It might have been too late for bettors to place their money on Northern Illinois University in Friday’s Cure Bowl matchup with Coastal Carolina, but Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a measure that allows limited betting on in-state college teams.

       Bettors now will be allowed to place wagers in person at state-licensed sportsbooks on the outcome of games played by in-state college teams — but not on individual athlete performance or in-game action.

       DePaul Blue Demons against the Texas Southern Lady Tigers at Wintrust Arena Nov. 9, 2021, in Chicago. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)

       While gambling on college games has been legal in Illinois since sports betting went live in 2020, the law previously prohibited wagers on in-state teams.

       The new provision will be automatically repealed on July 1, 2023, unless lawmakers approve an extension.

       Athletic directors at the state’s Division I schools opposed the measure when lawmakers were debating it this spring, citing concerns about players’ mental health and safety.

       [Most read] Space in Illinois hospitals is at an all-time pandemic low, as patients flood in and workers burn out ？

       Nonetheless, lawmakers in October approved a package with broad bipartisan support that also will allow Wintrust Arena, the home court of the Chicago Sky and the DePaul Blue Demons, to apply for a sportsbook license, putting the WNBA champions on equal footing with the home stadiums of men’s professional teams in the city.

       Sign up for The Spin to get the top stories in politics delivered to your inbox weekday afternoons.

       Chicago aldermen on Wednesday gave local approval for sportsbooks to operate at the city’s arenas.

       The new state law also sets a March 5 deadline for the Illinois Gaming Board to allow sports bettors to register online rather than requiring them to sign up in person at a casino or racetrack sportsbook — which is sure to be welcome news for fans of the NCAA basketball tournaments that month.

       Under the current law, the in-person registration requirement would be lifted when the board issues the first of three online-only sportsbook licenses created in the 2019 law. The board currently is reviewing three applications submitted by its Dec. 3 deadline.

       dpetrella@chicagotribune.com

       Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs measure to allow betting on Illinois college teams, create sportsbook license for home of Chicago Sky

       16m

       Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs measure to repeal requirement that minors seeking abortions notify parents

       1h

       Coronavirus Space in Illinois hospitals is at an all-time pandemic low, as patients flood in and workers burn out

       1h

       Chicago Bears ‘Hopefully this passes’: The Chicago Bears continue to adapt as a COVID-19 surge — 13 players and 3 coordinators — disrupts their routine

       15m

       Ask Amy Ask Amy: Sister’s annual gift cards just don’t cut it

       Dec 16, 2021