Required In-Person Sportsbook Registration Gone In Illinois

• The Illinois in-person registration requirement will be removed on March 5.
• In-state college team betting will be allowed, but only in retail sportsbooks.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – On Friday, Illinois lawmakers made some adjustments to their sports betting law that will allow for an influx of new players to start betting.

Beginning March 5, Illinois residents will no longer be required to register for sports betting in-person at a land-based sportsbook. This will be great for residents who live an inconvenient distance from a casino actively hosting an online sportsbook.

This alteration has now evened the playing field between the regulated Illinois sportsbooks. Whereas BetRivers has been benefitting from its advantageous location not far from Chicago, DraftKings and FanDuel will now be able to pose a fighting chance with residents across the state able to sign-up from their home.

Illinois’ regulated sports betting market has been successful so far, but the in-person registration requirement has made it unappealing to some bettors and even potential sportsbook platforms. This change could benefit the market in a big way when it happens in March.

In-State College Team Betting

The other notable adjustment to Illinois legal sports betting is the ability for residents to bet on in-state college teams.

No bets will be offered on individual performances such as player props.

The law “strikes the right balance between a modern sports betting market and player safety,” said Mike Zalewski, Illinois State Representative

However, bets placed on games involving in-state schools will be added yet restricted to retail sportsbooks only. Those hoping to bet on their favorite in-state team will have to travel and do so in person.

News tags: BetRivers | Chicago | DraftKings | FanDuel | Illinois | Mike Zalewski