When Will bet365 Go Live in Tennessee, Illinois?

• bet365 has been awarded sports betting licenses in both Tennessee and Illinois
• The Tennessee Sports Wagering Council believes bet365 may launch before March Madness
• The operator has been tight lipped on when it will launch in both states

Sports betting operator bet365 is sitting on sports betting licenses in both Tennessee and Illinois, but has been tight lipped about when it will launch in both.

However, a Tennessee Sports Wagering Council representative told Sports Betting Dime that the operator is hoping to launch in the state prior to the start of the NCAA men and women’s college basketball tournaments.

The men’s March Madness tournament will begin on Tuesday, March 18.

Hoping to Launch by Mid-March?

The sports betting operator was approved for a Tennessee sports betting license on Feb. 11. It currently operates in 11 states.

David Smith, director of engagement for the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council, told Sports Betting Dime that upon license approval a bet365 representative told the council the company hoped to launch in the state prior to the start of the March Madness tournament.

However, bet365 did not respond to several emails from Sports Betting Dime asking for confirmation of the potential launch date.

The Tennessee Sports Wagering Council lists bet365 as one of 13 approved sports betting operators in the Volunteer State.

The operator is also planning a launch in Illinois after it received a sports betting license this past December.

bet365 Awaiting Launch in Illinois

bet365 was approved for a management service provider license for Illinois sports betting this past December and will be able to offer retail and online sports betting through a partnership with Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort.

Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort was also granted a master sports betting license. Illinois currently has nine live online sports betting operators.

However, much like its plans in Tennessee, the company has not yet announced any launch plans for the state. There is currently no set date for a bet365 launch in Illinois, Robert J. Burke, Deputy Administrator – Licensing for the Illinois Gaming Board, confirmed with Sports Betting Dime.

Request for comment on a launch date was not returned by bet365.

The sports betting operator will be launching in one of the most active and profitable sports betting markets in the country. In 2024, Illinois online sports betting accounted for more than $13.5 billion in handle.

As it also operates an iGaming app, bet365 could be well positioned if Illinois online casinos eventually are given the green light.