• About Us / Contact
This site contains commercial content
SportsHandle
  • US Sports Betting
    • Arizona Sports Betting
    • Arkansas
    • Colorado
    • Connecticut
    • Delaware
    • Illinois
    • Indiana
    • Iowa
    • Kansas
    • Louisiana
    • Maine
    • Maryland
    • Michigan
    • Mississippi
    • New Jersey
    • New York
    • Ohio Sports Betting
    • Pennsylvania
    • Tennessee
    • Virginia
    • West Virginia
    • Wyoming
  • Pending States
    • California
    • Florida
    • Georgia Sports Betting
    • Massachusetts Sports Betting
    • Missouri
    • North Carolina
  • Canada
    • Ontario
    • British Columbia
    • Alberta
  • Sportsbook Apps
    • FanDuel
    • BetMGM
    • Caesars
    • PointsBet
    • BetRivers
  • Tools
    • Sportsbook Bonuses Explained
    • Guide To ‘Risk-Free’ Bets
    • Common Beginner Mistakes
    • Sports Betting Podcasts
    • Expected Value
    • Sports Scores And Odds Apps
    • Sports Betting Twitter
    • Partnership Tracker
  • News
No Result
View All Result
SportsHandle
  • US Sports Betting
    • Arizona Sports Betting
    • Arkansas
    • Colorado
    • Connecticut
    • Delaware
    • Illinois
    • Indiana
    • Iowa
    • Kansas
    • Louisiana
    • Maine
    • Maryland
    • Michigan
    • Mississippi
    • New Jersey
    • New York
    • Ohio Sports Betting
    • Pennsylvania
    • Tennessee
    • Virginia
    • West Virginia
    • Wyoming
  • Pending States
    • California
    • Florida
    • Georgia Sports Betting
    • Massachusetts Sports Betting
    • Missouri
    • North Carolina
  • Canada
    • Ontario
    • British Columbia
    • Alberta
  • Sportsbook Apps
    • FanDuel
    • BetMGM
    • Caesars
    • PointsBet
    • BetRivers
  • Tools
    • Sportsbook Bonuses Explained
    • Guide To ‘Risk-Free’ Bets
    • Common Beginner Mistakes
    • Sports Betting Podcasts
    • Expected Value
    • Sports Scores And Odds Apps
    • Sports Betting Twitter
    • Partnership Tracker
  • News
No Result
View All Result
SportsHandle
No Result
View All Result

OTBs Poised To Become Critical To Illinois Sports Betting

Fans not allowed at racetracks, but bettors will be able to register at OTBs; PointsBet, DraftKings best positioned to go live?

Jill R. Dorson by Jill R. Dorson
July 29, 2020
in Regulation
IL-IGB-Sports-Betting

(Shutterstock)

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

In Illinois, horse racing events are currently taking place at racetracks — only without fans. And just last week, Gov. J.B. Pritzker did not renew an executive order that allowed consumers to register for Illinois online sportsbooks on mobile devices, from wherever they may reside or move about the state. Consumers now have to physically enter a casino’s sportsbook to register for online or mobile platforms.

Put those two facts together and it raises this question: How will consumers register for mobile sports betting platforms that are partnered with racetracks in Illinois? Fans aren’t allowed on premises, yet they must appear in person to register.

The answer isn’t just relevant — it’s about to be crucial. On Thursday, the Illinois Gaming Board will consider Hawthorne Race Course’s Master Sports Betting License application. Neither of the other two racetracks, Arlington Park and Fairmount, are on the agenda for license consideration. Should Hawthorne’s application be approved — and there don’t appear to be any obstacles — the Race Course and operating partner PointsBet will be nearly poised to offer live sports betting in Illinois.

But how?

OTBs will serve as key online registration locations

Consider this — Hawthorne, like other racetracks in Illinois, has off-track betting parlors (OTBs). And in our current wacky, warped COVID-19 world, those venues may suddenly be priceless. OTBs operate under food-and-beverage licenses, which allows them to be open during present pandemic circumstances. And that would seem to mean would-be bettors could walk into the OTBs — many of which will have retail sportsbooks — and register for mobile sportsbook accounts.

There are currently 24 OTBs active in Illinois, according to the Illinois Racing Board, and up to 43 are authorized in the state. But the statute legalizing sports betting would only allow each racetrack to designate three each for sports betting. According to the law:

An individual must create a sports wagering account in person at a facility under paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (d) to participate in sports wagering offered over the Internet or through a mobile application.

Section 25-30 (d)(2) of the Sports Wagering Act provides as follows:

“3 inter-track wagering locations if the inter-track wagering location licensee from which it derives its license is an organization licensee that is issued a master sports wagering license.

If Hawthorne gets licensed Thursday, it would meet the requirements to designate three of its OTBs for sports betting. Hawthorne and PointsBet have yet to reveal which of its 11 OTBs will house sportsbooks.

Then there is the question of in-person registration at the tracks themselves. At Hawthorne, a temporary sportsbook will be open ahead of the casino that has been approved for the site. The temporary book will likely be on the minimalist side, catering only to those interested in sports betting. The bigger casino project it hopes to have approved for the site will ultimately house a state-of-the art sportsbook.

Officials at both Hawthorne and the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) aren’t sure if consumers will be able to walk into the temporary sportsbook being built out at Hawthorne under the current COVID-19 restrictions.

“In-person registration at tracks would be dependent on whether their proposed methods for having people on property are in compliance with Illinois Racing Board orders and any other orders or guidance from other state agencies in connection with public gatherings,” an IGB spokesperson said.

Racetracks have two regulatory boards to answer to — the Illinois Racing Board and the IGB.

PointsBet, DraftKings next in line to go live?

As of today, the only mobile sports betting live in Illinois is BetRivers, via the Rivers Casino in Des Plaines. Both Rivers Casino and the Argosy, powered by Penn National, opened in March for retail sports betting. But once Hawthorne gets its Master Sports Betting License, it will be one of two venue-operator pairs that require just one more step to take before going live. In order for an operator to go live, it must have a Temporary Operating Permit (or license), the venue must have a Master Sports Betting License, and the venue must be approved for wagering.

Five casinos, including the Casino Queen, which has partnered with DraftKings, currently have licenses, but have not been approved for wagering. Hawthorne would be the first racetrack to be licensed. Operators BetRivers, DraftKings, FanDuel, Penn Sports Interactive, and PointsBet have been awarded Temporary Operating Permits.

Banner up!#draftkingsatcasinoqueen #sports pic.twitter.com/9OfHsq9Rvj

— DraftKings at Casino Queen (@DKatCQ) July 24, 2020

From here, DraftKings and PointsBet must now send the Illinois Gaming Board a letter requesting to “commence sports betting.” Here’s how this process is outlined in the IGB’s sports betting regulations:

A master sports wagering licensee may request that the Administrator grant provisionary approval to commence sports wagering while the licensee is not fully compliant with the Act and this Part. The request must be in writing, and include the following:

1) An itemized description of the provisions of the Act or this Part with which the licensee is not in compliance;

2) A detailed explanation of the licensee’s plans to come into compliance with each provision identified under subsection (d)(1), including dates certain by which compliance will occur; and

3) A description of what steps the licensee shall take to minimize the risks to the integrity of the sports wagering operation during the period of time in which the licensee is not in compliance

Operators drive process to go live

PointsBet can’t send the letter until Hawthorne gets its approval on Thursday, and it appears that DraftKings, which was awarded its Temporary Operating Permit on July 17, has yet to submit a request. Casino Queen got its Master Sports Betting license on June 11.

There is no way to know exactly how long it will take for the IGB to review and approve a “commencement for gaming” request — and there are different requirements for retail vs. digital launch —  but for reference, Rivers Casino received its Master Sports Betting License on June 11 (it had a temporary permit prior) and by June 18, BetRivers was taking sports bets via its mobile/online platform.

Fast forward five years, and we finally have a sports betting law in Illinois.

The catch?

No online registration for 18 months unless you have a brick and mortar presence.

The winner?

Rivers Casino, who got the first license. 3/

— Justin Van Zuiden (@stlcardinals84) July 27, 2020

Thursday’s IGB meeting promises to be interesting. Besides considering licenses, the IGB will discuss its emergency online branding rule, which has been a source of confusion and a flashpoint for some time. The IGB in late May proposed emergency rules to clarify some branding issues with regard to mobile sports betting. The “emergency” label means the rules would go into effect immediately. Shortly after the proposal was made public, Rush Street Interactive (Rivers Casino) sent a challenge letter. RSI argues that sports betting rules don’t fit with the definition of an “emergency.”

Wrote attorney Paul Gaynor on behalf of RSI: “1. There Is No “Emergency” to Adopt Branding Rules No current “threat to the public interest, safety, or welfare,” see 5 ILCS 100/5-45(a), justifies the Board’s attempt to pass emergency branding rules. While, in some cases, the Board “may” adopt emergency rules relating to the Act, see 230 ILCS 45/25-15(b), an actual emergency must exist.”

In addition, Gaynor argues that there is no ambiguity in the law with regard to branding:

Sections 25-30(e) and 25-35(e) of the Act unambiguously require that internet and mobile sports wagering “shall only” be offered under the “same brand” as an Illinois licensed track or casino (such as the Rivers brand), or a brand owned by certain related entities at the time the Act was passed: The sports wagering offered over the Internet or through a mobile application shall only be offered under either the same brand as the owners licensee is operating under or a brand owned by a direct or indirect holding company that
owns at least an 80% interest in that owners licensee on the effective date of this Act.

RSI declined to comment on the challenge letter. Eight other Illinois casinos signed a letter from the group iDEA Growth supporting the proposed changes.

How the IGB will handle the challenge remains to be seen. Should it choose to move forward with its proposed emergency rules, the rules will be sent to the legislature’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, which would have to make the change to the existing legislation. JCAR’s next meeting is set for Aug. 11, and multiple sources say the IGB has not requested that its proposed rule be considered at that meeting nor does it appear on the JCAR agenda.

 

Chris Altruda contributed to this report

ShareTweetShare
Jill R. Dorson

Jill R. Dorson

Jill has covered everything from steeplechase to the NFL and then some during a more than 30-year career in sports journalism. The highlight of her career was covering Oakland Raiders during the Charles Woodson/Jon Gruden era, including the infamous “Snow Bowl” and the Raiders’ 2003 trip to Super Bowl XXXVII. Her specialty these days is covering sports betting legislation across the country. You can reach Jill at jill@bettercollective.com

Related Posts

Shutterstock
Industry

Canadian Panel Discusses Future Of Online Sports Betting Industry

June 27, 2022
whats on tap
Industry

What’s On Tap: Wimbledon Early Rounds, USFL Championship, And LIV Golf Portland

June 27, 2022
Load More

Top Sportsbooks In Your State

1
WynnBET Sportsbook
Review / 4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
FanDuel Sportsbook
Review / 4.8
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
WynnBET Sportsbook
Review / 4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
WynnBET Sportsbook
Review / 4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
FanDuel Sportsbook
Review / 4.8
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
SugarHouse Sportsbook
Review / 4.2
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
FanDuel Sportsbook
Review / 4.8
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
bet365 Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
BetRivers Sportsbook
Review / 4.2
BET NOW
T&Cs ApplyOnly 1x Wager Applies
2
FOX Bet Sportsbook
Review / 4.3
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
WynnBET Sportsbook
Review / 4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
FanDuel Sportsbook
Review / 4.8
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
FanDuel Sportsbook
Review / 4.8
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
SI Sportsbook
Review / 4.1
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
SuperBook Sports
Review / 4.3
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
BetRivers Sportsbook
Review / 4.2
BET NOW
T&Cs ApplyOnly 1x Wager Applies
1
SI Sportsbook
Review / 4.1
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
WynnBET Sportsbook
Review / 4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
FanDuel Sportsbook
Review / 4.8
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
WynnBET Sportsbook
Review / 4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
Betfred Sportsbook
Review / 3.8
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
BetRivers Sportsbook Ontario
Review / 4.3
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
BetMGM Sportsbook Ontario
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
NorthStar Bets Sportsbook
Review / 4.6
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
Bet99 Sportsbook
Review / 4.7
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
Sports Interaction Ontario
Review / 4.2
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
PowerPlay Sportsbook
Rating / 3.8
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
Monkey Knife Fight
Rating / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
PrizePicks
Rating / 4.2
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.

State Sports Betting Guides

Downtown Detroit at twilight (Shutterstock)

Michigan Sports Betting – Where To Play, Online Sportsbooks, And FAQ

by Brett Smiley
June 27, 2022

VA captial

Virginia Sports Betting – Where To Play, Online Sportsbooks And Bonus Offers

by Brett Smiley
March 21, 2021

nj flag

New Jersey Sports Betting — Where To Play, Online Sportsbooks, And FAQ

by Brett Smiley
March 22, 2022

pa online sportsbooks

Pennsylvania Sports Betting – Where To Play, Online Sportsbooks And Bonuses

by Brett Smiley
March 18, 2022

Most Read Stories

mattress mack betting charade

Will Everyone Please Stop Calling ‘Mattress Mack’ A Sports Bettor?

April 27, 2022
Photo: Jasen Vinlove/USA TODAY

Dave Portnoy Says, ‘F**k That Guy,’ To Which Bettor And Gambling Twitter Seriously Object

May 16, 2022
map-missouri

Missouri Sports Betting Bill Draws Debate, Backlash In Senate

May 5, 2022
golden-gate-bridge-san-francisco

California Tribes Won’t Try For Mobile Proposal On 2022 Ballot

May 10, 2022

Canada Sports Betting Guides

Canada Sports Betting – Best Sportsbook Apps & Bonus Offers

British Columbia Sports Betting – Legal Update, Available Sportsbooks, and FAQ

Ontario Sports Betting – Legal Status And Where To Play

gambling therapy
ncpg
igaming ontario
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA/MI), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-888-532-3500 (VA) or call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN).
19+. Please play responsibly. Terms and conditions apply. 
Individuals must be 19 years of age or older to participate in igaming in Ontario. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. If you, or someone you know, has a gambling problem in Ontario and wants help, please visit ConnexOntario or call their helpline at 1-866-531-2600. Operators on this website operate pursuant to an Operating Agreement with iGaming Ontario.

Search Sports Handle

No Result
View All Result
  • About Us / Contact

No Result
View All Result
  • US Sports Betting
    • Arizona Sports Betting
    • Arkansas
    • Colorado
    • Connecticut
    • Delaware
    • Illinois
    • Indiana
    • Iowa
    • Kansas
    • Louisiana
    • Maine
    • Maryland
    • Michigan
    • Mississippi
    • New Jersey
    • New York
    • Ohio Sports Betting
    • Pennsylvania
    • Tennessee
    • Virginia
    • West Virginia
    • Wyoming
  • Pending States
    • California
    • Florida
    • Georgia Sports Betting
    • Massachusetts Sports Betting
    • Missouri
    • North Carolina
  • Canada
    • Ontario
    • British Columbia
    • Alberta
  • Sportsbook Apps
    • FanDuel
    • BetMGM
    • Caesars
    • PointsBet
    • BetRivers
  • Tools
    • Sportsbook Bonuses Explained
    • Guide To ‘Risk-Free’ Bets
    • Common Beginner Mistakes
    • Sports Betting Podcasts
    • Expected Value
    • Sports Scores And Odds Apps
    • Sports Betting Twitter
    • Partnership Tracker
  • News

Please share your location to continue.

Check our help guide for more info.

share your location