Bet365 has finally launched sports betting in Illinois and Tennessee after months of speculation. The gaming giant made its debut in Tennessee just last week, while it also launched in Illinois a few days prior after securing a license in February and December, respectively.

After months of anticipation, bet365 has officially launched online sports betting in Tennessee last week, mere days after making its debut in Illinois. This expansion marks a great milestone for the renowned sports betting operator as it strengthens its footprint in the highly competitive US market.

bet365 was granted an online sports betting license by the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council last February of 2025, paving the way for last week's official launch. Meanwhile, the company secured its Illinois management service provider license from the Illinois Gaming Control Board in December of 2024, allowing it to operate both online and retail sports betting in the Prairie State.

With these two new markets, bet365 is now live in a total of 13 states, further marking its position as a major player in the sports betting sector.

bet365's expansion plans months in the making

Speculation about bet365's US expansion intensified in December of 2024 when the Illinois Gaming Control Board approved the operator for a management service provider license. Through a strategic collaboration with Walker's Bluff Casino Resort, bet365 can now offer retail and online sports betting in Illinois, joining an already competitive market.

Walker's Bluff Casino Resort, which was granted a master sports betting license, provides bet365 with a strong retail presence in Illinois, where the sports betting industry continues to thrive. Illinois currently has nine online sports betting operators, making it one of the most active betting markets in the country.

In 2024 alone, Illinois online sports betting generated over $13.5 billion. By entering the state, bet365 positions itself to tap into a well-established and highly profitable sports betting ecosystem.

Tennessee's online-only betting market welcomes bet365

While Illinois offers both online and retail betting, Tennessee is unique in that it only allows online sports betting. Since launching its sports betting market in November of 2020, Tennessee has consistently posted strong wagering figures.

The Tennessee Sports Wagering Council approved bet365’s sports betting license on February 11, 2025, making it one of 13 approved operators in the state. The timing of bet365's Tennessee launch is strategic, as the state has seen record-breaking betting numbers in early 2025.

In the first two months of this year alone, Tennessee sports bettors have bet almost $1 billion. The state has also collected more than $17.6 million in tax revenues during this period. With bet365 now in the mix, these numbers are expected to rise even further.

Launch is ideal for March Madness' influx of bets

One of the key factors influencing bet365's launch timeline in both Illinois and Tennessee is the NCAA March Madness tournament. The annual college basketball tournament, set to begin on March 18, is one of the biggest sports betting events in the US, drawing millions of wagers from sports fans across the country.

While bet365 kept its launch plans relatively private, industry insiders speculated that the operator was aiming to be operational in both states before the tournament tipped off. This speculation was confirmed by the director of engagement for the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council, David Smith, who stated that a bet365 representative had expressed a desire to launch before the start of March Madness.

With the upcoming tournament, bet365's new customers in Illinois and Tennessee can now place wagers on their favorite teams and claim exclusive bonus offers.

A growing US presence for bet365

bet365's latest expansion demonstrates the company's commitment to growing its presence in the US sports betting market. With operations now in 13 states and a strong reputation as a global sports betting leader, bet365 is well-poised to compete with other major sportsbooks in the industry.

As the company continues its expansion, industry analysts will be watching closely to see how bet365 performs in these new markets. With Illinois and Tennessee offering promising opportunities, the operator's next move could further mark its status as a dominant force in American sports betting.