Sports book Circa set to debut in Illinois through the New American location in Waukegan
Circa Sports Announces Entry into Illinois Market Through Partnership with Full House Resorts
In a joint announcement on Monday, Circa Sports and Full House Resorts unveiled plans for the Las Vegas-based sportsbook to expand into Illinois. The partnership will see Circa Sports operate both a retail and online sportsbook at the new American Place casino in Waukegan, near the Wisconsin border.
Currently operational in Nevada, Colorado, and Iowa, Circa Sports launched mobile wagering in the Hawkeye State in October, generating $6.3 million in handle and nearly $180,000 in revenue in its first seven months. The sportsbook is now making its first foray outside of Las Vegas with this Illinois venture.
Derek Stevens, founder and CEO of Circa Sports, expressed excitement about bringing the company's "industry-leading sports betting and hospitality experience" to Illinois. Full House Resorts, which obtained one of six casino licenses granted through the 2019 gaming expansion bill signed by Gov. JB Pritzker, will host the temporary retail sportsbook in a venue to be opened later this year. The permanent American Place casino, envisioned in the Fountain Square part of the city, is expected to open after the construction is completed.
Illinois has become a significant player in the sports betting market, generating over $11 billion in handle since March 2020, including a record $971 million in March 2022. Seven brick-and-mortar sportsbooks exist amidst two horse tracks and two off-track locations. The Waukegan location, which ranks 10th in state population, is approximately 45 miles north of Chicago and within 20 miles of the Wisconsin state line.
Although mobile wagering accounts for nearly 96% of sports wagering in the state, the presence of Circa Sports' retail sportsbook could bolster the brick-and-mortar component. The temporary casino, referred to as "The Temporary by American Place," is set to have 1,000 slots, 50 table games, and the Circa Sportsbook, with a more extensive offering planned for the permanent casino.
Full House Resorts recently received approval from the city of Waukegan to begin work on the temporary facility, with construction scheduled to commence soon. The projected permanent casino, estimated to cost at least $400 million, will consist of over 1,600 slots, 100 table games, a sportsbook, an indoor venue with 1,500 seats, and additional amenities.
Derek Stevens, the founder and CEO of Circa Sports, plans to bring his company's "industry-leading sports betting and hospitality experience" to Illinois through a venture in Waukegan, marking Circa Sports' first foray outside of Las Vegas. In this partnership with Full House Resorts, Circa Sports will operate a retail and online sportsbook at the new American Place casino, offering wagers on sports lines for patrons.
