Split City Council Approves Sports Betting At Chicago Stadiums

CHICAGO — Sports betting is headed to city stadiums near you.

In a split vote Wednesday, the City Council lifted a ban on sports betting, imposed a 2-percent tax and cleared the way for sports betting parlors at United Center, Wrigley Field, Guaranteed Rate Field, Soldier Field and Wintrust Arena.

In the lead up to the vote, some aldermen — and casino owners — criticized the move, arguing that allowing sports betting at stadiums would reduce revenue at a planned Chicago casino.

Ald. David Moore criticized the ordinance for the absence of requiring minority participation in stadium sports betting operations. He called on Chicago's pro sports team owners set to benefit from the new law to do more to invest in minority communities.

"I appreciate the turkeys. I appreciate the toys. But you know what? Everybody’s giving toys and turkeys," Moore said on the City Council floor. "Things gotta be substance, so people can begin to buy their own toys and turkeys."

The ordinance would allow sports betting inside or "within a five-block radius" of the stadiums. Sports betting also would be allowed inside a planned Chicago casino and "inter-track wagering facilities."

Each sports betting parlor would allow no more than 15 kiosks wagering windows unless gamblers — age 21 and older — can buy food and drinks.