Betway has withdrawn its request for an Illinois sports betting license.
This marks the second attempt by Betway to gain a license in Illinois. The international betting company owned by Super Group first applied for a license in 2021, but that attempt failed.
Betway’s exit from the licensing process leaves three Illinois sports betting slots up for grabs.
Why is Betway pulling out of Illinois?
As of this writing, Betway has not indicated its reasons for exiting the Illinois licensing progress. It seems the company will focus on its existing operations in the following markets:
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Indiana
- Iowa
- New Jersey
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Virginia
Fore whatever reason, Betway has chosen not to enter a thriving market. Illinois sports betting has been brisk, with solid numbers reported in August.
Hard Rock Bet Illinois is still in line to get licensed in the state soon.
In July, Digital Gaming Corporation (the US arm of Betway) received initial licensing approval from the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB). The board called Betway the only “winning bidder” of the process, which was structured to find suitable sports betting operators. Everything looked like it was coming up Betway and the sportsbook would soon become Illinois’ ninth.
Winning a bid from the IGB meant that Betway met the state’s minimum prerequisites. Betway would need to work through the licensing and regulatory process to launch in Illinois. It was during that part of the process when Betway pulled out.
IL gambling remains on a growth trajectory
Betway’s sudden exit leaves three online-only licenses available in the Prairie State.
Last month, Illinois’ eighth sportsbook launched. Circa went live for retail and online betting with its partner property, The Temporary by American Place in Waukegan.
On the casino side, Illinois has seen plenty of motion, including the opening of Bally’s Chicago and progress on a Wind Creek Casino south of Chicago, as well as solid casino numbers in September.
