Features

United Center to open FanDuel-branded sportsbook lounge

Online gaming company FanDuel has announced plans to open a branded sportsbook lounge at United Center, home of the NBA’s Chicago Bulls and NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks.

Pending necessary approvals being obtained, including from the Illinois Gaming Board, FanDuel’s sportsbook lounge will allow fans to place bets from inside the 23,500-seat arena.

FanDuel said the two-storey venue will be “unlike any sportsbook in North America”. The space will be located adjacent to the United Center atrium and is designed to ensure no fan misses out on the action, with the area to be equipped with state-of-the-art viewing and sports wagering technology.

FanDuel is an existing partner of both the Bulls and the Blackhawks. FanDuel’s agreements with the teams provide the company with media, VIP fan experiences and advertising assets throughout the arena and in various broadcasts.

While awaiting approval of the sportsbook from the Illinois Gaming Board, the United Center and FanDuel will build out a non-wagering space adjacent to the arena atrium that will have FanDuel branding and allow fans to watch live sport while attending United Center events.

Howard Pizer, executive vice-president and chief executive of United Center Joint Venture, said: “As an industry leader in sports betting with a large and loyal existing customer base, FanDuel has a proven track record of innovation and excellence making them the perfect partner in developing the sportsbook at the United Center.

“It is designed to give sports fans a brand new, fully immersive sportsbook lounge experience unlike any other.”

Amy Howe, chief executive of FanDuel Group, added: “Chicago sports fans are some of the most loyal and passionate in the world and plans for our sportsbook lounge inside the United Center reflect their excitement.

“Our team has a track record of delivering incredible retail locations for fans, and we can’t wait to make this sportsbook lounge the premier destination for Chicago sports fans and a place where they can fully experience the FanDuel brand.”

Sportsbooks are becoming increasingly prevalent across US sports venues as more states legalise gambling. Last year, FanDuel partnered with the NBA’s Phoenix Suns to open a retail sportsbook location at Footprint Center.

Image: Chicago Bulls/FanDuel