Casinos’ Push For Illinois Internet Gaming Faces Opposition

Before the legislative session ended in May, Illinois games made an effort to make online gambling legal. To prevent further casino cutbacks from a second storm of the coronavirus, all games urged Illinois online games.

According to one Illinois lawmaker speaking to Play Illinois, the pandemic reduces the chances of the legislature seriously considering the legalization of online casinos in 2021.

Sen. Dave Syverson pointed out that any form of gambling development is heavily criticized due to its impact on restaurants, bars, and local governments. He further noted that many businesses operate video gaming terminals (VGTs), which generate significant revenue for numerous cities. Syverson stated:

“Bars and restaurants in Illinois, which are currently suffering severe impacts from the stringent COVID regulations, rely heavily on their limited video gaming operations to stay afloat. Without the revenue from Video Gaming Terminals (VGT), we would witness numerous closures among these establishments as they lose their income to online platforms.”

During the pandemic, the game asks the government

The Senate convened a specific Committee on Gaming in April to discuss the needs of the struggling industry before its session ended in May.

At the virtual meeting, Tom Swoik, who is a state-government lobbyist, represented the Illinois Casino Gaming Association. He proposed four changes from lawmakers to aid the economy.

1. Implement the new board game rates immediately for all board games and slots.
2. The due date for any newly purchased entertainment positions should be postponed.
3. Reduce the expense of acquiring a sports betting certificate.
4. Consider iGaming as a new and dependable revenue stream.

The government addressed the last two requests. The new rates from the 2019 act, applicable only to board games, took effect on July 1, rather than waiting for the first new game to be released. Additionally, the deadline for new game positions was postponed by a year.

Nevertheless, the government did not take any action on the last two requests.

Swoik stated, “We had numerous tasks we aimed to accomplish to mitigate the impact of the disease. Acquiring gambling rights would be a logical step for us to earn more money. However, it doesn’t seem to be a priority on the legislative agenda at the moment.”

The period ends without giving online gaming much thought.

During the final week of May, industry leaders continued to advocate for online casino gaming. Online gambling could potentially assist in building resilience in the gambling sector during pandemics.

Swoik stated that all nine casinos in his organization backed the introduction of iGaming. He also believed that the outlier, Par-A-Dice Casino, which is usually unfortunate, was in support as well.

Support for online gambling from Illinois casinos did not originate from the pandemic. Most casinos were in favor of legalization as early as 2017, when the Senate passed the SB 7 with the Internet Gaming Act. However, the House did not approve it.

Persuading all the casinos in Illinois to agree on something is challenging. Nevertheless, even that is often not enough to change Illinois’ complicated political landscape.

“In the last few days of the game, we advocated and pushed for iGaming at the conference, but it didn’t make the cut,” Swoik stated. “Internet gaming was a too significant undertaking for them to attempt during that short week. It’s probably too big to manage during the veto session. I think we’ll push for it next month. If it happens next month, it will be in the last week of May. That’s when the gaming-related tasks are usually completed.”

The path ahead for Illinois computer games is difficult.

According to Syverson, many critics are engaging in online casino games in Illinois.

• Illinois Licensed Beer Association
• VGT motorists
• Owners of bars and restaurants
• Illinois Municipal League Association
• In every area of the position without a game, there are mayors and state representatives.
• Senators opposed to online gambling in general
• Drawing studios and shops in the state

The city of Rockford, represented by Syverson, receives $1 million annually from VGTs.

Syverson predicts that Illinois will eventually legalize online gaming. However, he argues that engaging or satisfying the VGT community may necessitate extensive discussions.

Syverson stated that there will be a time when the matter will be taken more seriously. However, currently, there is an overwhelming amount of appreciation for the evolution of restaurants and bars.