Bally’s has opened a new retail sportsbook at its existing property, at Bally’s Quad Cities Casino & Hotel in Rock Island, Illinois. The recently unveiled Bally Bet Sportsbook & Bar provides sports betting fans in the Land of Lincoln with a convenient place to enjoy a drink and watch live games while placing their wagers.
George Papanier, President of Bally’s Corporation, expressed excitement for the new Rock Island sportsbook, citing the state’s rich sports history and passionate fans as reasons for venturing into the market. The news comes months after Papanier announced during the earnings calls for Q3 2023 that Bally’s had received approval from the Illinois Gambling Board to operate the Chicago Temporary Casino at Medinah Temple until 2026.
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Bally Bet Sportsbook offers Multiple Betting Options
The retail sportsbook at Bally’s Quad Cities Casino & Hotel is a premier destination for sports enthusiasts and bettors alike. With its impressive array of amenities, it provides a thrilling and immersive experience for all visitors.
Upon entering the sportsbook, patrons are greeted by a spacious and inviting atmosphere. The three betting windows, manned by knowledgeable and friendly staff, offer a seamless and efficient betting process. Whether it’s placing a wager on a favorite team or exploring various betting options, the experienced professionals are there to assist and guide customers.
For those who prefer a more independent betting experience, the sportsbook also features five self-service betting kiosks. These user-friendly terminals allow individuals to place bets at their own pace, providing convenience and flexibility.
To enhance the viewing experience, the sportsbook boasts an impressive collection of 25 large TV screens strategically placed throughout the area. These high-definition screens ensure that every game, match, or race is visible from any vantage point, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the excitement of live sports action.
At the heart of the sportsbook lies the magnificent 20-foot LED video wall. This state-of-the-art display showcases live games, highlights, and other sports-related content, creating an electrifying atmosphere that captivates visitors and adds to the overall ambiance.
For those looking to relax and socialize, the sportsbook offers a 25-seat bar where guests can enjoy a wide selection of beverages, including craft beers, signature cocktails, and fine wines. The bar provides a lively and convivial setting, perfect for discussing strategies, celebrating victories, or simply enjoying the company of fellow sports enthusiasts.
Adjacent to the bar is the exclusive dining area known as The Luxury Box. This upscale space offers a refined and intimate setting for guests to savor delectable cuisine while indulging in the excitement of live sports. With its elegant decor, attentive service, and gourmet menu, The Luxury Box elevates the sportsbook experience to new heights.
Operating Hours
The Bally Bet Sportsbook & Bar will open its doors to patrons aged 21+ at 12:00 pm on weekdays, allowing customers to visit during their lunch breaks or after work hours. This timing is convenient for individuals who wish to engage in gambling activities during their free time or for those who prefer to visit the establishment in the afternoon or evening.
On weekends, the Bally Bet Illinois brick-and-mortar establishment opens earlier at 10:00 am, catering to customers who prefer to start their day with some gambling or entertainment. This timing also allows for a longer duration of operation, accommodating customers who may wish to spend a significant portion of their day at the establishment.
Bally Bet also manages an online sportsbook in Illinois, providing a range of bonuses and promotions for both new and current players.
Bally Bet Has Made a Comeback in New York With Enhanced Technology
After a five-month pause, the sportsbook has resumed its operations, re-entering the highly competitive sports betting market of the Empire State. With the support of industry-leading technology from White Hat Gaming and Kambi Group, Bally Bet is now well-positioned to compete with other popular sports betting applications in the market.
Previously, Bally Bet faced challenges in gaining significant traction in the vibrant sports betting landscape of New York. The state of New York reported an impressive $2 billion in sports betting handle in October 2023, making it the first state in the US to reach this milestone. In November, it surpassed this record by achieving $2.1 billion in betting handle.
Before its temporary suspension for technological enhancements in New York State, Bally Bet’s total betting volume over the course of 12 months was a modest $16 million.
Bally’s Ongoing Expansion Efforts
The new Rock Island sportsbook marks the latest in Bally’s strategic expansion initiatives across growing U.S. gaming markets. The company currently operates sports betting in 11 states, including Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Rhode Island and Virginia, with many additional state market access deals in place.
In particular, Bally’s has focused heavily on deepening its presence in attractive midwestern markets. The company owns and manages 12 casinos across eight states, including four Illinois properties counting Rock Island. Its growing multi-state presence enables Bally’s to achieve synergies with unified branding, customer loyalty initiatives, and more.
Alongside retail sportsbooks like Rock Island, Bally’s also makes its Bally Bet sports betting app available for mobile play where legally approved. As consumer habits shift online, the company aims to serve patrons across both in-person and mobile experiences.
This approach also achieves results through its market access agreements with prominent media companies such as Sinclair Broadcast. Moreover, it operates a golf course in New York and manages Arapahoe Park, a horse racing track in Colorado.
Wrapping Up
With the opening of Bally’s Bet Sportsbook & Bar, Rock Island gains a vibrant new hub for sports enthusiasts and casual bettors alike. This strategic expansion allows Bally’s to leverage its existing infrastructure while capitalizing on growing interest in sports betting across Illinois.
