Illinois Gamblers Can Once Again Register Remotely for Sports Betting

Bettors have more options available to them in the state of Illinois thanks to the Governor moving to reinstate the remote registration option when it comes to online sports betting.

Now, residents can register online as long as they are within the state lines and make use of remote accounts. It makes placing a bet much easier, especially for those wary of leaving the house and going to public venues.

The Order Will Continue to Remain in Place

The order to allow remote registration is actually just a continuation of how things had been up until July. An executive order had been put in place by Gov. J.B. Pritzker that suspended the need for in-person account registration when it comes to online sports betting.

Unfortunately, the executive order was overlooked and failed to get an extension in late July, which meant that people would be forced to go back to in-person registration at approved gaming facilities.

It seems as though the Governor has listened to what people have been saying and came to the realization that remote registration makes the process easier and more convenient for all.

Governor Pritzker used “social distancing requirements” as the main reason for reinstating his original executive order – called 2020-52.

He also said this order will help to facilitate social distancing requirements that are currently in place at licensed casino gambling facilities, giving people the option to stay home but still go ahead and place a legal wager.

How Long Will the Order Last?

Right now, the remote registration order is set to expire on September 19^th. Of course, that doesn’t mean it can’t be extended again, it just means that’s how long the current one is in place.

The Governor will most likely re-visit the issue at that time, reassess the current health situation, and then make a decision based on the circumstances at that time.

The original order to allow for remote registration first took effect on June 4^th and was intended to remain in effect for as long as the Illinois’ Gubernational Disaster Proclamations lasted.

The casinos were able to reopen back on July 26^th but at half capacity, allowing just 50% of the patrons in at one time. It was then that the remote registration allowance was suspended.

Who Is Going to Benefit the Most?

It’s really a toss-up at this point as both the sportsbook operators and the bettors themselves are happy with the decision. For Illinois sports bettors, it gives them a chance to place bets from the comfort of their own home, whenever they like, and not take the risk of heading into a social atmosphere.

On the flip side, the sportsbook operators are also happy with the decision thanks to the fact that casinos are only able to operate at 50% capacity, and the fact people just aren’t returning at the same rate they were at the start of the year regardless of capacity limits.

In terms of what options bettors will have available to them, there is BetRivers which started its operation back on June 18^th and DraftKings which just started up at the beginning of the month.