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
Winpot names Miroslava Montemayor as brand ambassador

Leading Mexican online casino and sportsbook, and glamorous sports broadcaster, join forces to promote the brand to more players than ever before
Winpot, Mexico’s player-favourite online casino and sports betting brand, has signed popular sports broadcaster Miroslava Montemayor to its growing team of brand ambassadors.
Miroslava is a former beauty pageant winner who has become one of the leading sports broadcasters and TV personalities in Mexico.
Her TV career began back in 2014, appearing on TV Azteca Noreste’s sports show where she covered the 2015 Pro Bowl and the Super Bowl XLIX from Glendale, Arizona.
She then left Azteca to join ESPN, where she presented the Spanish-language version of NFL Live, as well as ESPN Mexico’s afternoon sports talk show, Los Capitanes.
In 2017, she became anchor for the Spanish version of SportsCenter and hosted a show called Otra Ronda, which aired on ESPN2 in Mexico.
Today, she hosts the Champions League and Premier League coverage for TNT Sports Mexico.
As a Winpot brand ambassador, she will promote the hugely popular online casino and sportsbook to her fans through a range of campaigns and media activations.
This includes the brand’s latest TV campaign, set to air in August, which is focused on Winpot offering the best odds, guaranteed.
Winpot, which is powered by the cutting-edge Wiztech platform, has become the go-to destination for online casino players and sports bettors in Mexico.
It offers generous bonuses, localised payment options and a vast game lobby covering slots, table games, instant wins, live dealer and more, as well as the best odds across a huge range of sports.
Yoni Sidi, CEO at Winpot, said: “Miroslava is one of the most loved sports broadcasters in Mexico, combining her deep knowledge of the game with her captivating presenting style.
“This has seen her build a large and loyal fanbase across Mexico, and through this partnership, we can introduce these people to Winpot for the first time.
“We are really excited about our upcoming TV ad campaign, with Miroslava taking centre stage.”
Miroslava Montemayor, sports broadcaster and Winpot brand ambassador, added: “Winpot is one of the most trusted betting brands in Mexico, and I’m delighted to have been announced as a brand ambassador.
“I’ve had great fun filming the TV ad campaign and look forward to seeing it hit TV screens in August.
“This partnership is the perfect fit – I have a large and loyal fanbase of sports enthusiasts, and Winpot provides the superior sports betting experience they deserve.”
Latest News
BMM Testlabs’ Travis Foley Appointed Chair of IGSA’s Emerging Technology Committee

BMM Testlabs (“BMM” or “the Company”) announced that Travis Foley, Chief Government and Regulatory Officer, has been appointed Chair of the Emerging Technology Committee (ETC) for the International Gaming Standards Association (IGSA).
The ETC is a specialized committee within IGSA focused on identifying and evaluating transformative technologies likely to be deployed within the gaming industry. As Chair, Foley will lead collaborative efforts to support suppliers, regulators, and operators with clear frameworks, regulatory guidance, and standardization strategies that ensure the safe and efficient implementation of new technologies.
IGSA President Mark Pace said, “We are thrilled to have Travis lead the Emerging Technology Committee at such a critical time in the gaming industry. His deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and new and evolving gaming products and solutions will be invaluable as we work to guide the industry through the safe and practical adoption of groundbreaking technologies.”
Foley said, “The gaming industry is evolving rapidly, with technologies like AI, blockchain, cloud-based systems, and advanced remote gaming platforms reshaping how we think about compliance and innovation. I’m honored and excited to chair the Emerging Technology Committee and to work alongside IGSA’s members and global stakeholders to help see new technologies implemented safely, securely, and with integrity.”
Latest News
Stake strikes new global partnership with Street League Skateboarding

The worlds of street culture and cutting-edge entertainment collide as Street League Skateboarding (SLS) and online gaming powerhouse Stake announce a new global partnership.
This partnership, which kicked off with Stake center stage as the Presenting Rights Partner of SLS Miami and the first SLS Takeover in Santa Monica in May, will run throughout the SLS Championship Tour season, culminating with the Super Crown in SĂŁo Paulo in December.
The wide-ranging partnership will see Stake prominently featured across the live events with branding on key skate course features and broadcast segments at the biggest skateboarding events worldwide.
Additionally, fans can expect to see the Stake brand integrated into the unique SLS social content, including the “What’s at Stake” event preview, and the all-new Game of S.T.A.K.E. – a creative twist on the classic Game of Skate, which will feature a head-to-head battle between SLS pros.
To round out the partnership, Stake will also be the presenting rights partner of the annual Trick of the Year contest, which allows skaters worldwide to submit their tricks for the illustrious prize. The Trick of the Year award winners will be announced in December.
“We’re excited to welcome an exciting brand like Stake to the SLS family”, said Frank Lamicella, CEO of Thrill Sports and parent company of SLS. “This partnership will deliver innovative activation elements and experiences to both our brands and fans as we travel the world for the 2025 SLS Championship Tour.”
“Skateboarding is more than sport – it’s fashion, music, culture, and raw energy. That’s exactly the space Stake loves to play in, and SLS is the perfect partner to bring that to life,” said Akhil Sarin, Chief Marketing Officer at Stake. “This alignment makes it an excellent partnership for our brand.”
-
Canada6 days ago
INCENTIVE GAMES SECURES ONTARIO GAMING LICENSE
-
Compliance Updates6 days ago
SA Gaming Secures GLI Certification in Brazil
-
Compliance Updates6 days ago
MGCB Issues Cease-and-Desist Orders to Six Illegal Gambling Sites Targeting Michigan Players
-
Compliance Updates5 days ago
Intralot informs the investment community about the withdrawal of the Maryland contract award Augu
-
Latest News5 days ago
Andres Troelsen has been appointed EGT Digital’s Regional Sales Director iGaming for LATAM
-
Latest News4 days ago
Caesars Entertainment Debuts IGT’s Kitty Glitter Grand Slot Across its Online Casino Platforms and Inside its Atlantic City Resorts
-
Compliance Updates4 days ago
NCPG Celebrates Senate Action on Military Gambling Addiction Research
-
Latest News3 days ago
Quick Custom Intelligence Partners with ComOps to Offer Secure, Scalable Off-Site Human Player-Development Services for Casinos