Mobile Gaming License Granted to DraftKings in Illinois, Retail License Awaits at Wrigley Field
Ready to dive into the bustling world of the Windy City? Buckle up, because Illinois is making some major moves when it comes to sports betting!
The Illinois Gaming Board, known for their conservative ways, still clings to the classical definition of elevator music during their monthly livestreams, but out in the real world, things have changed dramatically. Chicagoans entering a vertical trolley these days might just as easily hear the groovy tunes of HAIM or boygenius instead of an old-school saxophone solo.
But let's shift gears – from the gridiron to the diamond – because the biggest agenda item of note for the April 2024 Illinois Gaming Board meeting was none other than the sports betting giant, DraftKings, getting the green light for their full mobile sports betting licenses, both for Casino Queen and Wrigley Field, along with a full retail license at the historic Wrigley Field.
A unanimous vote from the IGB has granted Northside Crown Gaming, a DraftKings subsidiary, a four-year master sports wagering license to offer retail betting at its sportsbook outside the city's oldest professional sporting venue. This license will be subject to review and reapproval in 2028, as will Northside Crown's management services provider license, which allows DraftKings to offer mobile wagering alongside their retail product.
DraftKings, after forming the entity Crown IL Gaming for operating a sportsbook at East St. Louis' Casino Queen, ultimately brought sports betting to the city when retail sports betting launched in Illinois in March 2020. BetRivers was the first to go live with a mobile betting app in June of that year, with DraftKings and FanDuel following suit under temporary licenses two months later.
Fast forward to March 2023, and DraftKings' sportsbook at Wrigley Field began taking in-person bets, after opening for food and beverage service the previous summer. As of April 2024, DraftKings' licensing in Illinois remains valid under the regulations set by the Illinois Gaming Board. Despite some changes, such as a ban on in-state college sports betting and increased tax rates, they continue to thrive in the Illinois market. Keep an eye out for future changes, such as a planned $0.50 transaction fee on bets starting September 1, 2025, to offset these increased taxes.
In the fast-evolving landscape of sports betting, DraftKings secured full mobile sports betting licenses for Casino Queen and Wrigley Field, marking a significant milestone in the sports-betting industry within the Windy City. This development not only expands DraftKings' reach in Illinois but also solidifies their position in the sports-betting line, offering both retail and mobile wagering options.
