Trying to keep track of whether or not online registration is available for sports betting in Illinois has been difficult to say the least. The decision has literally gone back and forth a couple of times, leaving many people wondering what the rules and regulations are at the moment.
With 2020 being a difficult year all around, the sports betting industry felt the pinch in a big way and is now looking for ways to come back stronger than before.
In states like Illinois, the hope is that by offering online mobile registration, the gaming industry will rebound and become a catalyst for economic recovery.
The Ups and Downs of Sports Betting in Illinois
Illinois’ foray into sports betting has unfortunately been filled with ups and downs, all of which can be chalked up to bad timing, bad luck and bad decision making.
Sports betting officially went live in March, a mere week before the shutdowns happened. Clearly no-one could have predicted what was coming.
In response to the shutdown, and the fact that people couldn’t visit a sportsbook in person to place bets, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed an executive order that would make it possible for online registration of mobile betting accounts.
This order stayed in place in until late-July and at that point Gov. Pritzker reversed it. That meant people once again had to visit in person in order to register an account.
The reversal didn’t sit well with many who weren’t keen on the idea of heading out into public so once again the Governor decided to allow mobile registration.
Fast-forward to September 19th when the order expired once again. And, like before, the Governor has extended this decree. While this back and forth has obviously benefitted those who want to create a mobile account, it has also caused a lot of confusion.
The Sportsbooks Are Praising the Extension
Both FanDuel and DraftKings see the extension as a very positive move since neither have locations close to Chicago where a large population of sports bettors reside.
This means it’s not exactly convenient for people to head there in person and sign up. Provided that an online option opens the door to everyone interested in creating an account. For sportsbooks in the Chicago area, that benefit isn’t quite as big, but that’s not to say it won’t offer some advantages.
Then there is the state of Illinois which would very much like to see the sports betting numbers climb. So far, August looked healthy and the hope is that this rebound continues throughout September and the rest of the year.
There are plenty within the industry that feel this is the move that should’ve been made from the beginning. Unfortunately, this issue will be revisited when the current extension reaches its deadline of October 17th.
Rick Rockwell
As a longtime freelance writer, avid sports fan, former athlete, and experienced sports bettor, Rick Rockwell has risen up the ranks at GamblingSites.org to become the self-professed “King of the Blog” in his first year with the site. …
