Sports Betting Launches in Illinois

Submitted by Gilbert Horowitz on

Written by :

Gilbert Horowitz

Published on :

Sports Betting Launches in Illinois

The Rivers Casino sportsbook opened today in Des Plaines, Illinois with Blackhawks announcer Eddie Olczyk laying down $100 on his hometown White Sox to win the American League pennant at 16-to-1 odds.


*6 weeks free trial - test drive - best in the biz
*Deposit with Bitcoin - They'll double it!
*Get your own domain, customized website, logo
*Switch in under an hour, earn mrore $$ for doing so
*Odds featured on DonBest.com
*Thousands of betting options daily + live in-play
*Easy and discreet payment options include gift cards
*Walmart gift cards also accepted
Start Earning Money From Your Sheet Here

It's been eight long months since the state legalized sports betting.  Rivers Casino, which began construction on a sportsbook three months ago, received first approval to launch and didn't waste any time.  Additional casinos and a Downstate racetrack have also applied.  Two companies that won't be joining the party are Draftkings and FanDuel.  Both are prohibited from entering the Illinois market for the first two years.

The Argosy Casino Alton near St. Louis will be next to launch on March 16 just in time for March Madness.  Betting will be prohibited on state schools and games that feature them.  This means no betting on the Fighting Illini, a team destined to play in this year's NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.

From the Chicago Sun Times:

Industry analysts are bullish, estimating the yearly statewide handle could eventually smash $5 billion and even surpass $10 billion, potentially topping the Nevada industry.

With a 15% tax rate on gross sportsbook revenue, Pritzker’s office anticipates the industry eventually will inject about $60 million into state coffers each year. The tax rate goes up to 17% for Rivers and any other casinos that might open in Cook County — including the potential Chicago mega-casino so coveted by Mayor Lori Lightfoot.

Mobile in-state betting is anticipated in the late spring or summer, most likely ahead of the 2020 College Football and NFL seasons. 

- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com

Related Content

23rd Jackpot of Year Hit This Past Week at Biloxi Mississippi Casino

23rd Jackpot of Year Hit This Past Week at Biloxi Mississippi Casino

Beau Rivage Casino alone has had 16 jackpot wins so far this year.
Tucson Arizona Set to Get Its First Casino in November

Tucson Arizona Set to Get Its First Casino in November

Casino Del Sol Vahi Taaʼam on Grant Road at I-10 will likely employ as many as 500 people.
Casino chips all different colors, mostly stacked

Sweepstakes Gaming Revenue in the US Reaches $20.09B in Q1 2026 as Player Demand Continues to Shift

Sweepstakes gaming has moved from a niche corner of online gambling into something much more visible in the broader digital entertainment landscape.
Spooky Link Go Ghost $87.6K Slot Win Biggest at Treasure Island Casino in Minnesota During Month of May

Spooky Link Go Ghost $87.6K Slot Win Biggest at Treasure Island Casino in Minnesota During Month of May

The title can now be found online at Heart of Vegas Casino Slots sweepstakes casino and for real money play at Caesars online casino in four states.