The DraftKings-Wrigley Field partnership was confirmed in 2020, creating a lengthy anticipatory period leading up to this week’s launch.
The new sportsbook will feature next to DraftKings’ retail betting parlor next to Wrigley on the corner of Addison Street and Sheffield Avenue. Customers will be treated to 32 betting kiosks and seven counters inside a 17,000-square-foot facility with 2,000 square feet of screens.
Customers could previously visit the facility to order food and drinks and take advantage of the massive screens, though they could not place any bets. It ultimately paid $10 million to the state agency for its license.
“The reception has been great since opening the DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field last summer as a state-of-the-art restaurant and bar, and we are excited to take our flagship venue to the next level with retail sports betting operations,” said DraftKings Vice President of Product Operations Michael Kibort. “Together, we’re able to deliver customers a safe and regulated way to get in on the action while enjoying an incredible space to watch live sports.”
The money obtained from the license purchase will go to the Rebuild Illinois Fund, which is focused on improving the state’s infrastructure via a variety of projects.
DraftKings was only allowed to open the Wrigley sportsbook after a local ordinance was amended to allow betting facilities inside professional sports arenas. That was despite a casino industry representative suggesting that there could be a negative effect on local casinos.
The new law implemented a 2% city tax on gross gaming revenue from wagers placed within a five-block radius of licensed locations. That equals a 19% tax on adjusted gross revenue for the Wrigley location.
