DraftKings To Open Retail Sportsbook in East St. Louis

DraftKings and CQ Holding Company, Inc. announced Wednesday that, together, they will unveil a new 6,000-square-foot “state-of-the-art” permanent retail sportsbook on Tuesday at the DraftKings at Casino Queen site in East St. Louis, Illinois.

This announcement comes two years after these companies announced their collaboration to open a temporary site along the Mississippi River.

How the DraftKings Sportsbook is Constructed

The DraftKings Sportsbook will include a 60-foot video wall, dozens of high-definition televisions, a VIP area, and over 30 betting kiosks.

“With this comprehensive renovation, we are introducing a new era of sports betting, sports viewing and overall entertainment at DraftKings at Casino Queen,” Terry Downey, president and CEO of CQ Holding Company, Inc., said in a news release. “Our relationship with DraftKings has allowed us to create an all-encompassing, state-of-the-art space that will continue to add to Illinois’ excitement for sports wagering.”

The sportsbook will be located just a few steps away from the casino floor and will have access to lounge-style seating, private booths, and stadium seating to provide “optimal comfort for sports fans looking to catch their favorite events.”

More on DraftKings Casino Queen

DraftKings Casino Queen is a casino and hotel that is 38,000 square feet and has 980 gaming machines and 27 table games.

“It’s exciting to see our shared vision of bringing DraftKings’ innovative mobile app to life with an incredible in-person experience at the new DraftKings at Casino Queen Sportsbook,” Michael Kibort, Sr. Director, Retail Sportsbooks at DraftKings, said in the release. “Through the amazing support of, and collaboration with, Casino Queen, we have created a premier destination for guests to enjoy for years to come.”

Guests at this new permanent sportsbook will also have dining and drinking options as well with a custom-designed bar set to offer “contemporary elements with industrial details.” The eateries will offer game-day-inspired dishes, shareable appetizers, specialty burgers, hand-tossed pizzas, sandwiches, salads, entrees, and desserts.

An example of the “next-level tailgate cuisine” offered will include “20-oz. BBQ pork steak, with mac and cheese, crispy brussels sprouts and barbecue sauce; St. Louis hot salami, made with salami, white queso, spicy mustard and giardiniera on a french roll; and a pub burger sliders made with Angus beef, fried pickles, cheese sauce and grilled onions.”