PointsBet Holdings Proprietary Limited recently announced that it was licensed by the Illinois Gaming Board to launch the first off-track sportsbook in the state. The betting operation will be started in partnership with Hawthorne Race Course.

US subsidiary will operate the sportsbook

In an official press release on Tuesday, the Australian gaming giant said that the non-casino Illinois sportsbooks betting will be operated by its PointsBet USA subsidiary. It will be located in Crestwood, a suburb in Southern Chicago. The Club Hawthorne venue will be a part of the off-tracking betting network from Hawthorne Race Course. Two other such facilities are expected to debut in the state soon.

The US subsidiary’s Chief Executive Officer Johnny Aitken said that the Club Hawthorne sportsbook will feature a 163-inch video wall. The viewing area will be bookended by a collection of 24 televisions of 75 inches each. The visual experience will be completed with the help of a fully integrated state-of-the-art sound system which will provide an arena-like experience to the punters.

He added,

“The unique opportunity to open a new-style of stand-alone sportsbooks with Hawthorne Race Course required us to develop something that would match the best-in-class customer experience that we provide on our mobile platform. This isn’t just the best sportsbook in Chicago, it’s the best sports bar too.”

A new attraction at Hawthorne Race Course

President and Chief executive of Hawthorne Race Course Tim Carey said that the new facility will have five staffed betting stations. It will also feature six self-service kiosks for placing bets. All the stations will be separated by plexiglass barriers. The facility can house up to 500 patrons who can watch a variety of sporting events while sitting comfortably in leather captain’s chairs, group couches, or occupying highboy tables.

He highlighted that they are the only gaming company in the region to open a non-casino off-track sportsbook which is why the firm has invested heavily in the facility.