Circa Sports has secured a license from the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB), allowing it to offer sports betting services in the state. The company is planning to launch its sports betting operations in August, just in time for the beginning of the football season.
Nevada-based Circa Sports submitted its application for an Illinois license in May 2022. After a year-long wait, the IGB has finally approved the license, enabling Circa Sports to join the seven other sports betting operators already active in the state. The company will begin its operations in Waukegan’s “The Temporary” casino while working on developing its final retail and online solutions.
Facing Stiff Competition in Illinois
Circa Sports’ entry into the Illinois market will be a significant challenge, as it will compete with well-known operators such as FanDuel, DraftKings, Barstool Sportsbook, BetRivers, Caesars, PointsBet, and BetMGM. Illinois casinos handled nearly $2 billion in bets in January and February, making it a lucrative market for sports betting operators.
Header: Partnership with Fun House Entertainment
Established in 2019 by casino owner and developer Derek Stevens, Circa Sports has enjoyed significant success in its relatively short existence. The company operates sportsbooks within three popular casinos: Circa Hotel & Casino, The D Las Vegas, and the Golden Gate. Its mobile app is also available in Colorado and Iowa.
Circa Sports has teamed up with Fun House Entertainment to offer sports betting services at the upcoming American Place Casino. In the meantime, the company will operate out of The Temporary, which opened earlier this year and is currently in its probationary period. According to IGB regulations, the casino must complete this stage before it can receive non-restricted licenses for sportsbook operations.
Potential for Online College Sports Betting
The Illinois sports betting market could become even more popular if the state approves House Bill 4041, which seeks to legalize online college sports betting. This would benefit the state’s 13 college sports teams, which have been limited to retail betting since 2019. According to Rep. Jonathan Carrol, who filed the bill, the revenue from college sports betting could increase by 20% if online wagering is legalized.
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