Uncertain Future for Illinois Online Casino Legislation as Session Deadline Nears
With only three weeks left in the Illinois legislative session, significant uncertainty surrounds the future of online casino legislation. Despite prior expectations, the pivotal bill, HB2239, has not been scheduled for further discussion, casting doubt on its progress as the May 24 deadline approaches.
Rep. Dan Didech, chair of the Illinois House Gaming Committee, has opted not to advance HB2239 after its initial hearing. This decision signals a potential halt in the push for establishing regulated internet casinos in Illinois this session.
Didech’s reluctance is influenced by the state’s current financial health, which he believes reduces the urgency to create new revenue streams through online gambling.
HB2239 at a Standstill
Introduced by Rep. Edgar Gonzalez, HB2239 seeks to enact the Internet Gaming Act, which would allow each operator up to three licenses and impose a 15% tax on gaming revenues. Despite these provisions, the bill’s progress has been slow, highlighting the legislative complexities and challenges of regulating online gaming.
Focus on Problem Gambling
In a related development, Rep. Didech has introduced another significant piece of legislation, HB5307, aimed at addressing problem gambling. This bill proposes the creation of a task group dedicated to tackling compulsive gambling, underscoring the state’s commitment to responsible gaming and prioritizing evidence-based solutions to mitigate related risks.
Senate’s Optimism and Strategic Moves
Despite setbacks, optimism persists in the Senate, particularly from Senator Cristina Castro regarding SB1656, the Senate’s version of the iGaming bill. Although it missed a critical deadline earlier in May, there is still hope that discussions around online casinos could be incorporated into broader budgetary negotiations, keeping the door open for future legislative action.
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