Illinois Online Casino Bills Hit Snags In State Legislative Committees

People are eagerly anticipating the potential establishment of online casinos in Illinois, also known as The Prairie State. Regrettably, the legislative bills that could facilitate this are facing obstacles on their path to becoming law.

On March 10, both Illinois online casino bills HB2239 and SB1656 encountered obstacles when they were moved into committees where they could potentially be neglected and die out. Nevertheless, there’s still a chance for the Internet Gaming Act to pass before the Illinois General Assembly concludes its session on May 19.

Illinois online casino bills re-routed

HB2239 was redirected from the House Gaming Committee to the House Rules Committee. On the same day, SB1656 was transferred from the Senate Executive Committee to the Senate Assignments Committee.

Currently, it appears that lawmakers are treating the bills in the same manner. SB1655 was introduced by State Senator Cristina Castro, who also serves as the chair of the Senate Executive Committee.

Meanwhile, the hearings on the measure scheduled for March 1 and 8 by the House Gaming Committee were canceled before being re-referred to the Rules Committee.

According to Joe Tabor, director of policy research at the Illinois Policy Institute, HB2239 does not seem to have a promising outlook.

“Tabor said, “[Bills are] often trapped in the House Rules Committee, which historically has been where bills meet their end.”

The 15% tax rate of HB2239 could potentially yield up to $240 million in annual tax revenue for Illinois, according to the performance of equivalent marketplaces. However, the figure could also be as low as $160 million, contingent upon the effects of unlimited promotional deductions.

In contrast to the first two Illinois online casino bills, HB2320, which carries a 12% tax rate, has remained in the House Rules Committee since its introduction on Valentine’s Day.

Responsible gambling bill passes Senate Committee

Currently, two online casino bills in Illinois are in a holding pattern. However, another bill seems to be making progress.

The Senate Health and Human Services Committee recently approved a bill promoting responsible gambling. The legislation mandates that online sports betting operators display a pop-up message after every ten bets. This message will guide customers to a website offering resources for assistance with gambling addiction. The bill is now poised for a full Senate vote.

State Senator Bill Cunningham put forward SB 1508. This bill aims to include an extra layer of responsible gambling information in the Sports Wagering Act and Administrative Code, which is currently not mandated by law.

Additionally, SB1656 includes initiatives for responsible gambling, such as:

• The Illinois Gaming Board is required to develop responsible gaming measures, which include a statewide gaming database of individuals prohibited from gambling.
• Methods to confirm that gambling customers are at least 21 years old.
• Every gaming website is obligated to display the message, “If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call (toll-free telephone number)” or similar wording that has been approved by IGB.
• Every gaming app must incorporate features for temporary and permanent self-exclusion.