RSI and the Chicago Bears have signed a multi-year exclusive agreement that designates Rivers Casino as their only casino and sports betting partner.
The Bears could potentially team up with Rivers Casino in Des Plaines.
BetRivers has replaced PointsBet as the exclusive betting partner of the Bears, taking over the role as the first official partner.
Ted Phillips, the Bears president and CEO, stated:
We are excited to announce that BetRivers and Rivers Casino are our first ever exclusive partners in both the sportsbook and casino categories for the next few years. Our aim is to interact with our fans in innovative and enjoyable ways through these collaborations. We are thrilled to establish this partnership with a local company.
Due to the collaboration, Rivers Casino will receive in-stadium signage as well as digital, social, and print assets. Additionally, BetRivers Sportsbook will be the title partner for the team’s free-to-play game on the official Bears app.
Additionally, the agreement will feature unique Bears rewards and joint promotions.
Neil Bluhm, Executive Chairman of RSI, made the following statement regarding the agreement:
“As a loyal Bears fan, I am thrilled that BetRivers and Rivers Casino have become the exclusive sportsbook and casino partners of the organization. We are focused on delivering top-quality user experiences and are eager to strengthen our connection with the Bears and their dedicated supporters. This collaboration allows us to introduce cutting-edge products and promotions while also demonstrating our dedication to supporting local communities in the states where our online and physical sportsbooks are located.”
Lately, the Bears have seen another off-field improvement that has caught everyone’s attention.
Bears make an effort to acquire Arlington International
Last week, the Bears revealed their bid to acquire Arlington International Racecourse, which was put up for sale by Churchill Downs earlier this year.
The confirmation of rumors that the Bears are contemplating a departure from Soldier Field has generated excitement. The possibility of building a state-of-the-art mega-stadium in Arlington Heights opens up a range of new business opportunities.
It is intriguing to note that Churchill Downs has a significant ownership stake in Rivers Casino as part of this deal. Although this may not impact the sale of Arlington, the connection between the two entities is still noteworthy.
If the Bears relocate to Arlington Heights, a sportsbook has the potential to generate significant profits. While we initially anticipated that this would be advantageous for PointsBet, it appears that BetRivers will be the frontrunner if the move materializes.
In the end, Churchill Downs will be in charge of the Arlington sales. Specifically, Churchill Downs and the Bears will enter into a partnership, with the possibility of the Bears becoming a customer.
You are free to do as you please with that.
Place of BetRivers & rsquo in the Illinois market
BetRivers was the pioneering brand in the initial stages of sports betting in Illinois, being the first to launch an online sportsbook in the state.
Despite its monthly handle and revenue falling behind FanDuel and DraftKings since then, this sportsbook still maintains its position as the third top sportsbook in a state that recently had the second-highest handle in the US in April.
Being in competition with DraftKings and BetRivers in Illinois, along with FanDuel, is a favorable position to be in. BetRivers is also poised for success, surpassing Barstool and PointsBet in the market.
Despite the potential benefits of the in-person registration requirement for BetRivers in closing the gap, we did not see any evidence of this occurring in April. Rivers, which is located just outside of Chicago, is the most popular casino in Illinois.
The addition of Justin Fields to the Bears has reignited excitement, making it the perfect opportunity for Rivers to join the team.