FanDuel, United Center Announce Plans To Open In-Arena Sportsbook

On Monday, it was announced that FanDuel Sportsbook and the United Center, where the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks play, will be opening a two-story sportsbook at the arena.

FanDuel, a well-known advertiser at Bulls and Blackhawks games, has officially partnered with Illinois law to allow sportsbooks at stadiums.

During his speech, Howard Pizer, the Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of the United Center, declared:

FanDuel is the perfect partner for the casino at the United Center due to their status as the top industry leader in sports betting, boasting a large and loyal customer base. The goal is to create an unparalleled betting lounge experience for sports fans, providing a fresh and exciting atmosphere.

The city of Chicago had a sports betting ban in place before, despite the new state law. However, the City Council lifted the ban towards the end of 2021.

This indicates that sports betting will be allowed at stadiums, and we can expect to see more partnerships like this in the future. DraftKings and the Chicago Cubs are already working on building a sportsbook at Wrigley Field.

Amy Howe, the CEO of FanDuel Group, declared:

Our casino club at the United Center is inspired by the passion of Chicago sports fans, known for their unwavering dedication. With a track record of offering exceptional retail experiences, our team is excited to make this betting club the ultimate destination for Chicago sports enthusiasts, while also showcasing the best of what FanDuel has to offer.

The text will be located adjacent to the hall at the United Center.

United Center FanDuel Sportsbook’s second steps

Despite the official plans, FanDuel and the United Center are still required to submit applications to the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) in order to offer sports betting.

It usually takes time for IGB acceptance. However, we cannot predict how long approval for this plan will take as it has not been implemented yet.

It should be noted that DraftKings and the Cubs are aiming to launch their sportsbooks ahead of the 2023 football season. It would be logical for FanDuel and the United Center to follow suit, potentially opening their sportsbooks during the 2023-2024 basketball/hockey season.

Had FanDuel opened a number of sportsbooks in stadiums in Chicago?

Jerry Reinsdorf owns both the Bulls and the White Sox, which is an interesting fact.

Furthermore, FanDuel ads were prominently displayed throughout Guaranteed Rate Field during the 2021 football season, suggesting the possibility of a collaboration between FanDuel and the White Sox.

That being said, there are numerous factors at play. As in-person registration will no longer be required by March 5, more sportsbooks like BetMGM will be entering the Illinois market. This means that the White Sox will have a wide range of potential partners to consider.

BetRivers Illinois is the official sports betting partner of the Chicago Bears, making a BetRivers Sportsbook at Soldier Field a logical choice. It would be wise to hold off on a full-scale casino at the Bears’ current stadium, as they are considering a move to Arlington Park in the near future.

FanDuel has established itself as the top revenue generator in Illinois. By teaming up with the United Center, fans can now place bets on the Bulls and Blackhawks 41 times each year, solidifying its presence in one of the largest sports betting markets in the country.