Sports betting to expand Illinois venues’ customer base

According to Boyd Gaming executive David Strow, sports betting in Illinois will expand the customer base for casinos, attracting younger audiences. 

US.- The gambling-expansion in Illinois brought sports betting with it and casinos in the state are launching their sportsbooks. As the NFL season kicked off yesterday, executives weighed in on what the segment brings to the table in the state.

Vice-president of corporate communications for Boyd Gaming David Strow celebrated the opportunity to attract younger customers. “The true potential is the opportunity to grow and expand our customer base, particularly among the younger demographic,” Strow said.

Boyd Gaming owns and operates the Blue Chip Casino, Resort & Spa, which launched its sportsbook on Thursday morning. 

“There is much more to this new opportunity than introducing sports bettors to the slot machines and gaming tables once they come on the property,” Strow said. “We are very proud of Blue Chip and all of the amenities it offers as a spa and resort. What we’re looking forward to is getting them through the door. That way, they’ll experience for themselves what Blue Chip is all about.

Expanded offering

“Our Spa Blu facilities, the casual and fine dining options, entertainment in the Stardust Event Center, and our Spa Blu and Blue Chip hotel towers, present other opportunities to expand our business as a complete dining and entertainment experience for weekend stays and getaways.”

“I think people are going to be very impressed with the design and amenities,” Strow said. “The Northwest Indiana region is a very competitive market. As such we wanted to create a first-class sportsbook experience.”

“Sports fans in this market have long enjoyed what was previously available to them for fun. Including fantasy leagues and such,” Strow observed. “Now they can have a real stake in the games they watch, which is the next big step ahead.”