Illinois Gaming Board Extends Casino, Video Gaming Suspension Through April 8

Written By JR Duren on March 30, 2020Last Updated on March 9, 2022
Illinois gaming casino closed open

The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) announced the seemingly inevitable closure of another establishment in the sports league and gaming industries, adding to a series of sudden shutdowns.

In a recent press release, the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) stated that the suspension of all video gaming operations at licensed establishments and casino gambling operations in Illinois has been extended until at least April 8, 2020. The IGB stressed that the health and safety of patrons, gaming industry employees, Gaming Board staff, and all others in Illinois is of utmost importance.

The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) announced that closing its gaming properties until April 8 is in accordance with government directives. Governor J.B. Pritzker issued an executive order on March 20 endorsing this decision.

  • People should remain in their homes.
  • shutdown of unnecessary businesses
  • Prohibiting gatherings of more than ten individuals.
  • erroneous go

The suspension of games and video games by the IGB was announced on March 13 and March 16, with the initial plan for both suspensions to last until March 30.

As per the announcement, regulators may review the situation at a later date and could choose to extend the pause.

The Gaming Board is closely monitoring the COVID-19 public health crisis and will provide updates to licensees and the public if an extension is needed.

Closure is exceptional, and sales will decline.

The legalization of riverboat gambling in Illinois took place in 1990, with the establishment of the state’s main water-based games following in 1991. Over the years, the gaming industry in Illinois has expanded to include 10 land-based and riverboat casinos. Additionally, video gaming was legalized in the state in 2009.

It is not typical for all casinos and video gambling establishments to be closed for a long period of time. However, this is the current situation that many states are dealing with due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Games and state tax revenue are at risk due to the substantial amount of money involved. As per the IGB’s February data, casinos and video gaming contributed the following sums:

  • Casino revenue:$ 102,3 million
  • Casinos earned a profit of $21.7 million.
  • The film games brought in a revenue of $151.5 million.
  • Tax revenue from the film industry: $100 million

Illinois is expected to receive only half of its typical tax income this month, potentially resulting in a loss of around $60 million based on February’s figures.

Illinois’ selections are a representation of the country’s problem.

Over the last three weeks, the country has undergone a remarkable change. As of March 10, the NBA season was in full swing, the NCAA Tournament was underway, and the coronavirus crisis was largely viewed as an inconvenience.

The NBA suspended its games the following day due to Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert testing positive for coronavirus, leading to the postponement of March Madness by the NCAA shortly after.

In summary, following the revelation of a bizarre series of events, casinos nationwide announced their closures.

The shutdown of the Las Vegas Strip may be the most visually stunning one yet. Mick Akers, a writer for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, shared a breathtaking video of the event. The footage captures the usually bustling streets, now eerily empty and devoid of the usual crowds, following the closure.

 

 

As of the writing of this article, game closures are still happening, and the future of the coronavirus crisis in America is still unknown. The number of new infections is continuing to rise.

Predictions indicate that the worst of the spread has not yet occurred.