Press Releases
Hawthorne Race Course And PointsBet Open Closest Sportsbook To Downtown Chicago For Fans To Watch-And-Wager, Bet-And-Go

Hawthorne Race Course and PointsBet have partnered together to open Illinois’ newest retail sportsbook and the closest in-person sports betting destination to downtown Chicago. PointsBet, a premium global sportsbook operator, debuted its mobile app and digital sports betting product in Illinois at the start of the NFL season. The brick and mortar sportsbook at Hawthorne is the first of four Chicagoland locations that the companies will open as Illinois partners, and is a precursor to the premium PointsBet Sportsbook that will be a part of Hawthorne’s historic $400 million casino development, scheduled to open in late 2021 (pending final regulatory approval).
“The next year is going to be action-packed for Hawthorne as we prepare to redevelop the race track into a fully operational casino and premier gaming entertainment destination,” said Tim Carey, president and CEO of Hawthorne Race Course. “And that action starts now with the opening of our new PointsBet Sportsbook. We partnered with PointsBet because they have the best technology and are truly innovative, but also because they put customer service at the forefront, which is critical to our long-term success particularly for the on-site experience.”
The PointsBet Sportsbook at Hawthorne was designed for the new realities of on-site entertainment, featuring a “bet-and-go” lobby with six self-service kiosks as well as a modular “watch-and-wager” sportsbook with ample space for social distancing. The sportsbook has over 60 HD TVs, 20 self-service kiosks, a 3-person betting concierge counter inclusive of a dedicated high denomination wager desk, and a VIP lounge with reserved seating.
“PointsBet has been successful in making a name for itself by offering a personalized mobile sports betting experience with unrivaled speed and ease of use, as well as the most bet types across every game,” said Johnny Aitken, CEO of PointsBet USA. “At the heart of that effort is our passion for live sports and entertainment, and our desire to always put the bettor first. While most stadiums across the country are currently closed to fans, our sportsbook is a place for sports lovers to engage together and share that game day excitement in a safe and responsible manner. We, together with our partner Hawthorne Race Course, are thrilled to provide the Illinois consumer with exactly what they’ve been craving.”
Jeff Walik, Mayor of the Village of Stickney, wherein Hawthorne is located; and Illinois State Representative Bobby Rita, who was the chief architect of the gaming expansion bill that legalized Illinois sports betting and permitted casino-style gaming at race tracks, placed the ceremonial first wagers. In honor of Hawthorne’s 130 years in business, Walik bet $130 on the Chicago Cubs Run Line vs the Marlins today, while Rita placed a $130 Chicago parlay on the Cubs and White Sox to win today. Any winnings from the wagers will be donated to the Racing Industry Charitable Foundation, which provides health and social services to families in the Illinois horse racing industry.
The PointsBet Sportsbook at Hawthorne is just 10 miles from downtown Chicago, and is the first sportsbook to open on the southwest side of the City. Thoroughbred racing returns to Hawthorne on Friday, October 2nd with weekend racing through the end of the year. The interim sportsbook and racing clubhouse will host wagering while the new Hawthorne Casino is in development, which will feature slots, table games and a state-of-the-art PointsBet Sportsbook, in addition to restaurants, bars and an entirely new grandstand and clubhouse for racing fans. Three more PointsBet Sportsbooks will open at Club Hawthorne off-track betting bars in coming weeks in suburban Crestwood, Oakbrook and Prospect Heights.
PointsBet recently joined forces with the Chicago Bears, designating PointsBet as the famed franchise’s first ever sports betting partner. As a nod to Illinois sports fans, PointsBet is offering the best price in market for all Chicago Bears games this season across both the pregame spreadline and moneyline bet types. The operator also recently announced a partnership with Chicago Bears legend, Devin Hester, highlighting the symbiotic element of Hester’s world-class speed on the field and PointsBet’s unmatched speed and ease of use off it, thanks to PointsBet owning their technology end-to-end and placing an emphasis on an in-house development approach.
As the official, exclusive sports betting partner of NBC Sports, PointsBet will utilize the media giant’s premium television and digital assets to promote the PointsBet brand across Illinois. As part of the agreement, NBC Sports provides PointsBet with year-round, multi-platform media and marketing opportunities across its unmatched portfolio of events, including exclusive multiplatform gameday integrations across NBC Sports Chicago, regional broadcast home to the Chicago Blackhawks, Bulls, and White Sox. PointsBet’s full Spanish-language functionality will reach Hispanic sports fans via Telemundo Deportes and Telemundo broadcast stations.
SOURCE PointsBet
Latest News
Maryland Lottery and Gaming Comission Selects Intralot for Lottery System Contract

Intralot S.A. informs the investor community and its stakeholders that on July 15, 2025 the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission approved the recommendation to award a new Lottery Central Monitoring and Control System (LCMCS) contract to its US subsidiary, Intralot, Inc. following a competitive bidding process.
The vendor awarded the contract will manufacture the counter terminals and self-service vending machines that sell tickets at 4,300 Maryland Lottery retailer points of sale; develops the software that runs the system’s sales and accounting functions; and provide numerous related services that are necessary to operate the Maryland Lottery. The term of the contract is 10 years with a possible 5+1 year extension.
As part its proposal to the State, Intralot has engaged nine local business enterprises (MBE) to service the Maryland Lottery contract. Historically, vendors have used fewer MBE partners, but Intralot believes its new approach will create far greater opportunities for local communities.
Intralot’s financial proposal corresponds to a total estimated contract term price of $260,393,946.
The Gaming Control Commission’s approval is an intermediary step in the award process for
approving any future contract.
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Spinomenal Goes Live Across Caesars Entertainment’s Marquee Online Casino Brands in New Jersey

Spinomenal, a leading content provider in iGaming, has launched its online casino titles on Caesars Palace Online Casino, Caesars Sportsbook & Casino and Horseshoe Online Casino in New Jersey, as part of its United States expansion strategy. This collaboration brings Spinomenal’s top-performing titles – along with exclusive titles like Hut with Chicken Legs and Majestic Claws – online for New Jersey players 21 and older via the Aristocrat Interactive platform.
These games are designed to convey rich storytelling, striking visuals, and high entertainment value, aligning perfectly with Caesars’ commitment to offering best-in-class experiences to its players. This strategic expansion reinforces Spinomenal’s commitment to delivering top-tier gaming experiences in New Jersey. With the growing demand for cutting-edge online casino content, Spinomenal is strengthening its foothold in the state while further establishing itself in the broader U.S. market.
Yossi Shayovits, Head of Business Development for Spinomenal commented: “We’re incredibly proud to launch this content partnership with Caesars Entertainment, a true titan of the gaming and entertainment world. Combining our standout slot portfolio with the prestige, trust, and reach of the Caesars brand sets the stage for a powerful, long-term success story for both sides.”
Matthew Sunderland, Senior Vice President and Chief iGaming Officer at Caesars Digital added: “We’re pleased that our players in New Jersey can now enjoy Spinomenal’s captivating titles on our iGaming platforms. This addition enhances our ever-growing catalogue of games, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience for our users. We’d like to thank our partners at Spinomenal for their support in delivering an unparalleled online casino experience.”
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Caesars Entertainment and Bread Financial Introduce New Caesars Rewards® Prestige Visa, a Premium-Level Credit Card Allowing Caesars Rewards Members to Earn Tier Status Faster and Unlock Luxury Rewards with Every Purchase

Caesars Entertainment (NASDAQ: CZR), the largest casino entertainment company in the U.S., is playing a bold new hand by launching a second, elevated, Caesars Rewards® Visa Signature credit card with Bread Financial (NYSE: BFH), a tech-forward financial services company that provides simple, personalized payment, lending and saving solutions. For a $149 annual fee*, the Caesars Rewards Prestige Visa Signature credit card includes up to $450 in annual value and gives members all the benefits of high-end experiences as well as waived fees for foreign transactions*.
Cardmembers will receive Prestige Perks worth up to $450 and redeemable annually across Caesars’ 50+ U.S. destinations, including:
- A complimentary hotel night upon anniversary (up to $300)*
- $50 Slot Play*
- $100 Caesars dining credit*
- Accelerated earn rates for Caesars Rewards destinations at seven Reward Credits® per $1 spent*
“Caesars Entertainment has always been about giving our members unmatched access to the best experiences in the industry,” said Josh Jones, chief marketing officer at Caesars Entertainment. “Through our world-class Caesars Rewards program and our relationship with Bread Financial, we’re expanding the ways our members can earn and enjoy perks—from one-of-a-kind experiences, exceptional dining options, accelerated status opportunities and more – this new card option brings even more excitement, value and VIP treatment to every guest staying and playing with Caesars Entertainment.”
“The Caesars Rewards Prestige Visa credit card gives cardmembers more ways to earn rewards immediately on everyday purchases and unlock exclusive perks on travel, entertainment, dining and gaming —making every tap a step closer to their next unforgettable Caesars experience,” said Val Greer, EVP and chief commercial officer at Bread Financial. “This new credit card offers Caesars’ most dedicated members additional opportunities to make each purchase even more rewarding.”
Additionally, the credit card provides more ways to earn Tier Credits through welcome offers and annual bonuses, enabling members to achieve their Caesars Rewards loyalty program tiers faster. New cardholders can earn up to 25,000 additional Tier Credits in their first year*.
Welcome Offer
- Platinum Status upgrade*
- 2,500 Tier Credits after first purchase outside of Caesars Rewards destinations*
- 20,000 Reward Credits and 2,500 Tier Credits after $1,000 spend outside of Caesars Rewards destinations*
Annual Bonuses
- 2,500 Tier Credits with $5,000 annual spend + another 2,500 Tier Credits with $10,000 annual spend*
- 15,000 Tier Credits with $50,000 annual spend*
The new credit card adds to the existing Caesars Rewards Visa suite, including the Caesars Rewards Visa Signature Credit Card. Whether members are gaming, dining, or on the go, Caesars and Bread Financial have cardmembers covered with two distinct credit card programs to choose from and limitless ways to earn. The Caesars Rewards Visa card has also been elevated with a sophisticated new black design, bringing a sleek, modern edge to a card that delivers everyday perks with timeless luxury.
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