Illinois Sports Betting Market Expected To Boom In March 2022
No one loves basketball more than the midwest–and sports betting analysts agree, predicting that over $1 billion will be handled in the month of March in Illinois. March Madness is sure to take up the brunt of this, seeing as how it is one of the most bet on sporting events of the entire year.
In order to place bets in Illinois, you have to register in person at one of the on-site casinos that operate mobile sports betting. However, on March 5th that rule goes out the window, so the floodgates are expected to open.
In fact, experts predict that the loss of in-person registration will grow the March Madness betting handle in Illinois by 25%. Last March, $633 million was wagered–adding 25% to that number comes out to $791 million.
That $633 million handle resulted in $50 million of sportsbook revenue in March, which in turn became $7 million in state-local tax dollars.
The Illinois University Men’s Basketball team is one of the best in the nation, but unfortunately, residents of the state won't be able to bet on their Fighting Illini–at least from the comfort of their own homes.
In Illinois, you have to bet in person if you want to bet on any colleges or universities located in the state. So, if you want to bet on the Fighting Illini and you live in Illinois, you might have to put on some pants and leave the house.
This provision expires in the summer of 2023, so we’ll see how long this weird rule lasts.
But if you want to place some bets in Illinois, make sure to click here to see which sportsbooks are available in your area!
