Chris Boline
If there was ever any doubt that Illinois sports betting would be popular, things are really being backed up with the incredible amount of money that’s being wagered. Matter of fact, folks all across the state are going to be fired up knowing that Illinois set another revenue record with monster November numbers. The money presented is head-turning, but we haven’t seen something like this yet.
According to multiple local reports, Illinois indeed set a new revenue record by bringing in $78.2 million. That’s a massive number and one that undoubtedly has officials jacked up over. This would make plenty of sense for November, as it was the first full month of the NBA season being underway, while folks also were taking advantage of the NFL, college football and more being in the middle of action as well.
That wasn’t the only head-turning number to be recorded as well, as Lineups is reporting that Illinois citizens placed a total of $779.8 million in total wagers. That number flirting with $800 million only adds to the increase in numbers we’ve seen from the state in recent months. Illinois continues to break records left and right. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see December’s numbers be historic as well.
While we saw a decrease in things from October’s wild $840 million in total bets, folks aren’t disappointed with the $779.8 million at all. Not only for December, but January should also be a fantastic month too. With the NFL playoff odds being checked out left and right, more and more wagers are being placed. That’s only going to continue with the updated NFL Super Bowl odds as well. It’s exciting for sure.
November was Illinois sportsbooks' most profitable month of all time, and it wasn't close: https://t.co/E8MyRBI7NG
— Play Illinois (@Play_illinois) January 10, 2022
Major changes are coming to Illinois sports betting too
It’s important to remember that major changes are coming to Illinois sports betting too in the near future. Folks have March 5 circled on their calendars, as this will be the day that people will no longer need to register in person for sports betting in Illinois. That’s been the case ever since the law was passed. However, now even more bets will be made with people able to apply online. It’ll make a difference.
On top of that, don’t forget that the ban for betting on in-state college sports will also be lifted too. Folks have been able to bet on college sports, but they couldn’t bet on the local teams like Illinois, Illinois State, Northwestern, DePaul and others. This was a major bummer, as people really wanted to be able to make bets during the college football and college basketball seasons.
Come March 5, that ban will no longer be in place, as governor JB Pritzker signed a bill to eliminate people from no longer being able to make wagers on the local talent. As soon as it was announced that the bill had been signed, countless folks celebrated knowing that things are going to be changing in such a big way leading up to the spring. Oh, don’t forget about what’s going on in March too.
In early March, the college basketball season is going to really heat up with conference tournaments and then also the Big Dance, March Madness tourney around the corner as well. With that said, the timing couldn’t be better, as hoops fans will now be able to bet on Illinois, DePaul and more. The Fighting Illini have high hopes to go on a deep run during the tourney, and now people will be able to bet on that.
Pritzker signs law repealing in-state ban on Illinois college sports betting – Chicago Sun-Times https://t.co/1WvUoTTav6
— IL Politihub (@ILPolitihub) December 19, 2021
NFL bets will be flying off the handle over the next month
It goes without saying, but NFL bets will be flying off the handle over the next month. While the Chicago Bears aren’t in the postseason, that doesn’t mean that Illinois sports fans won’t be ready to make plenty of postseason bets. This started with the Wild Card Round and things will also be high for the Divisional Round, Conference Finals and of course the Super Bowl.
Not only that, with so many openings for head coaches, you can make bets on that too. At the end of the 2021 season, Chicago wasted no time in firing both head coach Matt Nagy and general manager Ryan Pace. These moves didn’t come as a surprise, with the team underperforming once again this year and not even being close to being in the hunt for the NFC North title. Frustration had continued to grow.
Now, people are betting on who they think might be the next head coach in charge, with the odds favoring Brian Flores, Eric Bieniemy and so many other candidates. While Chicago won’t rush the decision for its new head coach and GM, people will continue to check out the odds and place wagers on who they think will end up being the ones to get hired. This is making the offseason that more interesting for NFL fans.
Then, as soon as the 2021 season does end next month after the Super Bowl, people won’t hesitate to make their 2022 futures picks as well. You’ve got to figure that the Packers, Chiefs, Bills and Buccaneers will be among the favorites in terms of ’22 Super Bowl odds.
