Sportsbook operator PointsBet has entered into a 20-year partnership with Hawthorne Race Course, a Chicago-area landmark and the longest continuously run family owned racetrack in North America. 

Marking the partnership is the launch of a premium retail sportsbook operation which will bring legalized sports betting to the Chicago area, the third largest metropolitan area in the United States with over 9.5 million people. PointsBet and Hawthorne Race Course will work in tandem to build a world-class, multi-faceted sports entertainment venue centrally located on the property of the historic racecourse following licensure by the Illinois Gaming Board.   

The agreement also involves both organizations partnering to launch sports betting at off-track betting establishments throughout the state and digital sports wagering via PointsBet’s mobile app and website. 

“PointsBet is ecstatic to partner with Hawthorne Race Course, an iconic venue that has been part of the fabric of the Chicago sports and entertainment scene since its inception in 1891,” said Johnny Aitken, the firm’s US CEO. “Illinois sports fans are die hard in every sense of the word and we are elated to introduce them to our premium sportsbook and our innovative, bettor-first experience.” 

The company will bring what it described as its “…best-in-market proprietary technology, modernized and premium brand mentality, expert trading practices, and proven growth marketing strategies” to Illinois’ eager sports betting market.

Governor Pritzker and the Legislature have given us an historic opportunity to transform the Illinois racing industry with the addition of casino gaming and sports betting,” said Tim Carey, president and general manager of Hawthorne Race Course. “It’s an opportunity that we won’t take lightly and that’s exactly why we chose PointsBet as our partner. Our business has survived because we put players first, and PointsBet has proven they do as well. That is how we are going to succeed together.”