Chicago set to lift ban on in-stadium sports betting

Chicago’s City Council Committee have resolved to lift the ban on in-stadium sports betting activity. The move comes in context of sweeping gaming reform across the U.S after the landmark overturning of sports gambling legislation in 2018.

The decision was validated by nineteen votes to seven, after part of the committee’s bid was adjusted due to an integrated clause established to appease the Congressional Black Caucus; a political movement which pledges to increase black representation in the U.S Congress.

The deal will initially involve five stadiums throughout the city, including the home of the Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field. The baseball sides Chairmen, Tom Ricketts, has already announced that the venue will be subject to a $100m deal with gaming giants DraftKings, as the stadium becomes the first on-site sportsbook in Major League Baseball.

Ricketts states that the deal will involve the creation of a ‘sportsbook restaurant’, which will encourage regular punters, as well as those keen to place a bet, to visit the new concept.Plans are to build in time for the commencement of the 2023 MLB season. Furthermore, Ricketts suggests that the construction of the in-house restaurant will generate temporary jobs right now, and permanent jobs in twelve-month’s time.

Ethics Committee Chair Michele Smith has welcomed the move, emphasizing that the project will generate much-needed revenue to support the city’s police and fire pension funds, which are apparently on the brink of insolvency.