Canada-based betting operator theScore has agreed a deal with Caesars Entertainment that will allow it to access the Illinois online betting market through Harrah’s Joliet Hotel & Casino.
The operator will still need regulatory approval before launching, but expects to take bets from Illinois in the second half of 2021.
“Gaining market access to Illinois is a significant development that will bring our award-winning mobile sportsbook to one of the most populous states,” John Levy, chairman and chief executive of theScore, said.
“Caesars is a giant in the casino-entertainment industry and we’re thrilled to have reached this agreement to extend theScore Bet’s footprint into another key new market.”
Illinois will be the fifth state in which theScore is active, following New Jersey, Colorado, Indiana and Iowa.
Caesars will receive a percentage of theScore’s annual revenue, or a fixed minimum fee if this fee is higher than the percentage of revenue that would have been paid.
The deal will last 10 years, though theScore has an option to extend it for a further 10.
In January, the latest month for which data has been published, Illinois betting operators brought in revenue of $49.4m (£35.4m/€41.3m) as players staked $581.6m.