bet365 Launches in Illinois, Expands US Presence
bet365 has officially entered the Illinois sports betting market, marking its 13th US marketplace. The global sportsbook’s launch in Illinois comes at a strategic time, coinciding with March Madness and the much-anticipated 2025 MLB World Tour: Tokyo Series, where the Chicago Cubs will be participating.
Partnering with Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort, bet365 now offers Illinois residents the opportunity to place bets both online and at the on-site Draft Day Sports Lounge. With Illinois being one of the early states to legalize sports betting in 2019 and introducing mobile betting in 2020, the state has seen significant success with the industry despite stringent regulations.
Illinois Sports Betting Landscape
Illinois has quickly established itself as a thriving sports betting market, surpassing New Jersey in sports wagering turnover in 2024. The state’s rich sports culture, boasting championship-winning franchises across major professional leagues like the NFL, WNBA, NBA, MLB, and NHL, has contributed to its success in the industry.
A bet365 spokesperson emphasized the significance of the company’s expansion into the Illinois market, highlighting the state’s sports culture and passionate fanbase. With the introduction of bet365, Illinois aims to solidify its position as a sports betting powerhouse state, leveraging the industry to boost gambling tax revenues for 2025.