Illinois Problem Gambling Bill Gets Unanimous Approval In Senate

The Illinois Senate passed a bill unanimously last week with a vote of 54-0, which is designed to address the issue of problem gambling. If the bill becomes law, Illinois sportsbooks will be required to send hourly pop-up notifications to bettors showing their total amount wagered.

Last Thursday, Sen. Bill Cunningham introduced SB 1508, which was passed by the IL Senate. The bill was first discussed in the Health and Human Services Committee before being transferred to the Senate for approval. It will now advance to the House for additional voting.

Since sports betting was legalized in Illinois in 2019, residents have wagered over $19.7 billion. This large sum highlights the need for lawmakers to prioritize responsible gambling resources for those living in the state.

Details of the responsible gambling bill

SB 1508 in Illinois introduces various regulations for sportsbooks, including a requirement for a pop-up message to display every hour after a player logs in, informing them of their total bets.

The pop-up will include hyperlinks and phone numbers for Illinois problem gambling resources, making it easier than ever for those struggling with problem gambling to find help.

Cunningham declared upon submitting the bill:

Illinois is at the forefront of regulating sports betting, and it is imperative that we address the potential harms associated with gambling addiction.

We can help individuals who may be facing challenges with problem gambling by requiring sports betting apps to display a pop-up message offering resources for support with gambling addiction.

Two other gambling bills passed the Senate

The Senate passed two more gambling bills last week.

• Bill 323 changes the licensing renewal fee for sportsbook operators in Illinois from $150,000 per year to $50,000 every four years, paid to the Illinois Gaming Board.
• Bill 1462 modifies the requirements for individuals with criminal backgrounds who are applying for an occupational license. The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) would be required to assess various aspects of the individual’s criminal record, such as the time elapsed since the conviction, the number of convictions, and the seriousness of the offenses.

In order for the three bills to become law, they need to be approved by the House and signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker.

Illinois problem gambling by the numbers

Illinois has generated a significant amount of tax revenue since the introduction of sports betting, with the state accumulating $247,961,441.

Despite the benefits of licensed sports betting, it has also caused a rise in problem gambling among residents of Illinois. In the past year, the Illinois Department of Human Services conducted a statewide study to assess the gambling habits of Illinoisans.

The study yielded the following information:

• 68% of adults admitted to gambling in the past year.
• 3.8% of adults had an issue with gambling.
• Around 7.7% of adults are at risk of developing gambling issues.

Problem gambling is defined by the National Council on Problem Gambling as:

These behaviors are harmful and can have a negative impact on personal, family, and professional life. Signs of a gambling problem may include becoming increasingly fixated on gambling, feeling the urge to bet larger sums more frequently, feeling restless or irritable when attempting to stop, continuing to gamble in an attempt to recover losses, and being unable to resist the impulse to gamble despite facing serious consequences.

Legalizing online casinos in Illinois will lead to an increase in numbers, making it essential for legislators to be proactive in informing residents about resources for problem gambling.