The Illinois Gaming Board has given regulatory approval to both Hard Rock and Betway for the operators to build upon their sports betting activities in the state.
The regulator has given the green light to Hard Rock to build a retail sportsbook within its Hard Rock Rockford Casino. Via a sports wagering operator license, Hard Rock can implement its retail sportsbook within the facility, while Hard Rock Digital was approved as a sports wagering management service provider.
However, the regulator noted that Hard Rock must “comply with Illinois Gaming Board rules before sports wagering can be offered in person or online”.
Furthermore, Betway is set to enlarge its Illinois presence as its Digital Gaming Corporation subsidiary was approved for an online sports betting license. Untethered to a casino or racetrack, the license allows the Betway brand to go online just months after confirming the acquisition of DGC.
These licenses are part of the IGB’s plan to issue 233 new licenses and casino approvals, as well as license renewals.
“The Board and staff continue their important work to implement the landmark gaming expansion law and regulate Illinois’ robust and evolving statewide gaming industry in an ethical, transparent, compliant, and efficient manner,” said IGB Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter.
As part of these efforts, 109 video gaming locations received licenses as well as one casino supplier license. Licenses were also issued for casino occupations of varying levels.
Meanwhile, applications were denied for three casino occupation licenses, 27 sports betting occupational licenses, two video gaming locations and one terminal operator licenses.
