Ahead of this summer’s return to live sporting action, Rivers Casino Des Plaines and Rush Street Interactive (RSI) have launched the online sportsbook BetRivers.com, with players able to sign up from home. 

According to a statement, BetRivers.com will offer players the chance to be among the first sports fans to ever place legal online bets in the state of Illinois

The timing is apt given that Premier League Soccer is now back underway and the NBA, WNBA and NHL are all scheduled to resume play next month. Bundesliga soccer, UFC, motorsports and professional golf recently resumed televised events with media reports of major league baseball returning soon. 

“We are excited to make history in bringing the first online sportsbook to sports fans in our home state just in time as American sports are coming back into action,” said Richard Schwartz, president of RSI.

Because of the COVID-19 crisis, Governor Pritzker‘s June 4 executive order temporarily allows players to sign-up online or via mobile app and begin placing bets on BetRivers.com from the safety of their homes without first having to visit a casino as the Illinois sports betting statute otherwise provides.

“While entertainment options are limited as we seek to minimize the spread of the virus, we are focused on BetRivers.com providing sportsbook players with a high-quality on-line product with exciting sports betting options,” Schwartz added. “We will have great customer service with fast payouts and an overall friendly approach that treats every player with honesty and care.”

Players can register online and instantly place bets from anywhere in the state via desktop, on Android, or Apple mobile devices by simply visiting BetRivers.com.