Illinois

Following recent news of a $45bn ‘Rebuild Illinois’ plan being announced, which is to see sports betting introduced across the state, PointsBet and Hawthorne Race Course have announced the formation of a 20-year partnership.

Located in the Chicago area,  the “longest continuously run family owned racetrack in North America” is to see the launch of a retail sportsbook operation.

Both PointsBet and Hawthorne Race Course are to work to build a multi-faceted sports entertainment venue centrally located on the property, following licensure by the Illinois Gaming Board.   

Furthermore, the agreement also sees both parties team-up to launch sports betting at off-track betting establishments throughout the state, and digital sports wagering via PointsBet’s mobile app and website.  

“PointsBet is ecstatic to partner with Hawthorne Race Course, an iconic venue that has been part of the fabric of the Chicago sports and entertainment scene since its inception in 1891,” commented Johnny Aitken, PointsBet’s US CEO

“Illinois sports fans are die-hard in every sense of the word, and we are elated to introduce them to our premium sportsbook and our innovative, bettor-first experience.” 

As part of the agreement PointsBet states that it’s to bring its proprietary technology, brand mentality, trading practices, and growth marketing strategies to Illinois’ sports betting market.

“Governor Pritzker and the legislature have given us an historic opportunity to transform the Illinois racing industry with the addition of casino gaming and sports betting,” added Tim Carey, president and general manager of Hawthorne Race Course.  

“It’s an opportunity that we won’t take lightly and that’s exactly why we chose PointsBet as our partner.  Our business has survived because we put players first, and PointsBet has proven they do as well. That is how we are going to succeed together.”

As part of the $45bn action plan gaming expansions are to felt via six new land-based establishments, with sports betting legislation to see all casinos, racetracks and sports venues that hold 17,000 people or more permitted to pursue a licence to operate a brick-and-mortar sportsbook.