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Bally’s Two Steps Closer to Realizing Its Chicago Casino Project
Bally’s upcoming Chicago casino resort is a major project, but the company has taken two significant steps forward. It has begun hiring for roughly 700 positions at its temporary location, which it expects to open in July. Meanwhile, Bally’s has reached a deal with the Chicago Tribune to vacate the printing facility currently occupying the […]
Illinois Sports Betting Suppliers Seek $10 Million Fee Reduction
If state lawmakers approve SB323 amending the Sports Wagering Act, Illinois sports betting suppliers may pay $10 million less in renewal fees during the next eight years, according to the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB). However, that’s money the state needs and that suppliers agreed to pay, said state representatives during an April 19 Illinois House […]
Gonzalez Promises to Keep Illinois Online Casino Legalization Top of Mind
Illinois online casino gambling may not become legal in 2023, but state Rep. Edgar Gonzalez Jr. plans to keep it on the minds of his fellow lawmakers. Gonzalez, D-Chicago, spoke to Bonus about iGaming and why it matters to his state. On March 10, the bills Gonzalez and state Sen. Cristina Castro, D-Elgin, sponsored took […]
Illinois Online Casino Bills See Unfortunate Committee Re-Routing
Illinois online casino bills HB2239 and SB1656 took unfortunate turns on March 10 into committees where they may die due to inaction. However, hope for the Internet Gaming Act (IGA) to become law may not completely disappear until May 19, when the Illinois General Assembly adjourns. On Friday, HB2239 was re-routed from the House Gaming Committee […]
Illinois Online Casino Bill Sees Movement in House
The House version of the Illinois online casino bill, HB2239, entered a second committee on Feb. 28. That’s its first movement since being introduced on Feb. 8 and bodes well for the Internet Gaming Act (IGA) getting a hearing there soon. The House Gaming Committee, where the Illinois online casino bill now resides, hosts 10 […]
Bally’s Obtains Temporary Location Approval, Ejects Chicago Tribune From Future Casino Site
Bally’s Corporation has instructed the Chicago Tribune newsroom and printing plant to relocate within two years to make room for its upcoming Freedom Center casino. The move comes amid a dispute between the companies over a lease extension on the property. Meanwhile, Bally’s has received final approval for its temporary location while construction is underway […]
Second Illinois Online Casino Bill Appears in House, With Lower Tax Rate
Illinois lawmakers now have two separate versions of the Internet Gaming Act (IGA) to consider. Rep. Jonathan Carroll introduced HB 2320 on Feb. 14, 2023. Like HB 2239, filed one week before, it would make online casinos legal in the state. However, the two bills differ in the specifics of the implementation. The former bill’s sponsor is Rep. Edgar […]
Illinois Online Casino Bill Tax Rate Means Revenue Could Be $240 Million
A state representative introduced HB2239 to legalize Illinois online casino gambling. The bill’s primary sponsor, state Rep. Edgar Gonzalez Jr. (D-Chicago), listed a 15% tax rate in his proposed legislation on Feb. 8. At that rate, Bonus predicts the Internet Gaming Act (IGA) – to be created if HB2239 becomes law – will mean $240 […]
Online Casino Legalization in 2023 – What Are the Odds for NY, IL, and IN?
Sadly, 2022 has been a dud of a year when it comes to states legalizing online casino. At least 2021 saw Connecticut legalize and launch within the same calendar year. Before that, we have to go back to Michigan, and the tail end of 2019, to see an iGaming bill receive a governor’s signature. Of course, lawmakers have had a few […]
Why In-Person Registration Will Cost Illinois Online Casinos
In Mar. 2021, Illinois sent an online casino bill to the state’s House Rules committee. Though that effort stalled, we’ll likely see a similar push in 2023. One unfortunate feature of the original Internet Gaming Act is a six-month window during which in-person registration would be mandatory for Illinois online casinos. That means bettors would have […]
