DraftKings at Casino Queen in East St. Louis will unveil a brand new 6,000-square foot sportsbook on Tuesday, according to DraftKings.
The sportsbook will feature a 60-foot video wall, more than 30 betting kiosks, a VIP area and dozens of high-definition televisions.
It will be located just steps away from the casino floor. DraftKings at Casino Queen already had a retail sportsbook, but it was a temporary space while the permanent sportsbook was being built.
Terry Downey, president and CEO of CQ Holding Company, said in a press release:
“With this comprehensive renovation, we are introducing a new era of sports betting, sports viewing and overall entertainment at DraftKings at Casino Queen. Our relationship with DraftKings has allowed us to create an all-encompassing, state-of-the-art space that will continue to add to Illinois’ excitement for sports wagering.”
Michael Kibort, Sr. Director of Retail Sportsbooks at DraftKings, added:
“It’s exciting to see our shared vision of bringing DraftKings’ innovative mobile app to life with an incredible in-person experience at the new DraftKings at Casino Queen Sportsbook,” said Michael Kibort, Sr. Director, Retail Sportsbooks at DraftKings. “Through the amazing support of, and collaboration with, Casino Queen, we have created a premier destination for guests to enjoy for years to come.”
The sportsbook will also unveil a new food menu for patrons. A sampling of the new cuisine will include a 20-oz. BBQ pork steak with mac
and cheese, crispy brussels sprouts and barbecue sauce; St. Louis hot salami, white queso, spicy mustard and giardiniera on a french roll; and a pub burger slider made with Angus beef, fried pickles, cheese sauce and grilled onions.
DraftKings at Casino Queen is located in East St. Louis, which sits along the Illinois and Missouri border.
DraftKings at Casino Queen history
DraftKings at Casino Queen used to simply be known as ‘Casino Queen.’ DraftKings struck a partnership with the casino that included naming rights in July 2020.
The move allowed DraftKings to enter the Illinois sports betting market and avoid the 18-month “penalty box.” Had DraftKings not partnered with a land-based gaming entity, it would have been sitting on the sidelines.
Instead, DraftKings has become the IL sports betting market leader in handle. And come next baseball season, it will also be operating a retail sportsbook at Wrigley Field.
Sports betting coming to Missouri?
Last week, a bill that would legalize online and retail sports betting in Missouri passed the House. But there may be obstacles in the Senate.
With that said, the state’s casinos and professional sports teams support the bill, as do major sportsbook operators.
Sports betting will likely come to Missouri at some point — it’s a matter of when, and in what form. There have been a lot of proposals without much traction in recent years.
Until then, retail sportsbooks along the Illinois border such as the one at DraftKings at Casino Queen will continue to be quite popular.
