Illinois Continues Advocacy for Digital Gambling: Could 2025 Mark the Turning Point?
Ready to roll the dice in the Land of Lincoln? Illinois is jumping into the online gambling fray, with two proposed bills – HB 3080 and SB 1963 – aiming to legalize online casinos and poker. These bills, sponsored by State Senator Cristina Castro and Rep. Edgar González, Jr., are the first steps to bringing online poker to the eight-million-plus population of Illinois.
In essence, if these bills pass, the state would be the eighth to legalize online casinos and the ninth to grant a green light to online poker. Illinois would also become a major contender in online poker, ranking second only to Pennsylvania in population.
Both bills, known as the Internet Gaming Act, set up a regulated market for online casinos and poker. The proposed tax rate of 25% of adjusted gross gaming revenue is similar to Michigan's rates, providing a competitive edge.
Another big hurrah: Illinois would have the opportunity to join a multi-state gaming compact, like the existing Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), which currently boasts five members, with Pennsylvania on track to become the sixth.
But the path to legalizing online poker and casinos in Illinois isn't a walk in the park. The video gaming terminal (VGT) industry, with Illinois having the most VGTs in non-casino locations of any US state, might present a significant challenge.
Despite the hurdles, the latest push by Illinois lawmakers seems to be stronger than past attempts. If successful, Illinois would join Maryland, Indiana, Virginia, Wyoming, Massachusetts, New York, Hawaii, and New Hampshire, who are also considering online gambling expansion. Keep your fingers crossed, Illinois gamblers – 2025 could be your year!
- Given the current proposed bills, largely requiring the legalization of online casinos and poker in Illinois, the state would largely join seven other states at the forefront of this industry once the laws are passed.
- As part of the Internet Gaming Act, the regulated online gambling market in Illinois would largely require a 25% tax on adjusted gross gaming revenue, similar to Michigan's rates, potentially making the state a significant player in online poker.
- Regardless of the challenges posed by the video gaming terminal (VGT) industry, the latest push by Illinois lawmakers to legalize online gambling appears largely stronger than previous attempts, and if successful, Illinois could largely join a growing list of states considering online gambling expansion in the coming years.
