Affiliates and operators might soon be able to enter Illinois after the second batch of sports betting rules were released.
This follows on from phase one of the rules, which were revealed in December 2019.
What happens now?
Marcus Fruchter, Administrator of the Illinois Gaming Board, commented after the phase two release. Importantly, he said that this latest publication pretty much clears the path for sports betting to be rolled out here.
Fruchter added: “We look forward to working with our industry partners to ensure that sports wagering in Illinois operates with high integrity in a manner that is compliant, accountable, profitable, and fun.
“Once applications are submitted, vetted, and approved, an applicant may receive a temporary operating permit and could then begin accepting wagers as soon as they are ready to do so.”
What’s out?
Wagering on minor league and collegiate teams based here will be prohibited. These include parlay bets and fantasy sports.
The certified list of events that are permitted hasn’t been released. However, licensees will be able to write a special request to the Gaming Board to offer odds on some of these.
Building on phase one
Phase one of Illinois’ sports betting rules was released at the end of last year. This followed the signing of a range of bills by Governor Jordan Pritzker, which happened last June.
Alongside sports betting, there’s room for six land-based casinos to come into the fray. Meanwhile, four racetracks will also have access to a licence. Slot machines will also be added at Chicago’s two main airports – O’Hare and Midway.
