Online gaming operator FanDuel Group and the United Center, home of the NBA’s Chicago Bulls and NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks in Illinois, announced Monday plans to open a FanDuel Sportsbook lounge inside the iconic stadium.
Provided the necessary approvals are obtained, including the Illinois Gaming Board’s, FanDuel’s newest in-arena sportsbook lounge will “bring the excitement of sports wagering inside the United Center where fans can enjoy the action of Bulls and Blackhawks games all season long”, the company stated.
In December, the Chicago City Council agreed to lift the Chicago ban on sports betting and impose a Mayor-backed 2% tax on gross revenues from it, which allows sportsbooks to open in and around Soldier Field, Wrigley Field, Guaranteed Rate Field, the United Center and Wintrust Arena. The 2% city tax on gross revenues from sports betting is expected to generate $400,000 to $500,000 a year based on an estimated $25 million in annual revenues from sports betting in Chicago.
The venue is projected to be a two-story building, located adjacent to the United Center atrium, equipped with viewing and sports wagering technology, as well as a full-service team ready to deliver a personalized customer experience.
While awaiting approval of the sportsbook from the Illinois Gaming Board, the United Center and FanDuel will build out a non-wagering space adjacent to the atrium that will have the operator’s branding and will allow fans to watch live sports games while attending United Center events.
— United Center (@UnitedCenter) January 31, 2022
The addition of a sportsbook within the United Center would mark a strategic expansion of the partnerships FanDuel enjoys with both the Bulls and the Blackhawks, which includes media, VIP fan experience and advertising assets throughout the arena and in various broadcasts.
In an official press release, Howard Pizer, Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, United Center Joint Venture, spoke about this new sportsbook project and said: “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”.
Amy Howe, CEO, FanDuel Group, added: “Chicago sports fans are some of the most loyal and passionate in the world and plans for our sportsbook lounge inside the United Center reflect their excitement. Our team has a track record of delivering incredible retail locations for fans, and we can’t wait to make this sportsbook lounge the premier destination for Chicago sports fans and a place where they can fully experience the FanDuel brand”.
After launching in Arizona on September 9, FanDuel opened its retail sportsbook lounge located inside Footprint Center, home of the Phoenix Suns & Phoenix Mercury. This was the first of its kind to be located inside an NBA arena.
