Bears Partner With Arlington Park Owner In Gambling Deal – Patch.com

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL One week after the Chicago Bears submitted a bid to buy Arlington International Racecourse, rumors that the NFL team could soon call Arlington Heights home have reached a feverish pitch. Adding to the speculation was a Tuesday announcement the Bears have reached a multi-year exclusive partnership with Rivers Casino in Des Plaines among other entities which is owned by Churchill Downs Inc.

The partnership includes Rush Street Interactive, Inc., a Chicago-based gaming company that operates BetRivers.com. The agreement is the Bears' first multi-year exclusive deal in the sportsbook and casino categories, according to a news release from the Bears. It also makes BetRivers the Bears' official sportsbook partner and Rivers Casino the Bears' official casino partner.

Churchill Downs Inc., owners of Arlington, have a 61 percent stake in Rivers Casino. It is jointly owned by Rush Street Interactive, Inc.

"We look forward to connecting with our fans in fun and unique ways through these avenues and couldn't be prouder to be building this relationship with a hometown company," said Ted Phillips, Bears president and CEO, in the news release.

Following a June 15 deadline for proposals, the Bears announced last week their interest in buying Arlington and in building a new stadium on the 326-acre property. Soldier Field, located in the Near South Side of Chicago, opened in 1924 and is the NFL's oldest stadium. The Bears began playing there in 1971 after leaving Wrigley Field. It has a football capacity of 61,500 fans.

Arlington, the flagship racetrack for horse racing in Illinois, was put up for sale by CDI in February.

As part of the partnership, according to the news release, BetRivers and Rivers Casino will receive a mix of prominent in-stadium signage, and digital, social and print assets. Additionally, BetRivers will be the title partner of the team's customized free-to-play game on the Chicago Bears official app. BetRivers.com players will see collaborative promotions for exclusive Chicago Bears prizes and experiences while betting on their favorite team.

"We look forward to expanding our relationship with the Bears and their dedicated fan base, and offering innovative products and promotions as we remain committed to delivering a first-rate customer experience," said Neil Bluhm, executive chairman and co-founder of Rush Street Interactive and Rush Street Gaming, in the news release. "This partnership also reinforces our commitment to hometown teams in states where we have our online and land-based sportsbooks."

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell called into Audacy's 670 The Score in Chicago today as part of their "What About Chicago Radiothon," which supports Austin Harvest, a food mart in the Austin neighborhood that was converted from a liquor store.

During the call, The Score asked Goodell about the Chicago Bears' intentions with their bid on Arlington Park.

"I don't know the answer to that question other than to know this is a really early stage to develop potentially an alternative. But I think a lot has to be done here. I know their commitment to the Chicago area is 110 percent, and that's the most important thing to me," Goodell said. "We have a long lease at Soldier Field. It's a great place. But we're all looking to the long term and trying to look at alternatives, and that's what the Bears are doing. But I think for fans right now, I wouldn't be focused on that. There's a lot that has to go into this. Right now, let's enjoy the 2021 season. [There is] a lot of excitement for the Bears."

Audio: https://omny.fm/shows/670-the-score/roger-goodell-explains-to-why-he-joined-the-what-a

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Bears Partner With Arlington Park Owner In Gambling Deal - Patch.com