Illinois Gaming Board Meeting Postponed, State Casinos Closed Indefinitely

Topic No. 1 has been the departure of American activities and its impact on the nation’s emerging sports betting industry. 1 for a lot of people in the entertainment sector.

There’s a valid reason for it.

This development has virtually no historical precedent, barring possibly the 1919 Stanley Cup, where both teams were declared winners following an influenza pandemic. The timing couldn’t have been more unfortunate.

Activities betting had gained significant traction after years of conflict, but its potential has now come to a standstill.

The nationwide shutdown of gambling, particularly in Illinois, is having a comparable impact. Many individuals have lost their jobs. Relying on an economy dependent on in-person gaming is not wise.

Despite recent expressions of optimism, the result is still uncertain.

IGB: A decision has been made to stop the virus from spreading more.

The Illinois Gaming Board initially declared on March 31 that it had prolonged a suspension of all video gaming operations at all licensed establishments and all casino gambling operations in Illinois until the end of April.

The announcement was made alongside a prior disclosure by the governor of the state, J.B. Pritzker, who was extending the stay-at-home order in Illinois through April.

A press release states that The Gaming Board is closely monitoring COVID-19 developments. Their decision-making process will continue to be guided by scientific evidence, public health recommendations, and applicable laws and regulations. Presently, there are 10 games in Illinois.

The launch indicates that updates on the state’s gambling industry will be provided as new information comes to light.

On Tuesday, the IGB announced that its board meeting, originally scheduled for April 22 in Chicago, would be postponed. The board stated, “Details about the rescheduling will be shared soon.”

Illinois casinos’ reopening is likely to experience more delays.

Gambling in Illinois is not expected to resume immediately after the new April 30 timeframe.

Despite calls from individuals associated with the gambling sector, particularly Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman who labeled Nevada’s shutdown as ‘total insanity’, public decision-makers have not suggested that a return to normality will happen in the near future. This is amid concerns about the potential impact of prolonged closures.

Games also belong to that category.

For example, it has been definitively stated that a state neighboring Illinois will not reopen its casinos until Indiana’s Governor, Eric Holcomb, decides to lift his personal stay-at-home policy.

Sara Tait, the executive director of the Indiana Gaming Commission, told The Times of Northwest Indiana that it’s currently uncertain when it would be suitable to think about reopening the casino properties. However, she suggested that the closures would probably align with the governor’s executive orders.

Illinois, presumably referred to as “It & rsquo”, is likely following a similar pattern, based on the timing of its most recent announcement.

Feedback from elected officials are bad news for games.

Despite debates about easing or reversing restrictions and their potential implications, officials continue to predominantly stress on social distancing and residents staying home.

Pritzker recently expressed on Wednesday that it could be essential for us to consider the mandate for Illinois residents to wear face masks in public.

According to the Chicago Tribune, Mayor Lori Lightfoot of Chicago voiced optimism about the influence of implemented measures on the state’s “trajectory.” However, she also stated that the city is still “some good ways away” from reaching its peak of COVID-19 cases.

According to a statement by Dr. Allison Arwady, Chicago Health Commissioner, quoted in the paper, we are still witnessing an upward trend in the curve. However, Mayor Lightfoot mentioned that she could not yet provide an estimated date for the resumption of even small gatherings, like those in offices.

Then, what does that imply for games? Only a little positivity.

States are likely to struggle in their attempts to restore normality, with areas of low risk opening first. One thing is certain: Games, at least as we knew them prior to the coronavirus, will be among the last to resume.

Games often involve the use of cards, screens, levers, and other elements, which are frequently and extensively touched by people. They also provide immediate, personal service and close contact in a setting that is generally not conducive to maintaining responsible social distancing.

Simply put, the future of the casino industry isn’t bright unless it can create a unique disinfection method unknown to the rest of the world.