Illinois could be the next state in line to create a regulatory framework for legalized sports betting, after a lawmaker announced his intent to push for comprehensive gaming expansion that will look at sports betting, online poker, online casino games, and daily fantasy sports.
On Tuesday, State Rep. Bob Rita, head of the Illinois House subcommittee on Gaming, Sales, and Other Taxes since 2013, revealed plans to bring together two House committees in coming weeks to coordinate efforts for a major gaming expansion bill with economic opportunity initiatives.
The Democrat put out a press release announcing two upcoming meetings to help finally consensus among his colleagues for a new gaming bill will bring “tremendous opportunities to create revenue, jobs, and economic growth” in the state.
The first subcommittee hearing will be on Aug. 22, with a second taking place on Oct 3.
This isn’t the first time Rita has worked for expanded gaming regulations. In 2014, a bill aimed at legalizing some forms of online gambling failed to gain traction, while similar efforts in 2016 and 2017 also fell short.
Call to Sports Betting Action
While legislation related to gaming in Illinois has been a relative constant for decades, this new push marks the first time lawmakers will be looking at gaming laws and regulations since the US Supreme Court gave states the green light to legalize sports betting in May.
“The gaming landscape has changed significantly since I took on this issue five years ago,” Rita said, “and I want to use these hearings to understand how those changes present new opportunities for us to put the right package together as we look to meet budget needs and provide a spark for our economy.”
Illinois has previously shown some interest in legalizing online poker. Last summer, John Pappas, the former executive director of the Poker Players Alliance (now called the Poker Alliance), testified before a House committee that was exploring online poker, online gaming, and DFS.
That proposal never mustered enough support to make it to a floor vote, however.
Driven By Budget Crisis
The budget in Illinois needs more than a spark. It needs a lifeline.
Unlike other states, which are looking at sports betting as a means of lining their coffers, Illinois would be considering an expansion to gaming as a means of averting an economic emergency.
In October, the Associated Press reported that Illinois is facing the worst financial crisis in the US — with the state owing some $16 billion in unpaid bills, and a budget deficit that is only growing. The state has the lowest credit rating in the country.
It’s not known exactly how much of a boost sports betting could give the state budget. However, we know that Nevada takes in an estimated $2.3 billion per year via legal sports betting. With Rita’s efforts moving forward, Illinois will likely soon have a better understanding of how much money they might expect from legal sports betting — and possibly online poker, too.
