Illinois Introduces Bill to Regulate Social Board Games
Illinois lawmakers are considering a new bill that could introduce a fresh category of gambling in the state: social board games. On January 9, 2025, Representative John M. Cabello proposed House Bill 1047 (HB1047), also known as the Social Board Games Act, which outlines how this new form of gaming would be regulated and implemented under state law.
Understanding Social Board Games
The bill defines a social board game as a simple game where participants play on a 100-square board, with each square numbered from 0 to 99.
Winners are determined by matching the outcome of specific sporting events to the number they chose on the board. This straightforward format combines elements of sports betting with casual gameplay, appealing to a broad audience.
Under the proposed legislation, only specific sporting events can be tied to social board games, including NFL, MLB, NASCAR, PGA Tour, LIV Golf, NCAA Division I football, and U.S.-based horse racing.
These games can only be hosted at locations already licensed to operate video gaming terminals, ensuring they remain under existing regulatory frameworks.
Licensing and Financial Requirements
To operate within the guidelines of the Social Board Games Act, manufacturers, distributors, and gaming location operators would need licenses from the Illinois Gaming Board. Licensing fees vary by role, with manufacturers required to pay $5,000, distributors $1,000, and gaming operators $50 annually.
Additionally, the bill limits payouts for a single game to $1,199, aligning with other small-scale gambling payouts to maintain consistency across the industry.
Oversight and Reporting
The Illinois Gaming Board would oversee the implementation of social board games, ensuring compliance through regulations and an annual reporting requirement.
These reports would document the success and challenges of administering the law through 2029, giving lawmakers a clear picture of its impact. Operators would also have access to an appeals mechanism for challenging disciplinary decisions by the Gaming Board.
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