Illinois Sports Betting Set for Major Growth with Bet365 Entry

UK-based gaming giant Bet365 has made its debut in Illinois, partnering with Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort to launch both physical and online sportsbook operations. Bet365’s license approval by the IGB adds a major player to the state’s roster, further diversifying the competitive landscape.

Bet365’s expansion into Illinois is part of a broader U.S. growth strategy. The company now operates in 12 states, including Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Illinois. Over the past year, Bet365 has aggressively expanded, entering six new states to strengthen its position in the highly competitive U.S. iGaming market.

A Strategic Opportunity

Illinois represents a key milestone for Bet365, thanks to its robust sports culture and burgeoning betting market. The company’s entrance could introduce fresh competition to industry leaders like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetRivers, the latter of which handled $686 million in wagers this year.

The partnership with Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort positions Bet365 to leverage Illinois’ established market while setting the stage for potential growth in online casino gaming, should legalization efforts succeed. As Illinois’ gaming industry continues to evolve, Bet365’s entry signals the growing appeal of this dynamic market to global operators.

With a proven track record of success in other states and an aggressive expansion strategy, Bet365 is poised to play a significant role in shaping Illinois’ gaming future.

Illinois’ Evolving Gaming Landscape

Illinois continues to cement its position as a powerhouse in the U.S. sports betting industry, with significant changes shaping its regulatory and competitive environment. Since legalizing sports betting in March 2020, the state has amassed $41.3 billion in handle and $3.4 billion in revenue. Leading operators like DraftKings and FanDuel dominate the scene, reporting $4 billion and $3.7 billion in stakes, respectively, through October 2024.

Amid this flourishing market, Governor JB Pritzker has implemented notable regulatory shifts, introducing a tiered sports betting tax structure that ranges from 20% to 40%, replacing the previous flat 15% rate. The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) has also tightened advertising rules to promote responsible gambling.

While online casinos remain off-limits, legislative momentum is building. Representative Edgar Gonzalez filed a bill earlier this year to legalize online casino gambling, hinting at a future expansion of Illinois’ gaming offerings.