One of the reasons why bookies would open a bookie website is to be able to offer an online sportsbook service to their players. Because for those who want to bet on sports, its easier for them if the sportsbook is very accessible. To be able to just view odds and place bets on their phones and laptops is a huge feature for them. Which is why online sports betting is very popular to states that have legalized sports betting.
However, some states still manage to miss the mark when it comes to implementing a true online gambling experience. For instance, Illinois requires its residents to register in person. This means they must register in any retail casino and sportsbook prior to being allowed to bet online. That in-person registration requirement is a hurdle for those who want to be able to bet online.
Online Sports Betting in Illinois
During the pandemic, Governor JB Pritzker has extended the in-person registration rule for online sports betting. This, after all, will help bolster a growing sports betting market. And it ensures that customers are safe at home. This extension began back in June 2020. This rule has been extended practically every month, but no more starting Saturday. Which means that for those who want to use sports betting software to place their bets will have to go out to register first. Especially for those March Madness bets this weekend.
And any online sportsbook that does this will lose out on the bookies that use the best bookie pay per head. If you look at states where in-person registration is required, the mobile handle is considerably lower than that of other states that have no such rule. The good news is, it will not be for long. The in-person registration rule in Illinois, according to law, will end 18 months after its launch. So we will see this rule be permanently removed by fall. In January, $575.2 million out of the total handle of $581.5 million was made online.
