Lawmakers Revisit Online Casino Legalization as Deadline Nears

Illinois lawmakers approaching the final days of their spring legislative session, efforts to authorize online casino gaming are once again on the table. Although the clock is ticking ahead of the May 31 adjournment, State Rep. Bob Rita, D-Blue Island, maintains that “anything is possible.”

Rita, a key figure in Illinois’s previous gambling expansions, noted that initiatives once thought stalled can gain momentum quickly at this stage. “This is the time of year where you start seeing different items that maybe didn’t have legs, potentially could,” he said.

Two companion bills—Senate Bill 1963 and House Bill 3080—were reintroduced in February by Senator Christina Castro and Representative Edgar Gonzalez. These measures seek to create the Internet Gaming Act, enabling licensed operators to launch up to three online casino brands.

Concerns From Existing Operators and Local Businesses

Keith Hamilton of the Illinois State Bowling Proprietors Association warned that allowing online casino play could undercut the viability of local entertainment venues. “They reinvest that into their establishments not only to pay employees, not only to keep prices down, but to build and improve their bowling centers, to improve their operations,” he said.

Bill Brennan, owner of Arena Lanes in Oakland, echoed that concern, saying the push for new revenue sources could hurt both public and private investments already made in physical gaming infrastructure. “They’re going to cannibalize a revenue stream that’s already been invested in by the private sector and the public sector as well,” Brennan stated.

Illinois’s Existing Gaming Footprint and Budget Pressures

Illinois currently has one of the most robust gaming ecosystems in the country. The state s nearly 8,700 VGT licensees operating over 48,700 terminals. In 2024 alone, these machines generated $884.2 million in state taxes and another $152.4 million for local governments.

Yet, despite this, Illinois faces a looming $3.2 billion budget shortfall for fiscal year 2026, prompting lawmakers to explore new streams of revenue. Advocates of online casino legalization see SB 1963 and HB 3080 as potential fiscal solutions, though age remains uncertain.

One provision in the bills seeks to bar licenses for any sportsbook or casino that cut its workforce by 25% or more from February 2020. However, some critics argue the language is vague, particularly around the definition of “workforce,” which may create legal ambiguities if enacted.

Future of Online Casino Legislation Still Unclear

The stakes are high for both sides. Proponents view online casino legalization as a necessary evolution in a changing gaming landscape and a possible lifeline for the state budget. Meanwhile, opponents argue that digital expansion could threaten local establishments already contributing significantly to state and municipal coffers.

While the final outcome of SB 1963 and HB 3080 remains uncertain, the broader debate underscores a pivotal moment for Illinois’s gaming future—one that could reshape the industry for years to come.

Source:

“Online casino measure could still advance at Illinois Statehouse”, thecentersquare.com, May 24, 2025