Wind Creek Chicago Southland has expanded its gaming offerings with the opening of a new on-site sportsbook, marking another step in the venue’s development as a full-scale entertainment destination in Illinois. The sportsbook, powered by Kambi, introduces additional betting options and viewing experiences for visitors at the property.
The launch follows a partnership agreement between Wind Creek Hospitality and Kambi, first established in late 2024, which brought the supplier’s turnkey sportsbook platform to the Chicago-area resort. The agreement included plans for integrating advanced betting technologies and left open the possibility of future online expansion, pending regulatory approval.
New Betting Space Adds Features for Sports Fans
The newly opened sportsbook occupies more than 4,200 square feet on the casino floor and includes a lounge area designed for watching live sporting events. Visitors can follow multiple games at once, with two large LED video walls broadcasting up to 16 events simultaneously.
Guests can place wagers either at a staffed betting window or through nine self-service kiosks positioned throughout the casino. These kiosks operate continuously, allowing round-the-clock betting access. The sportsbook accepts a range of wagers, including parlays, same-game parlays, and proposition bets.
A notable feature is the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) system, which allows users to build their bets on personal mobile devices before finalizing them at the counter. The sportsbook also includes bet builder functionality, offering more customization in wager creation.
“Our goal was to create a space where you can fully immerse yourself in the game and all of the thrills that come with it,” said Jahnae Erpenbach, general manager at Wind Creek Chicago Southland, in a press release. “This is where Illinois sports fans—and all fans—can come together to enjoy and wager on the sporting events they love at Chicago-Southland’s premier gaming and entertainment destination.”
In addition to sports betting, the area includes video poker and bubble craps machines, along with a bar and seating options. Some premium seating is available on a first-come basis, while select cardholders can access reserved seating.
Partnership With Kambi Drives Expansion
The sportsbook’s launch builds on a multi-year agreement between Wind Creek Hospitality and Kambi Group plc. Under the deal, Kambi provides its sportsbook technology, including betting kiosks, BYOD capabilities, and its bet builder tools.
At the time the agreement was signed, both companies emphasized the importance of combining established gaming operations with advanced sports betting systems. The collaboration positioned the new Illinois property as part of a broader strategy to deliver enhanced betting experiences.
Werner Becher, Kambi Group CEO, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Wind Creek Hospitality to bring our industry-leading sportsbook technology to Wind Creek Chicago Southland. This deal not only showcases the trust tribal operators place in Kambi but also our continued commitment to delivering superior sports betting experiences. We look forward to collaborating closely with Wind Creek to offer an exciting sportsbook at their new venture in Chicago.”
Brent Pinkston, chief operating officer of Wind Creek Hospitality, also highlighted the significance of the partnership when it was first announced. “With the opening of our new Wind Creek Chicago Southland property, it was essential we partnered with a leader in B2B sports betting provision such as Kambi. We are committed to delivering world-class entertainment solutions to our guests and Kambi’s proven track record and innovative technology will help us to deliver a best-in-class sportsbook product.”
Growing Resort Marks First Year of Operations
The sportsbook arrives as Wind Creek Chicago Southland approaches its first full year of operations. The casino initially opened in November 2024, with additional amenities, including a hotel and spa, introduced later.
The property features a gaming floor spanning 70,000 square feet, housing more than 1,400 slot machines, 56 table games, a poker room, and high-limit areas. The hotel includes over 255 rooms and more than 43 luxury suites.
Wind Creek Hospitality, which manages gaming properties and racetracks across multiple locations, operates the Illinois venue as part of its broader portfolio tied to the Poarch Creek Indians.
