BetMGM, Unibet, and theScore Adjust to Illinois' Changing Gambling Scene
The Illinois sports betting market is gearing up for some exciting changes, as three major operators - BetMGM, Unibet, and theScore - are poised to enter the scene.
BetMGM, which has been generating momentum in nearby Indiana and Michigan, has already secured its license for Illinois sports betting. The operator is now fully operational under Illinois’ regulatory framework and continues to be a major player in the state [1][4]. BetMGM officially launched its online-only sportsbook following the end of in-person registration requirements in March 2022.
The operator has set minimum bet amounts in response to Illinois’ revised sports betting tax structure, which began on July 1, 2025 [1][3]. By mid-2025, BetMGM is expected to be among approximately 10 licensed sportsbooks operating legally in Illinois [3][4].
Unibet, another soon-to-be entrant, originally gained market access to Illinois last September and has been somewhat known in Chicagoland thanks to its online presence in neighboring Indiana. The operator is currently in the process of having its application for a Management Services Provider license reviewed by the Illinois Gaming Board [5].
Unibet is expected to surpass $2 million in monthly handle for the first time when the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) releases its March figures next week [6]. The operator has already demonstrated its potential, generating nearly three times the handle of Caesars since October in Indiana [7].
TheScore, the third operator, has an agreement for market access as an Illinois sports betting operator but has yet to file the paperwork to commence the licensing process [8]. Score Media and Gaming Inc. has yet to submit its application to the Illinois Gaming Board for a Management Services Provider license [6].
Until the online license is issued, in-person registration remains in effect in Illinois. However, potential wiggle room to "modify the law" could allow for remote registration to be available as early as March 2022 without another intervention from the governor [9].
The entry of these three operators is expected to evolve the sports betting market in Illinois. Meanwhile, the process for the six new casinos and racinos is complex and logistically challenging. The IGB has already deemed 815 Entertainment "preliminary suitable" for a casino in Rockford, but the process for the new casinos and racinos is expected to be a hefty undertaking [10].
Downtown Chicago is one of the six locations for new casinos and racinos, and the process will be a significant undertaking once the city gets feedback from its RFP expected to be released this month [11].
The key positive gained from Gov. JB Pritzker's repeated renewals of Executive Order 2020-41 was Illinois fulfilling its potential as a top-four sports betting market [2]. As the market continues to grow and evolve, bettors in Illinois can look forward to more choices and improved services.
[1] https://www.sportsbettingdime.com/news/illinois-sports-betting/betmGM-launches-online-sportsbook-in-illinois/ [2] https://www.sportsbettingdime.com/news/illinois-sports-betting/illinois-sports-betting-revenue-january-2022/ [3] https://www.sportsbettingdime.com/news/illinois-sports-betting/illinois-sports-betting-tax-structure-revised-july-2025/ [4] https://www.sportsbettingdime.com/news/illinois-sports-betting/how-many-sportsbooks-will-be-in-illinois-by-2025/ [5] https://www.sportsbettingdime.com/news/illinois-sports-betting/unibet-aims-to-join-illinois-sports-betting-market/ [6] https://www.sportsbettingdime.com/news/illinois-sports-betting/unibet-and-thescore-await-illinois-licensing/ [7] https://www.sportsbettingdime.com/news/indiana-sports-betting/unibet-overtakes-caesars-in-indiana-handle/ [8] https://www.sportsbettingdime.com/news/illinois-sports-betting/thescore-enters-illinois-sports-betting-market/ [9] https://www.sportsbettingdime.com/news/illinois-sports-betting/remote-registration-illinois-sports-betting-2022/ [10] https://www.sportsbettingdime.com/news/illinois-sports-betting/rockford-casino-preliminary-suitable-for-illinois-gaming-board/ [11] https://www.sportsbettingdime.com/news/illinois-sports-betting/chicago-casino-application-process-underway/
- In Illinois' evolving sports betting market, BetMGM, with a casinos-and-gambling license, has started operations as of March 2022, offering sports betting services under Illinois' regulatory framework.
- TheScore, another entrant seeking to enter the Illinois sports betting market, has yet to submit its application for a Management Services Provider license, but has already secured market access.
- Meanwhile, the process for the six new casinos and racinos in Illinois, such as the one proposed for downtown Chicago, is complex and will be logistically challenging for the Illinois Gaming Board.
