we’ve been doing for years.

TheScore’s corporate headquarters are located in Toronto. Hence, if sports betting becomes legal in Canada, theScore Bet could potentially become a significant player.

Based on observations from other states, it is unlikely that it will compete with DraftKings or FanDuel in Illinois.

However, the size of the market should not deter businesses such as theScore Bet from seeking a permit.

“Levy honestly asserts that one doesn’t need to control 30% of the market to be successful. He further adds that even achieving a double-digit market share can lead to an excellent business.”

Taking a closer look at the Illinois activities gambling industry

Illinois is currently recognized as the fourth-largest state for sports gambling in the US by regular handle.

In January, Illinois, also known as the Prairie State, received bets worth $581.6 million. That month, the state’s all-time handle mark exceeded $2 billion.

Currently, there are six online sportsbook operators, including the newly added Barstool Sportsbook. However, this number is still significantly smaller compared to markets like Colorado or Indiana, each hosting double-digit online operators.

However, Illinois is nearing that area.

As noted earlier, MGM Sportsbook and Unibet are awaiting approval to offer sports betting in Illinois. Once the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) gives them the green light, the state will have a total of eight online sports betting platforms.

There’s a high likelihood that TheScore Bet will be in the eighth position. However, be warned that the IGB isn’t known for often occurrences.

For instance, Unibet had aspirations to kickstart its operations in Illinois in early 2021, but as we near April, it remains an awaiting applicant. Similarly, theScore Bet’s announcement of intending to launch by year-end doesn’t necessarily guarantee its realization.

Regardless, the Illinois sports betting client is pleased to see more competition and expects it to arrive eventually.