Sports betting and daily fantasy sports operator DraftKings has announced the launch of its mobile and retail sportsbook platforms in Illinois, via a partnership with local operator Casino Queen.
The DraftKings at Casino Queen Sportsbook app and the co-branded retail site at the bricks and mortar casino in East St. Louis, will allow registered players in the state to place wagers on a wide range of sports.
“Illinois is home to some of the most passionate sports fans and most iconic sports teams in the entire country,” DraftKings co-founder, chairman and chief executive Jason Robins said.
“DraftKings’ dedication to innovation and providing customers with a premier sports betting experience has made our app the top-rated option and we can’t wait for fans in Illinois to discover why.”
DraftKings at Casino Queen president Terry Downey added: “The marriage of two iconic brands promises to create an unforgettable experience that can only be found at DraftKings at Casino Queen.
“Fans will come to love the service, passion and innovation now available in our state.”
The launch comes after DraftKings was last month issued a temporary sports betting permit, allowing it to operate in Illinois when its land-based partner a received master license.
DraftKings holds a management service provider permits in the state, allowing it to operate a sportsbook on behalf of a land-based licence holder.
Customers must register in-person in order to access the sportsbook mobile app, per state regulations.
Governor J.B. Pritzker in June signed an Executive Order that allowed players to register remotely for mobile betting, as in-person registration was not possible since the state’s casinos had to temporarily close due to the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
However, casinos were permitted to reopen from July 1, in line with a host of measures to help slow the spread of Covid-19, including operating at 50% capacity, and the requirement is now back in place after Pritzker failed to sign an extension to the clause.