OnFocus(Chicago) – Multiple reports indicate Chicago is close to allowing in-person sports betting at professional sports stadiums — with help from some of the city’s most known sports figures.
Chicago’s City Council has approved an ordinance, with support from Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts, Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz, and White Sox and Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf.
Despite the approval, integrating in-person sports betting at venues has faced criticism due to concerns of the viability of Chicago-based casinos amid increased competition.
Soldier Field Plans
Chicago’s willingness to implement in-person sports betting at professional sports venues has also impacted the Chicago Bears and the team’s desire to build a new stadium.
The Bears, who have called Soldier Field home since 1971, signed a purchase agreement in September for the Arlington International Racecourse property in a deal valued at $197.2 million. The benefits of the Arlington site include an option to have an enclosed stadium and a sports betting loungBears president Ted Phillips stated that the Chicago Park District has refused “to engage in good-faith discussions” about integrating sports betting opportunities at Soldier Field.
Illinois, which requires in-person registration to wager on sports, has reported $556 million in sports betting revenue with a total handle of $7.3 billion since March 2020 — when it became legalized in the state.
************************************************************
Know some top athletic performances? Seeing some great teams in action?
We can use your help, and it’s simple. Witness some great performances? Hear about top athletes and top teams in our area?
Nominate an athlete or team: HERE
Pancakes or Waffles! We feature top area athletes with our world-renowned feature. Send us your nominations for who you’d like us to interview HERE
Baked or Fried! We also feature difference makers throughout central Wisconsin: coaches, booster club leaders, adminstration, volunteers, you name it. Send us your nominations for who you’d like us to interview HERE
College Athlete Roundup! We want to recognize student-athletes from the area who are competing at the college level. Send us information on college athletes from the area with our simple form HERE
Where are they Now? We feature athletes and difference makers from the past, standouts in sports who excelled over the years and have moved on. Know of a former athlete, coach or difference maker who we should feature? Know of a former standout competitor whose journey beyond central Wisconsin sports is one we should share? Send us information on athletes and difference makers of the past with our simple form HERE
We welcome your stories! Contact us at [email protected]!
Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
