Approved to launch

The Rivers Casino Des Plaines will begin taking sports bets today, thanks to the launch of the BetRivers sportsbook. The Illinois Gaming Board gave approval for the launch and the sportsbook is now the first to begin offering sports betting services in the state.

Bets can be placed from noon, just after an opening ceremony takes place. The property features five betting windows and 30 kiosks to place wagers.

Open for March Madness

The new sportsbook is operated by Rush Street Gaming, with Kambi supplying the sports betting technology. The launch of the BetRivers sportsbook comes at the right time, just before March Madness begins.

The NCAA men’s basketball tournament is a favorite among sports bettors and one of the most popular times for betting, next to the Super Bowl.

dedicated to creating a sports betting environment where all customers will enjoy themselves

Rush Street Gaming co-founder and chief executive, Greg Carlin, commented that the brand is dedicated to creating a sports betting environment where all customers will enjoy themselves.

Rivers Casino SVP and general manager, Corey Wise, said: “The BetRivers Sportsbook will take March Madness out of the office pool and into an exciting, elevated live sports wagering experience.”

Wise also said that the casino is grateful to staff at the Illinois Gaming Board as they worked to approve the new sportsbook in time for March Madness.

BetRivers also has plans to offer online and mobile sports betting. They will be launching later this year with Kambi at the helm.

Additional sports betting to come

While the BetRivers venue is the first to open in Illinois, more sports betting venues will launch in the future.

Rush Street Interactive has also received a temporary permit for operation regarding management services. Betfair and Penn Sports have applied in this category as well.

Operators wasted no time in applying for sports betting licensing once the application process opened up in the state. Beginning in January, several operators submitted applications to get started, including the Rivers Casino Des Plaines.