Illinois Lottery Sports Betting Too Costly, Term Too Short, Potential Providers Say

Several top lottery providers, including the state’s existing lottery operator, have said the cost to operate an Illinois lottery sports-betting program included in the state’s sports-betting law is too high and the term is too short.

The Illinois Lottery put forth a request for information in September asking potential sports wagering service providers and other participants in the sports-betting market to submit a package of information that included market trends, best practices, and legal and regulatory considerations.

The state’s major gaming expansion bill that legalized sports betting through casinos, racetracks, sports venues, and online-only operators also provided for a lottery-based program that could accept parlay bets only.