In-State College Betting Bill Still Alive, But In Limbo Until October Veto Session

However, Illinois Representative Michael Zalewski was optimistic that in-state school betting would be available by the beginning of the college football season.

Zalewski took to Twitter to discuss the imminent shift in in-state sports betting following the House’s approval of a gaming bill on the final day of the legislative session, pending the governor’s signature.

He believed the Senate section was settled, but due to other priorities and a lack of time to review the policy, the Senate ultimately rejected managing the costs.

Senator Cristina Castro told Play Illinois that:

The Senate was not given the opportunity to thoroughly examine and assess it. In the Senate’s view, it appears to be mostly a matter of housekeeping. Everything seems important, with only a few issues that, in my opinion, require further investigation based on the latest information I received before adjournment.

Entertainment expenses from the past are nothing novel in Illinois.

Rep. Bob Rita expanded a minor raffle bill approved by the Senate in April into a comprehensive gaming omnibus bill on Memorial Day. Along with the raffle provisions, the bill addresses various regulatory matters related to sports betting, casinos, horse racing, and video gaming terminals (VGTs).

This should come as no surprise. Just like the legalization of sports betting in June 2019, which was included in a gaming package put together during the final days of the session.

According to Tom Swoik, the executive producer of the Illinois Casino Gaming Association:

All indications point to the fact that the timing of the release of the big games bill can be used as a predictor for when the session will end.

We are familiar with this situation. They had the opportunity to launch this earlier, but they chose not to. I don’t believe there is anything contentious for any of us, including the games board, casinos, racing teams, or VGT teams.

In April, the House held a hearing on gaming issues, while the Senate did not address these matters. Following this, the Senate extended its session to continue working on a budget implementation plan.

According to Swoik, the delay in approval from the House and the timing of the Senate discussions on other pressing issues meant that the topic of games was only brought up on the day of the meeting, as social justice issues like redistricting and budget matters took precedence.

The feelings for change is created by March Madness.

Swoik believes that the interest in betting on in-state colleges increased during March Madness, as many Illinois residents were confused by the inability to wager on their hometown teams.

Loyola University of Chicago’s Cinderella run to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament was a pivotal moment. During their journey, Loyola pulled off a major upset by defeating Illinois in the second round, who was the higher seed.

Swoik proposed that had the article been in effect, Illinois residents would have been able to wager on six NCAA Tournament games, with particularly high stakes expected for the Illinois vs. Loyola matchup.

Why restrict in-person native college bet?

Zalewski told Play Illinois that he supported the compromise to permit betting on college teams in Illinois, but only at physical locations, excluding online betting as originally proposed.

The parties involved in the bargain are unidentified. Josh Whitman, the chairman of Illinois Athletics, was the sole opponent present at the April meeting. He was representing 13 Division I athletic directors from universities in Illinois.

Swoik remarked:

I’m not sure if the legislature truly came to a compromise with the colleges. It seems more like they were just trying to make their actions seem less offensive.

The bill specifically prohibits bets on in-state college teams, restricting them to only betting on the outcomes of games.

Swoik is of the opinion that the Senate could potentially remove the need for in-person betting on local college teams when reviewing the bill. Additionally, he foresees that the Senate may tackle other gaming-related matters that were previously overlooked due to financial constraints.

Swoik explained that there would likely be a noticeable decrease in betting if it is conducted in person rather than online. This could be due to the belief that less betting decreases the possibility of influencing the game’s outcome.

When did fans be able to wager on teams from Illinois?

Rita’s S 521 is still located in Illinois, awaiting the government’s consideration during the upcoming October veto session. Swoik remains optimistic that the bill will ultimately be approved.

I think Rita had a strong likelihood of passing this bill in October.

With the end of the school football season and the start of college basketball approaching, the approval in October could allow for betting on Illinois school teams. Castro sees this as a chance to capitalize.

Castro mentioned that the topic could be brought up during the veto session. Although I have not sought permission, I believe it is something that they are monitoring and would like to address.

Illinois is currently in the first year of a two-year legislative cycle. If not addressed this year, House-passed S 521 may be addressed at the beginning of 2022.

Illinois residents may still be able to bet on in-state teams during the upcoming March Madness if the bill passes earlier in the regular session.