The Chicago Cubs are reportedly considering adding a sports book to historic Wrigley Field.
According to ESPN’s David Purdum, the Cubs are considering a number of options, including a “full-blown sportsbook venue” inside the walls of Wrigley Field.
Purdum reports that discussions are only preliminary, and decisions such as who would run the book and which entities would receive a cut of the action are still to be determined.
Earlier this month, Illinois passed a controversial bill that paves the way for legalized sports betting within the state. It will be official once Governor J.B. Pritzker signs the bill, which is expected to happen sooner rather than later.
Under current MLB rules, the Cubs — and any other franchise — would be prohibited from adding a sportsbook at the stadium. But the attitude around gambling is changing, and Major League Baseball knows how much money is on the table.
Along with the NBA, MLB is attempting to get a cut of gambling action by selling its official data feeds to sportsbooks throughout the United States. Those data feeds are used by books to offer more accurates lines on live wagering.
“We will work with our clubs to explore the opportunities presented by the rapidly evolving sports betting landscape in a socially responsible manner,” a spokesperson for MLB told Purdum in a statement.
Major League Baseball is also lobbying lawmakers for sports betting legalization in numerous states, including Illinois.
It will be interesting to see if other franchises — and other leagues — follow the Cubs in these discussions over the coming months.