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Illinois Internet Gaming Act Under Gaming Committee Consideration
The Illinois House Gaming Committee will discuss online casino legislation during its March 19 hearing, potentially shedding light on whether iGaming has a path to legalization now or in the future. While previous efforts to legalize online casinos in Illinois have stalled, the hearing could indicate whether shifting circumstances, such as budget gaps, have improved […]
Illinois Internet Gaming Act Resurrected for Another Try in 2025
Online casino legislation is back on the table in Illinois with stipulations to tackle the cannibalization concerns of retails.
iGaming Could Be Back in Play in Illinois, as Gov. Pritzker Signals Interest Amid Budget Gaps
Online casinos could once again become an important topic of conversation in the Illinois legislature in 2025. Once considered a top contender for legalizing iGaming, the state has seen little movement over the past two years. However, as lawmakers are looking for ways to fill a $3 billion budget shortfall, online casinos could be back […]
Galesburg, Illinois Considers Limits on Video Gaming Terminals: How Much Gambling Is Too Much?
The city of Galesburg, Illinois, is considering whether to impose a cap on video gaming terminals (VGTs) or a moratorium on new installations. Part of the reason is concern that the machines target vulnerable people and that they’ve become so widespread as to be hard to avoid. VGTs are simple in design and resemble slot […]
Bally’s Chicago Permanent Casino Construction Begins With Tribune Publishing Demolition
Hard RocConstruction of Bally’s permanent downtown Chicago casino is officially underway, having started with the demolition of the former Chicago Tribune publishing plant, which occupied the site. The company expects to complete the resort’s construction within two years, keeping it on schedule for the state-mandated September 2026 opening. The demolition will take three to four […]
Hard Rock’s Casino in Rockford Set to Open on August 29, Plans for Illinois Online Sportsbook Still Unclear
Hard Rock International has revealed August 29 as the official opening date for its permanent casino in Rockford, Illinois. The property will open for business at about 3 p.m. that day, replacing Hard Rock’s temporary casino. Branded as Hard Rock: An Opening Act, the temporary property will continue 24/7 operations until then. The features of the […]
Will the Illinois Sports Betting Tax Hike Hurt the Chances of Online Casino Legalization?
Both halves of the Illinois legislature have passed this year’s budget bill, which includes a new progressive tax on sports betting revenue. The largest operators, who will suffer the heftiest tax increase, have warned that it will change how they do business in the state. Unfortunately, these same operators are also a driving force for iGaming expansion, leading to […]
Illinois Legislature Fast-Tracks Bill Prohibiting Wagering on Family Amusements
Illinois lawmakers have amended an existing bill to include an act to ban arcades from facilitating wagers on amusement games after initially missing the deadline for new legislation. This last-ditch maneuver to piggyback the Family Amusement Wagering Prohibition Act (FAWPA) on other legislation could make Illinois the first state to take a stand against the […]
Dave & Buster’s Plan To Allow Friendly Bets Faces Potential Ban In Illinois
Not everyone is pleased with Dave & Buster’s plans to add a real money skill gaming option to its arcade experience. One critic in a position to do something about it is Illinois Rep. Dan Didech, who introduced a bill to prohibit precisely the sort of plan the family entertainment chain announced last week. Dave […]
Illinois Internet Gaming Act Bills Keep Seeing Movement But No Action
Without hearings, it’s easy to forget the Illinois Internet Gaming Act (IGA) bills exist in the House and Senate. However, the Illinois General Assembly recently saw movement on both bills. The body is scheduled to adjourn on May 24. On April 5, HB2239 made its third trip to the House Rules Committee in two years. […]
