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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 […]
Illinois Reopens Bidding for Online-Only Sports Betting Licenses, But Who Wants One?
Anyone who wants to offer online sports betting in Illinois without a land-based presence can once again apply for a license. All it will cost is $20 million up front. However, the reason that’s possible is that the state got no takers the first time around. At least, none who saw the process through. The state’s Sports Wagering […]
Bally’s Chicago Traffic Impact Study Raises Major Questions
Casino opponents have criticized a study assessing the traffic impact of a temporary Bally’s Corporation casino in the neighborhood around its proposed location. Construction of Bally’s new downtown casino in River West won’t be complete until 2026. In the meantime, the Company wants to open a temporary location at Medinah Temple in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. […]
2023 Illinois Online Casino Legalization Efforts Lose Prominent Advocate
Legislators who hope to legalize Illinois online casino gambling in 2023 are disheartened by Rep. Michael J. Zalewski’s primary election loss. However, online gambling advocates don’t expect the loss of his prominent voice to stall legislative efforts. Zalewski, D-Riverside, conceded defeat on June 28 to challenger Abdelnasser Rashid. Rashid, who won the Democratic primary by […]
As Illinois Considers Legalizing Online Gambling, Major Operators Line Up To Bid For New Chicago Casino
Online casino gambling may come to Illinois around the same time as work gets underway on Chicago’s first retail casino. The latter project is just entering the proposals stage, and the winning bidder will probably be hoping to enter the state’s future iGaming market, as well. Both online casino legalization in Illinois and acceptance of […]
DraftKings Deal Helps Along Expansion of Casino Queen in Illinois
A new partnership will help one Illinois casino expand its reach. On July 23, Casino Queen announced the company will rebrand as part of a deal with DraftKings. In many ways, the deal mirrors one signed earlier this year between Penn National and Barstool Sports, with one key exception. Officials from both Casino Queen and […]
DraftKings and FanDuel Granted Illinois Sportsbook Operating Permits
Two of the biggest names in online sports betting received temporary operating permits from the Illinois Gaming Board on Friday, July 17. DraftKings Sportsbook and FanDuel Sportsbook are both listed as recent licensees on the board’s website. Last month, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued an executive order suspending the requirement that sports bettors in the […]
