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The FanDuel Group and the United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks, announced plans to open a new sportsbook lounge inside the iconic arena.
The deal, which still requires approval from the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB), will eventually allow for the opening of the FanDuel Sportsbook. In the meantime, fans and bettors can expect new construction around the stadium.
of the FanDuel deal
Although financials were not disclosed, the plan includes a two-story venue adjacent to the United Center atrium.
The state-of-the-art sportsbook will be equipped with new wagering and viewing technology as well as a full-service team ready to deliver a “personalized customer experience.”
Howard Pizer, Executive Vice President, and Chief Executive Officer, United Center t Venture, had this to say:
“As an industry leader in sports betting with a large and loyal existing customer base, FanDuel has a proven track record of innovation and excellence making them the perfect partner in developing the sportsbook at the United Center. It is designed to give sports fans a brand new, fully immersive sportsbook lounge experience unlike any other.”
The broader partnership will include a VIP experience, media rights, and advertising assets throughout the arena.
What can Chicago Bulls & Blackhawks fans expect right now?
In December, the Chicago City Council approved a new ordinance to allow the five sporting venues in Chicago to develop retail sportsbooks.
- Wrigley Field
- Guaranteed Rate Field
- Soldier Field
- United Center
- Wintrust Arena
Although IL mobile sports betting has transformed the state into the third-largest market, operators hope to capitalize on sports fans wanting to place bets in person.
Wrigley Field will soon be home to a DraftKings Sportsbook, while the Chicago Bears have a partnership with BetRivers.
With the United Center/FanDuel partnership, Guaranteed Rate Field (Chicago White Sox) becomes the only stadium without a partnership.
Wintrust Arena, home of the Chicago Sky, is not eligible for a sportsbook under IL law. Qualifying venues must have a seating capacity greater than 17,000. The arena falls well short of that requirement. However, a bill circulating in Springfield would make Wintrust eligible.
Speaking of new sportsbooks…
The IGB approved a sports betting license for BetMGM. The move clears the way for the BetMGM Sportsbook to launch in Illinois through a partnership with Par-A-Dice Casino in East Peoria.
BetMGM will become the seventh online sportsbook in Illinois once it goes live.
