In what shall be bet365’s thirteenth US market, the worldwide sportsbook formally launched in Illinois earlier this week.
In doing so, the multi-state operator has entered the nation’s second-largest sports activities betting market, with the state firmly setting its sights on dethroning New York because the sports activities betting capital of the nation.
The launch is completely to coincide with March Insanity, in addition to the Chicago Cubs’ look within the much-anticipated 2025 MLB World Tour: Tokyo Sequence. Bet365, whereas late to the market, is hoping its standing as a number one model identify can acquire traction rapidly into Illinois’ packed sports activities betting market.
Bet365 launch in Illinois was introduced via a partnership with Walker’s Bluff On line casino Resort, which presents bettors the possibility to wager each on-line and on-site betting amenities. Now, Illinoisans can place bets through the bet365 cell app or by visiting the Draft Day Sports activities Lounge for his or her on-site flutters.
Illinois’ State of Play
As one of many early pioneering states to legalize sports activities betting – doing so in 2019 – the Prairie State then swiftly launched cell betting shortly after in 2020.
And, whereas it maintains strict laws inside the sector, which licensed operators similar to bet365 should adhere to, it doesn’t seem to have stunted Illinois’s assent because the state with the second-highest sports activities betting revenues.
Having not too long ago surpassed New Jersey, Illinois’s $14 billion sports activities wagering turnover in 2024 is probably a mirrored image of the state’s numerous championship-winning franchises throughout all the key skilled sports activities leagues, together with the NFL, WNBA and NBA, the MLB, and the NHL.
Emphasizing the significance of bet365’s launch into the Illinois sports activities betting markets, a spokesperson for the agency acknowledged, “Championship-winning franchises, iconic athletes, and impassioned followers outline Illinois’ By no means Unusual sports activities tradition. Now, new and eligible bettors from Chicago, Springfield, and all the Prairie State can be part of the bet365 expertise.”
In reality, bet365’s introduction can solely assist Illinois’ trigger because it seeks to determine itself as a sports activities betting powerhouse state. Regardless, given the continuing regulatory struggles of iGaming within the area, Illinois lawmakers will little doubt be banking on sports activities wagering to spice up its playing tax revenues for 2025.
