Wrigley Field Sportsbook Gets Green Light from Illinois Gaming Board to Start Operating

Nine months after its inauguration, the sportsbook at Wrigley Field has commenced accepting bets. The Illinois Gaming Board recently granted a retail sports wagering license to the DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field, authorizing it to operate its betting kiosks within the ballpark.

Launch and Features

The DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field, inaugurated last June alongside bar and restaurant services, occupies a 17,000-square-foot space adjacent to the ballpark. Notable features include a two-story addition with a 2,000-square-foot video wall for sports viewing, introducing a gambling dimension to the venue. The establishment aims to enhance foot traffic and spending in the neighborhood, aligning with the Ricketts family's extensive investments in modernizing and redeveloping the area surrounding the stadium.

Timing and Events

The approval from the gaming board precedes the NCAA men's basketball tournament and the Cubs' upcoming home opener on April 1, strategically positioning DraftKings to leverage these events. A grand opening event is scheduled for March 15, featuring former Chicago Bears player Kyle Long, who will place the "ceremonial bet" marking the initiation of sports gambling at Wrigley Field.

Access and Compliance

Access to the sportsbook is limited to a single entry point along Addison Street, ensuring compliance with Major League Baseball regulations. Consequently, patrons inside the stadium during Cubs games must exit the ballpark to access the sportsbook, with no re-entry permitted. This separation is necessary as per MLB rules, prohibiting sportsbooks from operating where game tickets are required for entry.

Legal and Operational Details

The Wrigley Field sportsbook is open to individuals aged 21 and above, irrespective of possessing a game ticket. It joins the ranks of 14 other sportsbooks in Illinois since the legalization of sports betting under the 2019 Illinois Sports Wagering Act. The venture acquiring the wagering license contributed $10 million in upfront fees, allocated to the Rebuild Illinois Fund for statewide infrastructure projects.

Economic Impact

In 2023, sports bettors in Illinois placed wagers totaling $11.6 million, resulting in over $150.3 million in state tax revenue and an additional $10.6 million in Cook County tax revenue, according to the Gaming Board's data.

The introduction of the DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field represents a significant milestone in the integration of sports betting within iconic sports venues, offering patrons an enhanced entertainment experience while generating substantial revenue for the state and local jurisdictions.