DraftKings to launch in Illinois this week
DraftKings is to become the next sports betting operator in the state of Illinois, with its sportbook expected to launch this week.
US.- DraftKings is looking likely to launch in the state of Illinois this week.
The Illinois Gaming Board received the operator’s proposal several weeks ago, but delays in processing requests means they have exceeded the usual two week turn around.
Once given the green light from the IGB, DraftKings will be able to begin taking bets at both its East St. Louis site and via its digital platform.
The launch was made possible through DraftKings’ partnership with Casino Queen, which re-branded its East St. Louis casino as DraftKings at Casino Queen. This ensured they were able to comply with Illinois’ requirement for the in-person registration of persons who want to use online sports betting facilities.
While the in-person registration was briefly lifted during the coronavirus pandemic, Illinois governor J.B. Pritzker reinstated the policy in late July.
Sports betting has been legal in Illinois since June 2019, however online platforms only recently emerged when BetRivers began the first online sportsbook in June this year.
Once the DraftKings request is signed-off by the IGB, it will be the second digital sports betting platform and fourth land-based sportsbook retailer in the state of Illinois.
