The second chapter on Illinois sports betting and feasible online casino expansion is set to take place Wednesday at the state capitol.
State Rep. Bob Rita, a Democrat, will bring with each other two Home subcommittees to talk about numerous gaming subjects like sports betting, online gambling, every day fantasy sports (DFS) and casino expansion.
It has been fairly the journey for Senate Bill 7, which has been kicking about because early 2017. Introduced by Rita, the legislation has morphed into a huge gambling expansion bill akin to a 2017 law passed in Pennsylvania.
SB 7 was referred towards the Rules Committee in Might.
In August, lawmakers gathered in Chicago to hear testimony from gambling stakeholders on an amendment to SB 7. Amendment three focused on substantial tax breaks for casinos and slots/table games at the states 3 racetracks.
What remains to be recognized is if a gambling expansion bill is some thing lawmakers wish to push via following the November elections.
All indicators all point to yes. But having a large turnover anticipated in the state legislature and possibly a new governor, the concept remains up in the air.
The US Supreme Court’s choice to strike down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act has place the subject of gambling expansion in the doorstep of a number of states across the country.
Midwest states including neighboring Indiana, Iowa and Missouri all strategy on discussing and possibly passing sports betting legislation in 2019.
Inside a statement, Rita said gaming expansion presents a number of opportunities including, new streams of revenue, job creation and financial growth for the state.
“The gaming landscape has changed considerably,” Rita stated. “I wish to use these hearings to know how these modifications present new possibilities for us to place the right package with each other as we look to meet spending budget requirements and offer a spark for our economy.”
Jim Ryan, CEO of Pala Interactive along with a member from the nonprofit concept Growth, submitted a letter this week calling on lawmakers to not overlook the financial advantages of gambling expansion.
Ryan wrote mobile wagering is “the future of the industry” and sports wagering is already taking place on “unregulated platforms.”
“Illinois must make it legal and regulated. Voting for something much less is a lost opportunity for the state’s economy,” Ryan wrote.