Chicago Cubs Announce Plans To Open A Sportsbook At Wrigley Field As Part Of $100M Deal

Chicago Cubs Announce Plans To Open A Sportsbook At Wrigley Field

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In a landmark move, the Chicago Cubs have announced they will be opening a sportsbook at the 106-year-old Wrigley Field in a new partnership with DraftKings.

According to a press release, the multi-year deal between the Cubs and DraftKings includes a plan to pursue a first-of-its-kind sportsbook at Wrigley, with online access available in the surrounding Wrigleyville area. However, while sports betting is legal in the state of Illinois, the development of the planned DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field will still require the approval by the City of Chicago.

“DraftKings has been a great partner for a number of years and we are excited to expand this relationship as sports betting grows rapidly in Illinois,” said Cubs’ President of Business Operations Crane Kenney about the deal. “An increasing number of sports fans want to integrate sports betting into their game experience, and we’re excited to be one of the first to engage in developing a retail sportsbook at a professional sports venue.”

The DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field would be the first of its kind in Major League Baseball, which has long been vehement in its opposition to any association with gambling.

DraftKings already currently offers in-person and mobile betting in the state of Illinois at DraftKings at Casino Queen in East St. Louis.

“This is truly a historic moment, as we are thrilled to align with the renowned Chicago Cubs franchise and iconic Wrigley Field to provide sports bettors in Chicago with a revolutionary sports betting experience” said Matt Kalish, Co-founder and President, DraftKings North America. “As two organizations that share a mutual passion for innovation and a commitment to excellence, we look forward to working in collaboration with the Cubs, an organization steeped in tradition, and making our presence felt in and around Wrigleyville.”

ESPN reports…

Kalish of DraftKings envisions a hybrid sportsbook and sports bar at Wrigley Field, a place where fans stop in before and after a Cubs game for a beer and a few bets.

“It might be the Cubs to win, maybe a few props like first home run, then stroll into the game at 6:45, sit down, sweat my bets and cheer on the Cubs,” Kalish said. “Then, after the game I can stop back at the DraftKings book, relax with my friends, get some food and drink and think about the next day’s game, maybe put in a few more tickets.”

Somewhere, probably in Las Vegas, Pete Rose is roiling.