Delays as Illinois iGaming Bill Ends Processing

With the end of last week’s session of the Illinois Legislature, efforts to legalize online casinos in the state faced another setback. With two important proposals – bill 2239 proposed by Representative Edgar Gonzalez Jr. and bill 1565 sponsored by Senator Christina Castro – not out of committee stage, any movement on the matter was effectively halted until the next legislative session began in January 2025.

Illinois iGaming fails to boost tax revenue amid legislative gridlock
Both bills aimed to establish a legal framework for online casinos in Illinois, and proposed a 15% tax on revenues generated by these operators. The bill’s sponsors highlighted potential tax revenue as an important benefit, especially given the state’s ongoing budget needs.

Despite these debates, the Illinois Senate’s Game, Wagering, and Racing subcommittee and the Illinois House of Representatives’ Game Committee did not advance the proposals. The lack of consensus among lawmakers meant that the bill did not come to the floor for debate or vote before the session ended. 안전 슬롯사이트

This legislative deadlock is not new to Illinois. Gonzalez and Castro have previously introduced similar legislation, but they have repeatedly stalled in the committee. The consistent efforts of lawmakers reflect a broader debate about iGaming’s role and regulation within the state. Online casinos are more contentious than sports betting, which is already legal in Illinois and more than 30 other states. In contrast, only six states currently have a legal iGaming market.

Illinois’ Physical Casino Resists Game Integration Citing Competition Concerns
One of the main points of contention about iGaming has been the potential impact of internet gambling on offline facilities. Some states have demonstrated that iGaming can complement or even improve traditional gambling operations without compromising income streams.

However, this is not what real casinos in Illinois believe. They are against internet gaming and want to know where it fits into the more expansive gaming market. They are also asking for clarification on licensing.

A study conducted in Michigan found that the introduction of online betting has not hindered the recovery of retail casino revenue since COVID-19. Still, among physical gambling facilities in Illinois, caution prevails that a different story could unfold if it operates alongside a new, highly competitive virtual stadium.

Only in January 2025 will Illinois lawmakers be able to reconsider their position on the Internet gambling law. Representatives Gonzalez and Castro will likely have to re-submit the bill.