Residents from The Prairie State might have online casino games available within their territory soon, as its local lawmakers have revived efforts to legalize Illinois online casinos with the House Bill 3080 (HB 3080) and Senate Bill 1963 (SB 1963).
Both bills that have been filed in the Illinois House of Representatives and Senate were both endorsed by Representative Edgar González, Jr. and Senator Cristina Castro. HB 3080 and SB 1963 both strive to legalize and regulate real money online casino gaming within Illinois, and namely, allow the Illinois Gaming Control Board to regulate online gaming.
Moreover, under the bills, operators would pay $250,000 for an initial license and would be able to offer as many as three skins.
What are the Proponents of the Illinois Online Casino Bills?
HB 3080 and SB 1963 strives to create the Internet Gaming Act. Authorizes an Internet gaming operator to offer Internet gaming in accordance with the provisions of the Act. This includes the provision that Internet gaming shall only be offered by an Internet gaming license or an Internet management services provider that has contracted with an Internet gaming licensee.
Furthermore, under HB 3080, The Internet Gaming Act will offer potential Internet gaming licensees no more than 3 individually branded Internet gaming skins.
HB 3080 and SB 1963 will also impose a 25% privilege tax on Internet gaming to be deposited into the State Gaming Fund. It would also authorize the adoption of emergency rules to implement the Act and make conforming changes in the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act.
Countering Cannibalization Concerns
Rep. Castro and Sen. González has been pushing for the regulation of iGaming and online slot games in Illinois in each of the past two legislative sessions, beginning in 2021. The main pushback from retail casinos whose main criticism is that once passed, it might significantly reduce foot traffic at retail casinos and lead to job loss within the state.
However, Gov. JB Pritzker publicly endorsed the idea as a way to address the $3 billion budget deficit Illinois is currently facing. Last January, Gov. Pritzker noted that he was open to considering the expansion of online gambling.
Rep. Castro doubled down on this sentiment, noting that characterizing online casino revenue as a way to address that issue.
What does This Mean for Illinois Online Casinos?
In the event that both HB 3080 and SB 1963 get passed into law, Illinois players can have access to a bevy of online casino games within their state. This will also make Illinois the latest state to legalize and regulate online casino gaming.
Last Updated on by jonathan r
