A series of firsts
William Hill US has officially opened its first two sportsbooks in Washington, DC and Illinois as it expands its presence in the US sports betting market.
The global sportsbook operator set up a temporary retail outlet at the Capitol One Arena in Washington, DC, in partnership with Monumental Sports and Entertainment. The sportsbook, which has seven ticket windows and ten kiosks, is William Hill’s first-ever in Washington, DC, as well as its first facility to be situated within a US sports complex. The official grand opening took place yesterday and saw sports fans place ceremonial first bets.
The Illinois outlet, which opened on August 1, marks William Hill’s first sportsbook in the state. It is located at Grand Victoria Casino Elgin just outside Chicago. The sportsbook has three ticket windows, but only two of these are open to allow for social distancing during COVID-19. Illinois is the tenth state where William Hill has expanded its operations.
William Hill Illinois shared images on Twitter of the first wager placed at Grand Victoria Casino, amounting to a $50 line bet on Detroit against Cincinnati.
A new way for fan engagement
In a statement announcing the Capital One sportsbook, Joe Asher, CEO of William Hill US, said: “Washington, D.C. is known for its dedicated sports fans, and we’re excited to finally bring them a new way to engage with their favorite teams.”
The Illinois sportsbook marks another milestone in the long-term relationship between William Hill and Grand Victoria Casino Elgin operator Caesars Entertainment, as the two continue to expand their sports betting market reach.
also hoping to offer mobile sports betting to fans
Located on the casino floor, the facility features high-top tables and several TVs for sports viewing. Subject to regulatory approval, the sportsbook operator is also hoping to offer mobile sports betting to fans in the state.
David Grolman, president of retail operations for William Hill, said of the Illinois launch: “I’m looking forward to seeing the community come together to watch their favorite teams as we welcome back the return of our favorite professional sports.”
Sports betting kiosks in Colorado
William Hill also launched six kiosks at two Colorado casinos last month. Marking its first venture in the Colorado market, William Hill set up betting facilities at the Lady Luck Casino and the Isle Casino Hotel in Black Hawk.
At the time, Grolman said that “the timing could not be better” as it coincided with the recent return of professional baseball. Following a suspension of sporting activities amid the coronavirus pandemic, Major League Baseball (MLB) restarted its season July 23.