Fanatics Betting and Gaming has announced that it will continue to operate mobile sportsbooks in Illinois with a market-access partnership with PENN Entertainment through Argosy Casino Alton.
Following the suspension of its previous partner, Hawthorne Race Course, the betting giant has sought to keep its foothold in the state.
Betting regulations in the Land of Lincoln require any licensed online sportsbook to be hand in hand with a land-based casino or racetrack that also holds the required license to operate.
Fanatics keeps foothold in Illinois
Gambling industry commentator and insider Ryan Butler posted news of the brand’s partnership with PENN’s location on X, and had also mentioned that Fanatics confirmed the move in a customer communication.
Fanatics will continue to operate it's mobile sportsbook in Illinois, the company reaffirmed in a customer email earlier today; Fanatics has switched to a operating partnership with PENN Entertainment-owned Argosy Casino Alton after Hawthorne Race Course was shut down this month
— Ryan Butler (@ButlerBets) January 27, 2026
“Fanatics has switched to an operating partnership with PENN Entertainment-owned Argosy Casino Alton after Hawthorne Race Course was shut down this month,” said Butler.
For Fanatics bettors, the move didn’t really change much, but it’s another red flag for the Chicago-area racetrack, which had its harness racing license suspended by the Illinois Racing Board just a day earlier.
“Today the Illinois Racing Board made a very difficult decision to suspend the operating license of Suburban Downs,” said Domenic DiCera IRB executive director, cited by the Paulick Report.
“On Jan. 15, IRB requested bank statements that reflect the operating fund, and any fund related to racing operations at Suburban Downs. Unfortunately, their financial difficulties, including failure to provide financial documents showing their ability to operate assigned 2026 race dates, have led us to suspend their license.”
As an Illinois Racing Board spox confirmed to me yesterday, only the harness racing licenses (live & ITW) are suspended.
Hawthorne's thoroughbred live & ITW licenses are not affected by this. But as the other Steve B. points out, the issues likely extend beyond harness racing https://t.co/n6x10Wuo5t
— Steve Bittenbender (@Stepbitt) January 28, 2026
Fanatics builds on major deals
The news comes on the back of multiple major deals for Fanatics across 2025 and in early 2026.
We reported that the betting name decided to enter the prediction market fray with Crypto.com, which is fast becoming the norm for established gambling operators looking to take advantage of the market’s wagering gold rush.
Powering Up Predictions! We’re excited to announce our next prediction markets partnership with Fanatics as they launch @Fanatics Markets – the first Fan-Led Prediction Market at the Intersection of Sports, Finance, and Culture.
Read more: https://t.co/rd4KymEOIW pic.twitter.com/LBMUVBlUeI
— Crypto.com (@cryptocom) December 3, 2025
Travis McGhee, Global Head of Predictions at Crypto.com, said of the deal that “Crypto.com was the first to launch sports prediction markets, and our reach continues to grow through innovative partnerships with top-tier platforms such as Fanatics.
“We could not be more proud to be the partner of choice for Fanatics, and together we will provide fans with a safe and compliant way to access prediction markets.”
The brand is also making a concentrated marketing push across the US with celebrity-focused content, such as Kendall Jenner’s “Big Game” commercial.
Fans nationwide can wager with or against the reality television star via the Fanatics Sportsbook app beginning Thursday, January 29, following the reveal of her pick on Wednesday, January 28, at midnight.
Featured image: Fanatics Media
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