Penn's Ameristar Casino in East Chicago, Indiana Set to Launch Sportsbook on September 1st

Indiana is on the verge of launching their legalized sports betting market, making it the 12th US state to do so. East Chicago’s Ameristar Casino will have the honors of becoming the first facility to launch this vertical on their premises on September 1st.

The Indiana Gaming Commission will be looking after all sports betting activity in this state and this launch as well will be subject to their approval. High school sports and eSports betting is not permitted, according to the law, but wagering on collegiate and pro events is.

A Much Anticipated Launch

Ameristar Casino is operated by Penn National Gaming…

…and their CEO, Timothy Wilmott, speaks of this historic moment:

“Penn National looks forward to opening a sportsbook and providing our customers with another great amenity at Ameristar Casino East Chicago.

Indiana will soon become the 12th state to legalise sports betting following the repeal of the federal ban last year, and our patrons in Northwest Indiana can expect an incredible sports wagering experience at our facility.”

Expansion Worthy of the Exciting Vertical

This particular property should benefit from Penn National’s state-of-the-art sports betting experience that would include amenities such as kiosks, ticket writing stations and other utilities that will their customers’ wagering needs.

As for the exact location of sportsbook grounds…

…it will be near the main entrance of the property as well as adjacent to its sports bar and grill. There will be a new betting counter and a very large odds board to be featured very significantly Of course, in order to enhance the experience, numerous large-size TVs will broadcast the sporting action from all around.

Chicago Bears Legends to Attend the Ceremony

Ameristar general manager, Matt Schuffert, offers his two cents on this grand opening:

“Our customers are very excited to start wagering on sports. The ion for Indiana and Illinois sports teams runs deep in this region, and we look forward to becoming a destination for fans all year-round.”

The entire September 1st experience will be enhanced by the presence of Mike Dirka and Devin Hester – legendary Chicago Bears players that will place the ceremonial first bet.

Caesars to Launch Their Own Sportsbook

Indiana was on a definite path of legalizing sports betting in May…

…when governor, Eric Holcomb, signed the HB 1015 into law. This legislative piece allows in-person and mobile wagering in casinos, racinos and off-track betting venues.

The tax rate on sportsbooks in Indiana will be 9.5% and can be paid on a monthly basis. Each operator has to pay the $100,000 fee initially and $50,000 each year.

Another major gambling operator that will jump aboard Indiana’s sports betting market is Caesars Entertainment…

…which will begin the rebranding procedure of their Horseshoe casino property to Caesars Southern Indiana. The entire project will cost around $85 million and will see it expanded other than just rebranded. The casino will host numerous slot machines and table games as well as poker and lounge areas. The legalization of sports betting also means there will be a sportsbook added to premises.

Source:

“Penn’s Ameristar Casino East Chicago set for sports betting launch”, casinobeats.com, August 19, 2019.