However, DraftKings teamed up with Casino Queen earlier this year to exploit a loophole in the law and go live with athletic gambling in the state much earlier than originally expected.Ĭommenting on their expansion into Illinois’ nascent sports betting market, DraftKings co-founder, Chairman, and CEO Jason Robins said that the state is “home to some of the most passionate sports fans and most iconic sports teams in the entire country.” How DraftKings Got to Go Live in IllinoisĭraftKings announced its partnership with Casino Queen in June. Louis-based casino.Ī penalty-box provision in Illinois’ sports betting law aimed to prevent the operator and its rival FanDuel from entering the state with online-only operations until after a year and a half after the start of legal wagering in the Land of Lincoln.
DraftKings celebrated its Illinois debut on Wednesday by launching the DraftKings at Casino Queen Sportsbook app and retail facility at the East St.