WynnBet, the online sportsbook, has applied for a license in Illinois and may soon be expanding its operations to the state.
There are currently seven separate sports betting apps available in Illinois, with plans for Wynn Resorts’ online gambling division to add more in the near future.
WynnBet coming to Illinois
Illinois gamblers could soon have a new sportsbook to choose from.
WynnBet has submitted a license application to the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB).
Nonetheless, it is not the sole sportsbook striving to establish itself in the state. Circa Sports has recently applied to enter the sports betting market.
While Circa and Wynn face similar circumstances in Illinois, a notable distinction exists. Namely, the specific casino that Wynn will be affiliating with in the state is still undisclosed.
Circa has announced a partnership with the upcoming American Place casino, but the IGB’s website has yet to mention Wynn’s retail partner.
If the IGB approves the company’s application, the information will be disclosed shortly. In the meantime, Wynn may already be planning its next moves in Illinois.
Chicago sports team deal on the way?
With only a few online sportsbooks available in Illinois, new companies have the opportunity to make a big impact when entering the market.
In March, gamblers in the state wagered nearly $1 billion on sports, as indicated by the most recent IGB report. Despite only having seven online sportsbooks available, there is still a significant amount of betting activity.
WynnBet aims to set itself apart from its competitors by forming direct partnerships with sports teams.
For example, the betting app has already agreed on a partnership with the Cincinnati Reds to offer exclusive betting opportunities to baseball fans in Indiana. The company is now exploring the possibility of implementing a similar approach in Illinois with a sports team based in Chicago.
The popularity of sports betting deals is growing rapidly.
Caesars Sportsbook recently finalized an agreement with the White Sox in which they will offer exclusive baseball promotions to fans in Illinois.
Of course, for WynnBet, such a deal would only be advantageous if they obtain approval from the IGB beforehand.
In any case, sports fans in Illinois should remain vigilant if the company begins accepting bets. There could potentially be a partnership in the works with your favorite Chicago sports team.
