CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The owners of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks may be the first to open a sportsbook at the United Center.
Online gaming company FanDuel Group and the United Center announced Monday plans to open a state-of-the-art FanDuel Sportsbook lounge inside the arena.
Pending necessary approvals being obtained, including from the Illinois Gaming Board, FanDuel’s newest in-arena sportsbook lounge will bring the excitement of sports wagering inside the United Center where fans can enjoy the action of Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks games all season long.
Plans for the FanDuel Sportsbook at the United Center include a two-story venue, unlike any sportsbook in North America. Located adjacent to the United Center atrium, the book is designed to ensure no fan misses out on the action as it would be equipped with state-of-the-art viewing and sports wagering technology, as well as a full-service team ready to deliver a personalized customer experience, the announcement said.
“As an industry leader in sports betting with a large and loyal existing customer base, FanDuel has a proven track record of innovation and excellence making them the perfect partner in developing the sportsbook at the United Center,” said Howard Pizer, Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, United Center Joint Venture. “It is designed to give sports fans a brand new, fully immersive sportsbook lounge experience unlike any other.”
This comes weeks after City Council approval.
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Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf, and the owners of the other professional sports teams, advocated for approval over the objection of Neil Bluhm, owner of the Rivers Casino, who said the sportsbooks would take profits from the planned Chicago casino.
"What is perplexing is that Neil Bluhm, who does not want our buildings to have sportsbooks, met with us seeking to have sportsbooks in our buildings. And that was long after the casino was approved for Chicago," Reinsdorf said at the time.
While awaiting approval of the sportsbook from the Illinois Gaming Board, the United Center and FanDuel will build out a non-wagering space adjacent to the United Center atrium that will have FanDuel branding and allow fans to watch live sports action while attending United Center events.
It is unclear when approval would come from the Illinois Gaming Board.
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