RSI, the parent company of BetRivers Sportsbook in Illinois, has introduced a collection of sports betting podcasts focused on local markets like Chicago.
The BetRivers Chicago CityCast, hosted by VSiN’s Danny Burke, debuted at the beginning of the month, bringing local insights to Chicago sports fans.
Up until now, Burke has primarily discussed the Chicago Bears from a betting perspective on the show, delving into topics such as individual prop bets and Bears futures.
Given that NFL betting reigns supreme in the US, it is no surprise that Burke focuses primarily on the Bears. It is also worth noting that BetRivers has recently been named the official sports betting partner of the team, adding to the relevance of the discussion.
In a press release, Richard Schwartz, CEO of RSI, commented on the new podcasts.
Our CityCasts are tailored to each host’s local market, aligning with our goal of providing players with Hometown Sportsbooks. The hosts provide authentic and credible breakdowns to help BetRivers and PlaySugarHouse bettors make informed sports betting choices, whether they are seasoned veterans or newcomers to the game.
These local podcasts have launched in the Chicago sports betting market, as well as in Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia. They are also set to go live in New York, Denver, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC.
Consumers have access to an increasing amount of sports betting audio content in the market.
Joe Ostrowski, a Chicago radio personality on WSCR, hosts the daily sports betting show, BetQL Daily. Despite his local roots, Ostrowski’s focus is on the national betting landscape rather than just local teams.
RSI is focusing heavily on local programming in hopes that it will be beneficial for the operator. Let’s see if this strategy pays off.
Where does BetRivers stack up in Illinois?
BetRivers ranks third in popularity among sportsbooks in Illinois each month, trailing only DraftKings and FanDuel. It consistently outperforms Barstool and PointsBet in terms of handle.
Initially, BetRivers held the top spot as the premier sportsbook in Illinois. However, when Governor JB Pritzker temporarily suspended the in-person registration mandate for over seven months due to the pandemic, DraftKings and FanDuel were able to seize the leading positions in the market.
In-person registration has returned in Illinois, with BetRivers offering a convenient sign-up location at Rivers Casino near Chicago. Despite this, BetRivers has struggled to keep up with DraftKings and FanDuel in the state since Governor Pritzker reinstated in-person registration in April.
Arlington Park announcement could be coming soon
We are now monitoring the Arlington Park sale announcement closely. RSI and the Bears are at the center of one of the most significant stories in Illinois gaming.
Churchill Downs and Rush Street jointly own Rivers Casino, and it is widely known that Churchill Downs is not in favor of horse racing or casino gambling continuing in Arlington Heights. With Rivers Casino in close proximity, they would rather avoid adding more competition.
The Bears are among the bidders for the property, and with each new update on Arlington Park, it appears more likely that they will be chosen.
