Illinois Approves Bet365 Application for Sports Betting License

Michael Savio
By: Michael Savio
Sports Betting
Photo by J. Crocker, Attribution, via Wikimedia Commons

Photo by J. Crocker, Attribution, via Wikimedia Commons

Key Takeaways

  • Illinois will have ten online sportsbooks once bet365 goes live
  • Bet365 is now available in 12 US markets
  • The operator is the first to enter Illinois under its new tiered tax system

The sports betting in the Land of Lincoln is about to get slightly bigger.

The Illinois Gaming Board has approved bet365 Sportsbook's application to launch its online platform in the state. The approval was thanks to a partnership with Walker’s Bluff Casino, which gave the operator access to the market. Once bet365 is live, it will be the tenth sportsbook operator in the Illinois market.

Bet365 has yet to announce a launch date.

Bet365 Impressive Expansion Continues

Bet365 has become one of the most impressive success stories in the US sports betting industry. Like most other international operators, bet365 didn’t have much brand recognition in the US before PASPA was overturned. That made it difficult for many operators to succeed against established brands like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars.

International operators like Pointsbet, Betway, and Unibet failed to gain a foothold in the US, leading to their exit from the market altogether. However, bet365 took a slow and steady approach to expansion. After seeming to be on the brink of failure, the platform will now be available in 12 markets.  

Player-Friendly Approach Driving Success

While the bet365 Sportsbook doesn’t have a ton of flash, the player experience it provides is second to none. The site is easy to navigate, with all sports shown on a menu on the left side, allowing you to jump between them easily.

One big reason bettors love this platform is their promotions. They offer a choice between two welcome bonuses, several odds boost for existing players, and early payouts. This is attractive to many casual bettors looking to make their initial deposit last as long as possible.

In addition to its impressive platform, bet365 has also established itself as one of the country’s top sites for soccer betting. While most other international sportsbooks have failed, bet365 is one of the few remaining with a comprehensive betting market for leagues around the world.

Tiered Tax System Not Hurting Illinois

Once bet365 goes live, it will be the first online sportsbook to launch since the state implemented its tiered tax system. The new system assesses a tax rate based on each sportsbook's income, meaning the largest will pay a far higher rate than the rest.

Opponents of the tax change warned it would hurt the state’s sports betting market, but bet365’s launch shows operators aren’t scared off by the unique system.

Michael is an avid sports fan and a veteran bettor from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He learned the trade from his grandfather in Las Vegas as a kid. As an adult, Michael started picking games for a small sports betting site and has built it into a career. His experience allows him to provide tips and information to help other bettors improve their game. Michael cheers for all Wisconsin pro teams, the Arizona State Sun Devils (his alma mater), and the Ottawa Senators. He specializes in baseball betting but has extensive experience in football, basketball, and hockey. When he isn’t pouring over stats, he’s spending time with his two young children or hiking and enjoying the outdoors.