Caesars is coming to the South Side.
On Thurday, the Chicago White Sox and Caesars Entertainment announced a multiyear partnership making Caesars the exclusive casino partner and official Illinois sports betting partner of the team.
Already an authorized gaming operator of Major League Baseball, Caesars Sportsbook Illinois will receive access to Chicago’s official logos and marks, rotational LED signage, digital and social media assets, as well as a variety of exclusive White Sox experiences available through Caesars Rewards loyalty program, according to a news release.
“It’s a perfect time for Caesars to align with an iconic franchise like the Chicago White Sox,” Tom Reeg, CEO of Caesars Entertainment, said in the release. “Some of the most passionate sports fans in the country call Illinois home. Caesars can provide White Sox fans and sports fans across the state with the very best in sports experiences through our world-class resorts and the recent relaunch of the Caesars Sportsbook app now available for mobile registration.”
In addition, the partnership includes TV-visible fixed signage with a right field board at Guaranteed Rate Field featuring its gaming destinations and channel lettering affixed to the top of the left field video board, the release said.
Illinois sports betting has been thriving, and it is one of the top states for handle and taxes. In February, the last month the state reported sports betting figures, it had a handle of $680 million. That was down from January’s nearly $870 million, but March could be record-breaking.
White Sox to Showcase Caesars
The White Sox will in turn integrate Caesars Entertainment and Caesars Sportsbook into the team’s marketing efforts, team merchandise, and experiences going forward, while also bringing exciting offers and promotions directly to fans through the Caesars Sportsbook app.
“By teaming up with a globally recognized entertainment leader in Caesars, we are delivering the combined brand reputation and shared commitment to offer our fans an extraordinary sports and entertainment experience,” Brooks Boyer, White Sox chief revenue and marketing officer, said in the release. “With energized talent on the field, our partnership with Caesars enhances the excitement for our fans with new experiences and programs.”
Caesars Sportsbook launched its mobile sports betting platform in Illinois in March. It has Harrah’s properties in Joliet and Elgin, in addition to the Grand Victoria Casino Elgin. Caesars Sportsbook is currently live in 24 states and jurisdictions, 17 of which are mobile, and operates the largest number of retail sportsbooks across the U.S., the release said.
White Sox 2nd in AL Central
Illinois is a popular state for MLB betting because of the White Sox and Cubs.
The White Sox (11-13) have won three straight games and are currently second in the American League Central division. Chicago begins a three-game road weekend set against the Boston Red Sox, starting Friday.
The Chicago Cubs in September 2020 announced a partnership with DraftKings Sportsbook Illinois that will include a sportsbook at iconic Wrigley Field. DraftKings at Casino Queen opened in East St. Louis, about 300 miles from heavily populated Chicago, in August 2020.
