The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) has awarded Northside Crown Gaming, a subsidiary of DraftKings, a four-year master sports wagering license. This license allows Northside Crown Gaming to operate a retail sportsbook adjacent to Wrigley Field, Chicago’s historic sporting venue.
Under this permit, Northside Crown Gaming will oversee retail betting operations at the sportsbook, with the license subject to review and reapproval in 2028. Additionally, DraftKings’ subsidiary, Crown IL Gaming, has received approval for a mobile betting license, enabling the company to offer online betting services alongside its retail offerings.
This recent approval by the Illinois Gaming Board for DraftKings to operate a sports betting facility near Wrigley Field, along with a mobile license, signals a significant development for both DraftKings and the local community surrounding the iconic stadium.
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DraftKings launched its retail betting venture at Wrigley Field earlier this year
DraftKings launched its retail betting venture operations near Chicago’s iconic Wrigley Field ballpark earlier this year, providing in-person betting services along with food and beverage options. The announcement signaled the start of retail betting services at DraftKings’ expansive 22,000-square-foot venue located on Addison Street and Sheffield Avenue.
However, this milestone came with a significant investment. DraftKings paid the Illinois Gaming Board the full $10 million license fee for this opportunity. The Illinois Gaming Board confirmed this transaction, highlighting that the funds received would contribute to the Rebuild Illinois Fund, supporting infrastructure projects statewide.
This development was noteworthy as it marked the first issuance of such a license by the Illinois Gaming Board. While FanDuel had applied for a similar license at the United Center, the lounge area had been operating for over a year without offering betting services.
DraftKings revealed its two-story venue last summer, primarily focusing on offering food and beverage services. However, before DraftKings could proceed with its application for a sports betting license, the Chicago City Council needed to overturn the “home rule” ban on sports betting within the city, which it successfully did in December 2021.
The lifting of this ban sparked some controversy. Influential sports team owners in the city, such as Tom Ricketts of the Cubs, Rocky Wirtz of the Blackhawks, and Jerry Reinsdorf of the Bulls and White Sox, voiced their support for the ordinance.
On the other hand, Neil Bluhm, co-founder of Rush Street, opposed the ordinance, expressing concerns about potential adverse effects on downtown casino revenue. Bluhm, who was a contender for the downtown casino license, ultimately lost to Bally’s.
The approved ordinance also introduced a 2% city tax on revenue generated from wagers at licensed locations, which extends to a five-block radius where sports betting is allowed. This means that DraftKings at the Wrigley Field location will be subject to a total tax of 19% on adjusted gross sports betting revenue — with 15% going to the state, 2% to Cook County, and 2% to the City of Chicago.
Tom Ricketts, who had long advocated for the establishment of such a venue, initially aimed to open it around Opening Day last season. Ricketts had reached an agreement with DraftKings in September 2020 to serve as the team’s “first official and exclusive sports betting and daily fantasy partner.”
More stadiums are incorporating sports betting
In-Stadium, Real-Time Sports Betting Sweeps Across the United States
In-stadium, real-time sports betting has emerged as a game-changer in the realm of sports entertainment across the United States. This innovative approach seamlessly integrates the thrill of sports betting with the live action of sporting events, enhancing the overall fan experience and revolutionizing the way fans engage with their favorite teams.
One notable pioneer in this evolving landscape has been DraftKings, one of the leading sports betting and daily fantasy sports platforms. The introduction of in-stadium sports betting at DraftKings’ venue marks a significant milestone in the evolution of sports entertainment in the Windy City.
DraftKings’ venture near Wrigley Field marks the company’s second physical location, following the opening of its first venue at TPC Scottsdale, renowned for the lively Waste Management Open. Unique to the Chicago sports betting scene, DraftKings’ Wrigley Field location stands as the city’s sole retail sportsbook, distinct from others situated in suburban casinos.
This exclusivity positions DraftKings as a prominent player in the local sports betting market, offering fans a premier destination to engage in real-time betting experiences amid the electric ambiance of Wrigleyville.
Fans now have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the excitement of live sports while placing bets on their favorite teams and players, all within the vibrant atmosphere of the stadium.
But what exactly does in-stadium, real-time sports betting entail? At its core, it allows fans to place bets on various aspects of the game as it unfolds in real-time. Whether it’s predicting the outcome of the next play, the total number of points scored, or the performance of individual players, the possibilities are endless.
This level of engagement adds an extra layer of excitement to the live sports experience, turning spectators into active participants in the action on the field. The implementation of in-stadium sports betting is not without its challenges and regulatory considerations.
The Chicago City Council’s ordinance introduced a 2% city tax on revenue generated from wagers at licensed locations, including DraftKings’ venue near Wrigley Field. This tax extends to a five-block radius around the stadium, with a portion allocated to the state, Cook County, and the City of Chicago.
While this tax revenue contributes to various public funds and infrastructure projects, it also impacts the profitability of sports betting operators and the overall economics of in-stadium betting ventures.
Despite these challenges, the demand for in-stadium sports betting continues to grow, driven by the desire for an immersive and interactive fan experience. Sports venues across the country are increasingly exploring partnerships with sports betting operators to bring this innovative concept to life.
From football stadiums to basketball arenas and baseball parks, in-stadium sports betting is reshaping the way fans engage with live sports and is poised to become a staple of the modern sports landscape.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, in-stadium, real-time sports betting represents a dynamic fusion of sports entertainment and gambling, offering fans an unprecedented level of engagement and excitement.
With no immediate contenders on the horizon, DraftKings’ dominance in the heart of Chicago appears secure for the foreseeable future. As the only retail sportsbook in the city, DraftKings’ Wrigley Field venue solidifies its status as a focal point for sports betting enthusiasts, promising unparalleled excitement and opportunities for fans to immerse themselves in the action.
The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) has awarded Northside Crown Gaming, a subsidiary of DraftKings, a four-year master sports wagering license. This license allows Northside Crown Gaming to operate a retail sportsbook adjacent to Wrigley Field, Chicago’s historic sporting venue.
Under this permit, Northside Crown Gaming will oversee retail betting operations at the sportsbook, with the license subject to review and reapproval in 2028. Additionally, DraftKings’ subsidiary, Crown IL Gaming, has received approval for a mobile betting license, enabling the company to offer online betting services alongside its retail offerings.
This recent approval by the Illinois Gaming Board for DraftKings to operate a sports betting facility near Wrigley Field, along with a mobile license, signals a significant development for both DraftKings and the local community surrounding the iconic stadium.
