Research on online betting in Illinois may prompt discussions on legalizing it in 2022. However, the senator behind the study suggests that 2025 may be a more realistic timeframe for permitting online gaming in the state.
Senator Cristina Castro has informed Play Illinois that her colleagues are beginning to be educated on the study of online casinos. This method is currently the sole approach being utilized and may potentially be implemented in Illinois.
I am unsure if we can achieve this within a year. We must address concerns and handle VGTs. It is important to educate my colleagues on what iGaming involves and what it does not. Perhaps we can start laying the groundwork in 2022 and consider implementation in 2025.
In 2021, virtual game bills don’t gain any traction.
During this session, Rep. Bob Rita introduced a bill to legalize online casino gambling. Despite this, the bill received little attention both during and after an April committee hearing.
At the conclusion of the session, Rita chose not to include the proposal in the omnibus gaming bill that he successfully passed in the House.
Tom Swoik, executive director of the Illinois Casino Gaming Association, expressed his disapproval of iGaming in an interview with Play Illinois, even though Rita is willing to explore legislation regarding online gambling.
This month marks the beginning of a two-year legislative program for Illinois, during which online gaming laws introduced in 2020 will take effect in 2021.
Swoik stated, “We won’t be completely starting over, but we’ll be close to it.”
October research on online gambling in Illinois
In May 2020, Swoik and Illinois casinos began pushing for the legalization of online casinos after being forced to close down due to the pandemic.
Castro observed the negative effects on local businesses and employment caused by the extended closures of the Grand Victoria Casino in her neighborhood.
She proposed SR 303 in order to stimulate more discussion on iGaming. The resolution requests the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability to create a report by October 1st, detailing the potential additional tax revenue Illinois could have received if it had permitted online casino gambling during the pandemic.
According to Castro’s remarks, the Senate approved the solution on June 1, the last day of the regular legislative session.
The closure of physical businesses in multiple states during the peak of the pandemic prompted the development of Senate Resolution 303. It is worth mentioning that states like Pennsylvania and New Jersey did not suffer financial losses thanks to their iGaming revenue.
The government will carry a filibuster treatment in October.
The Illinois government will convene for a veto period right after the report is returned.
Lawmakers are currently aiming to approve Rita’s gaming bill in the House and send it to the governor for final approval. The bill contains provisions for betting on in-state college teams.
Swoik said that there is a very low likelihood or almost no chance that iGaming will be subject to any voting in October.
Castro acknowledged that online gaming will not be on the agenda for discussion this year, despite the report’s deadline.
This substantial item requires thorough consideration, discussion, and implementation. It cannot be completed in just one program.
Swoik speculates that the government’s interest in gaming may be waning as revenue from the latest gambling expansion has not seen a significant increase. Despite approving new games, they have not been launched yet.
Swoik noted that despite passing a major game expansion bill two years ago, there have been limited results, suggesting a level of caution. With sports betting only being around for approximately forty years and gaining traction, there appears to be reluctance to explore new territories until it becomes more established.
Legislators need more time to learn about iGaming.
Castro intends to educate his coworkers about online gambling using the data from the study in the coming year.
She stated, “I think data is essential. I believe it would be beneficial to further discuss whether pursuing that path is advisable, provided that the data supports it and we can observe its success in other states.”
Castro drew a parallel between the legalization of marijuana and iGaming, initially causing concern among lawmakers. However, she ultimately found that both systems were beneficial for the state.
We must educate them on the evolution of iGaming, which has advanced beyond traditional betting and now includes sophisticated features to protect against underage access.
She argues that Illinois’ smooth implementation of online sports betting is evidence in favor of the argument.
Castro stated that they have not been participating in sports betting for a while. He added that it would be simpler to let colleagues know about their new venture into sports wagering and the safety measures they have put in place, as long as they stay on the right track.
