Rep. Zalewski Expects Online Poker To Be Legal In Illinois ‘Sooner Rather Than Later’

State Representative Michael Zalewski, a key figure in significant Illinois gaming legislation in recent years, holds a positive outlook for the future of online poker in Illinois.

Zalewski was a guest on Joe Ostrowski’s weekly gambling program, “Early Odds”, on 670 The Score where he talked about HB 3136 that was passed by the Senate and House last week. Ostrowski subsequently queried Zalewski about the status of online poker in Illinois.

Zalewski said:

I genuinely believe that online poker is the forthcoming big thing. I don’t make such statements lightly.

He continued:

As we approach the 2023 legislative session, we will be utilizing stimulus money and exploring methods to generate revenue. I anticipate that the topic of online poker will be seriously considered in the near future. The chances of its approval seem promising. Having spent time in Michigan and used the DraftKings app, I’m struck by the ease of its use. Given the available technology, I foresee its legalization in the not-too-distant future.

Zalewski further stated that it’s improbable for it to occur in the 2022 legislative session, as the focus will be more on the budget and “smaller projects.”

Given the flashy nature of the Illinois sports betting market, there would likely be a strong demand for mobile poker in IL. Despite potential legislative hurdles for online casinos, it might be easier to convince lawmakers to approve poker.

Why online poker would be easier to pass as a one-off in Illinois

In 2021, online poker was part of the online casino bills that were presented to the Senate and House but did not make much progress. There is significant opposition from the video gaming terminal (VGT) industry against legalizing online casinos in Illinois, with numerous politicians currently supporting the VGT stance.

VGTs generate a significant amount of tax income for the state, thus some legislators might not find a reason to interfere with their success.

Due to the nature of the games, online poker would pose less of a threat to the VGT industry in Illinois. VGT operators are concerned about cannibalization, as these machines bear a strong resemblance to slot machines.

Conversely, a VGT experience does not mimic real money online poker involving other players. Consequently, it becomes challenging to assert that online poker would undermine the VGT industry.

Hence, passing it should be easier than passing online casinos as a whole.

Zalewski stated that he does not anticipate any significant iGaming advancements in the 2022 legislative session. However, the situation might change in 2023.

Illinois gaming industry is evolving

Zalewski was a guest on Ostrowski’s show where they talked about the approval of HB 3136. The law stipulates an end date of March 5, 2022, for in-person registration and also legalizes wagering on Illinois college teams, although with an in-person condition.

Zalewski additionally stated that the requirement for in-person meetings would be reconsidered in two years.

As soon as HB 3136 is signed by Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, Wintrust Arena will have the eligibility to apply for a sports betting license. Along with this, Zalewski anticipates that the United Center will also submit an application for a sports betting license, once the laws in Chicago are suitably adjusted.

Despite the existing in-person registration policy, the sports betting market in Illinois is flourishing. Regularly ranking third among US states in terms of monthly handle, Illinois may surpass Nevada for the second spot once online registration is reinstated.

The large population of Illinois, which ranks sixth in the country, significantly contributes to the success of sports betting. This fact also fuels optimism for the future of online poker.

At present, online poker is legal in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Michigan, and Nevada. Fans of poker are hopeful that Illinois will also legalize it.