United Center FanDuel Lounge Opens, But Betting Still Needs Approval

The Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks have recently started their seasons at the United Center, and another group will also be calling the arena home for the foreseeable future.

The FanDuel Sportsbook Lounge, a new sports betting area, has recently opened in the United Center Atrium on the south side of the arena in Illinois. The lounge is available to all guests attending events at the UC.

There is only one other betting lounge that has been confirmed to open at a Chicago sports venue, which is the DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field.

The FanDuel Sportsbook Lounge, the inaugural sports betting-affiliated lounge at the United Center, is the first of its kind at a professional sports venue in Chicago. Despite this milestone, sportsbooks can already be found in other sports arenas across the nation.

Kevin O’Brien, the director of food and beverage services at the UC, commented on the grand opening by saying…

We consider it a premier spot for sports viewing, especially with the added perks from FanDuel and the comfortable setting of the venue.

We have been open for about six nights already, hosting preseason events and concerts. The atmosphere is vibrant with energy.

The FanDuel Lounge at the United Center is expected to host a large number of guests, as it is located in one of the largest indoor sports arenas in the United States. With a capacity of 20,917 fans for Bulls games, it holds the highest seating capacity in the NBA. For Blackhawks games, it ranks third with a capacity of 19,717 fans.

FanDuel Lounge offers everything but betting

FanDuel has applied for permission to offer sports betting at their United Center site, and the Illinois Gaming Board is currently reviewing the application. It is unclear when the approval for wagering will be granted.

Even without the option to place bets, the FanDuel Lounge remains a popular destination. With its 1,300-square-foot space filled with LED screens displaying all the latest games each night, it continues to attract visitors.

The FanDuel Lounge offers a unique food menu that differs from the options found in the United Center’s concourse. Some of the popular items available include:

• Smoked gouda bacon dip
• Wagyu hot dogs
• Homemade pizza
• Spicy pork nachos

The drink menu offers a tempting array of options, ranging from spicy margaritas to espresso martinis and craft cocktails. O’Brien clarifies that the upscale dining choices aim to provide a blend of gourmet sports bar fare that is both approachable and refined.

What other Chicago stadiums are getting sportsbooks?

The DraftKings lounge, covering 22,000 square feet, will connect to Wrigley Field at the corner of Addison St and Sheffield Ave. It aims to blend modern design with the classic atmosphere of Wrigley Field. The sportsbook is set to open in 2023.

However, other sports venues in Chicago have not yet made any announcements regarding plans to open sportsbooks.

The White Sox’s collaboration with Caesars Sportsbook may pave the way for a potential betting lounge in the future.

The Bears, also known as the Monsters of the Midway, still have the potential to move to Arlington Heights. They are currently partnering with BetRivers Sportsbook, so it is likely that a sportsbook will be established at either Soldier Field or a potential stadium in Arlington Heights in the near future.