It is only a matter of time before gambling finds it way to Wrigley Field and/or attached to Chicago Cubs games in some way. The state of Illinois has legalized sports gambling, a large and willing portion of the population wants it, and the Cubs/MLB would welcome the revenue bump. It’s coming.
And it might be coming very soon and very directly:
Sources: Cubs considering sportsbook at Wrigley https://t.co/javYJazTvu pic.twitter.com/n472XKJrbe
— ESPNChicago (@ESPNChicago) June 15, 2019
As ESPN reports, the Cubs have had internal conversations – nothing official yet – about various gambling options at and around Wrigley Field. It is not implausible to suggest some kind of betting installations could be in place as soon as next season. We’ll have to keep our eyes on this.
Of note, having betting kiosks and the like inside a sports venue is currently prohibited by the various sports leagues, including MLB, but the Illinois legislation explicitly contemplates having betting facilities at large sports venues. Further, an MLB statement to ESPN leaves open the possibility from a league perspective: “We will work with our clubs to explore the opportunities presented by the rapidly evolving sports betting landscape in a socially responsible manner.”
As long as right dollars eventually reach the right pockets when it comes to gambling-related revenues, this kind of thing is going to happen, and certain groups of fans are going to be very happy about it.
Even if you’re not into gambling, yourself, this potential shift is significant for the Cubs, as it could wind up producing a significant additional revenue stream that – for now – not every other MLB club would have access to.