The Illinois Gaming Board moved just one of three applicants forward for an online-only sports wagering license Thursday, saying only Mexico-based Caliente Interactive meets the “minimum qualifications for licensure” of the 2019 gaming expansion law and subsequent sports betting rules in Illinois.

The application process was shrouded in mystery per state law as applicants for the licenses – which cost $20 million – could not be publicly disclosed by the state agency until the winning bidder or bidders were announced. During the application period from Aug. 5 through Dec. 3, three applications were accepted. A fourth was received by the IGB less than 15 minutes after the deadline and rejected.