Illinois Gaming Authority Proposes Rule Modification for Mobile Sports Betting Regulations
Loose Cannon's Uncut Take:
Illinois is getting its gaming board all tossed up over some rule changes for online and mobile sports betting. They're aiming to clarify things for casinos and sports venues, but these rules ain't official yet - they're still subject to some tweaks.
Back in June last year, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a massive bill that legalized sports betting, and Rivers Casino was the first to open a brick-and-mortar sportsbook, but it had to shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now, the big changes are about these things called "parent brands" and "facility brands". A parent brand is related to mobile apps connected to casinos or racetracks, while a facility brand is connected to mobile apps linked to pro sports venues. The board defines "brand" as any identifying mark, like a name, logo, or color scheme.
These clarifications are especially relevant for casino operators, who are sending in logos for approval. Currently, there's no mobile betting available in the state, but BetRivers sportsbook might be the first IL sports betting operator to launch, with Bet America as a potential second contender.
If you're wondering about the geofencing partner and temporary operating permit holder, GeoComply, they might get the green light for a mobile launch soon. But bettors still need to register in-person to access the app, and it's uncertain when casinos across Illinois will reopen in these COVID-19 times.
BetRivers is run by Rivers Casino, but the Churchill Downs, Inc. (CDI), which has a majority stake in the Des Plaines location, can't use the CDI brand on the BetRivers app as they don't meet the 80% ownership threshold to be deemed a "parent brand". Instead, they might use the Bet America app brand if Arlington Park International, the horse-racing track owned by CDI, gets approved for a sports betting license.
Sadly, the specific regs for these "parent brand" and "facility brand" terms in this rule change are as elusive as a four-leaf clover on a foggy night. You'd have to dive into the official Illinois Gaming Board documentation or rule filings for straightforward answers, but don't expect a walk in the park - legal jargon can be a real buzzkill!
Sports betting stakeholders are closely monitoring the rule changes concerning "parent brands" and "facility brands" in sports betting, as these terms are key to the mobile app operations linked to casinos, racetracks, and pro sports venues. Under these rule changes, the Illinois Gaming Board defines a "brand" as an identifying mark, such as a name, logo, or color scheme, which casino operators are increasingly submitting for approval in preparation for the potential launch of mobile sports betting.
