The mobile sports betting market of Illinois could start heating up soon as DraftKings and FanDuel start competing to gain better ground in the state.

Both companies receive the license

According to the website of the Illinois Gaming Board, both the companies have received a license for sports betting on Friday. This means that the two may be eyeing an imminent launch in the state, especially with the new loosened signup regulations in place. BetRivers is so far the only player in the state that has been able to open a mobile sports betting app. This happened after Governor J.B. Pritzker signed an executive order that removed in-person signup requirements. The restrictions were lifted as it became more difficult for the state’s casinos to make money during the shutdown and completely new account signups.

When the pandemic began, it was evident that the Illinois sports betting market may be in for an unpleasant surprise. The state had decided that it would give an 18-month period for the offerings of the local casinos to flourish before allowing online-only companies to expand their markets in the state. Firms like DraftKings and FanDuel were in a more disadvantaged position because of this. However, now, it has become apparent that they will also be able to play in the market. Both companies had previously been limited to working with an existing casino partner. The online licensing process was also complicated and required a hefty $20 million licensing fee.

Pritzker’s order brought urgency

The new order from Pritzker brought some urgency for the operators and expected the mobile sports betting plans of the state. PointsBet is one of the firms that has been prioritizing Illinois since before the pandemic. It also managed to receive a license last week. It appears that both FanDuel and DraftKings will be able to enter the market right on time for the next NFL season.

Interestingly, online operators are still not allowed to work freely. They will have to partner with a local casino. FanDuel is working with TBA, DraftKings is partnering with Casino Queen and PointsBet is partnering with Hawthorne Race Course. This unexpected urgency to complete the procedure comes with yet another uncertain clause. No one knows when the time duration for which the governor’s new orders will be valid. Therefore, it would be better for the sportsbooks to hurry up.