- DraftKings will open a sportsbook in Wrigley Field as part of the partnership, subject to approval from the City of Chicago.
- DraftKings’ exclusive deal with the Chicago Cubs will last for multiple years.
CHICAGO – In a historic sports betting deal, the Chicago Cubs have chosen DraftKings to be their one and only sports betting and daily fantasy sports partner. The multi-year deal was announced on Thursday, with provisions to open up a possible sportsbook in Wrigley Field.
Sports betting at Wrigley is something the Cubs have explored in the past, but now the team has the partnership to back it up.
This part of the deal is contingent upon getting approved by the City of Chicago. IL SB 690 which was signed and 2019 and made sports betting legal in Illinois, included terms for professional sports venues to open their own sports betting areas. Wrigley Field is on track to be the first to take advantage of this rule.
“This is truly a historic moment, as we are thrilled to align with the renowned Chicago Cubs franchise and iconic Wrigley Field to provide sports bettors in Chicago with a revolutionary sports betting experience” said Matt Kalish, Co-founder and President, DraftKings North America. “As two organizations that share a mutual passion for innovation and a commitment to excellence, we look forward to working in collaboration with the Cubs, an organization steeped in tradition, and making our presence felt in and around Wrigleyville.”
DraftKings already operates a retail sportsbook inside of DraftKings at Casino Queen in East St. Louis, along with operating a statewide sports betting app/website. The company also plans on having an additional online presence within Wrigleyville.
“DraftKings has been a great partner for a number of years and we are excited to expand this relationship as sports betting grows rapidly in Illinois,” said Crane Kenney, President of Business Operations, Chicago Cubs. “An increasing number of sports fans want to integrate sports betting into their game experience, and we’re excited to be one of the first to engage in developing a retail sportsbook at a professional sports venue.”
The Illinois sports betting market is still in it’s early stages, but the move by DraftKings exemplifies how aggressive sportsbook operators have to be to win over the Chicago area.
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News tags: Chicago | Chicago Cubs | Crane Kenney | DraftKings | Illinois | Matt Kalish | Wrigley Field
– In his career, Hasan has worked both local and state government positions—including the Attorney General’s Office in Florida. On top of being familiar with the legislative process, he has also been researching and writing on the legality of sports betting across the US. Outside of work you’ll most likely find him producing or playing music, playing sports, or working on creative writing projects. You’ll also catch him at Doak Campbell Stadium cheering on the Noles.