FanDuel, United Center unveil plans to build sports betting lounge
February 2, 2022
Chicago’s United Center and online gaming business FanDuel Group unveiled plans Monday to build a FanDuel Sportsbook lounge within the arena.
The Flutter-owned company will offer its retail sports wagering service to the headquarters of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks, pending license from the Illinois Gaming Board.
The United Center is a 960,000-square-foot multi-use entertainment complex on a cutting-edge arena property that also contains two professional sports training facilities and a community ice center. Since its inception in 1994, the United Center has received over 67 million visitors.
FanDuel Group, on the other hand, is a sports-tech entertainment firm that is revolutionizing how customers interact with their favorite sports, franchises, and tournaments.
It is one of the biggest gaming platforms in the United States, with a portfolio of top brands in gaming, sportsbook, daily fantasy sports, advance-deposit betting, and TV/media, comprising FanDuel Sportsbook, Stardust Casino, and TVG.
Home to the National Basketball Association's Chicago Bulls and the National Hockey League's Chicago Blackhawks, it offers over 200 occasions each year, including the top sports matches, musical performances, family entertainment, and other big events in the sector.
What it offers
The FanDuel Sportsbook at the United Center will have a two-story facility unlike any other in North America. The book, which will be situated close to the United Center Atrium, is put in place to ensure that no fan misses out on the game, as it will be outfitted with cutting-edge viewing and sports wagering equipment, as well as complete personnel, prepared to give a tailored customer experience.
"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," said Howard Pizer, Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, United Center Joint Venture.
“It is designed to give sports fans a brand new, fully immersive sportsbook lounge experience unlike any other,” he added.
Meanwhile, Amy Howe, FanDuel Group CEO, remarked: "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,” she explained.
Approval from the Board still in process
The installation of a sportsbook within the United Center would be a strategic enhancement of FanDuel's existing ties with both the Bulls and the Blackhawks, which include media, VIP fan experiences, and promotional materials across the building and in various broadcasts.
In addition, the expanded collaboration would enable FanDuel to continue to connect and interact with the franchises' loyal fan groups both inside and outside of the venue.
While the sportsbook is being approved by the Illinois Gaming Board, the United Center and FanDuel will construct a non-wagering facility near the iconic United Center atrium that will include FanDuel branding and will enable fans to watch live sports activity while attending United Center events.
