Draftkings Sportsbook Wants Illinois Online Registration, An NFL Bubble for the Playoffs?
Draftkings sportsbook wasn't even allowed in the state of Illinois as originally planned. That soon changed. But the popular US-based web gambling site is looking for something more: To allow online registration. Currently, folks who want to join the site in Illinois must do so by registering in person, thus allowing for online sportsbooks licensed in other jurisdictions to remain competitive in Illinois.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker did sign off on an executive order allowing for folks to sign up with state-licensed sportsbooks online as a result of Covid-19. While the pandemic continues to rage on throughout the US, Pritzker allowed that executive order to lapse on July 24.
William Hill and BetRivers are two other sites licensed by the state.
Those not licensed in Illinois look forward to another edge: The ability to take bets on state college basketball teams. There won't be college football in Illinois until the spring.
For its part, Draftkings is engaging in a rigorous email campaign to try and pursuade Pritzger as well as other state lawmakers.
Messages being sent out include:
“I am so excited about mobile sports betting in Illinois, but I just tried to sign up and was told that I have to go to a casino to open up an account. I don’t understand. Why should I have to leave my home to do something that I can do more easily on my phone? This makes no sense. If I can register online for an illegal account with no consumer protections, I should be able to register online for a legal account that protects Illinois sports fans and generates revenue for our state at a time when it’s desperately needed. Please right this wrong.”
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Bubble Like Environment a Possibility for NFL's Postseason, League Says - The NFL is said to be considering something similar to what the NBA and MLS appear to be achieving at the moment, a bubble-like environment for the Playoffs.
New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton broached the idea during a recent competition committee meeting, Vincent said. The league has made no commitments, and Vincent said he wasn't sure if it was something the league could do "legally." But he reiterated that "all things are on the table" at the moment.
"We didn't use the term 'bubble,'" Vincent said, "but that 'secure environment' to make sure that there is no risk from the outside as teams start making that [playoff] drive. ... We did tell Coach Payton that it was something that both [chief medical officer Allen] Sills and the teams would explore. These are things that we just have to be flexible on."
- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com
