Illinois lawmakers are currently locked in a debate on whether to legalize iGaming in the state or to retain the status quo. Per a recent report on the topic, those favoring legalizing online betting in Illinois point to its massive tax revenue-generating capacity. On the other side of the argument, traditional casino operators, video gaming terminal (VGT) companies, and labor groups have warned that the move would bring dire consequences for already existing revenue streams and ultimately result in job cuts. In a recent report, one of the latest betting news articles from Illinois is on the issue of legalized digital betting, or iGaming, with debates from both sides of the argument in full swing. Transitioning from earlier this summer, Edgar Gonzalez, a Democrat from Chicago, is leading the charge to legalize iGaming.
In this article, SBS will be going over the latest gaming notes and updates coming from Illinois, along with some additional notes and info coming from SBS and beyond.
Gonzalez has argued that Illinois stands to lose much by delaying the adoption of iGaming and that legalizing iGaming would help the state claim substantial tax revenue. In his words, it would also limit the activities of illegal offshore sites that evade taxes. Similarly, those pushing for the bill argue that the funds received from taxes can be channeled back into the state to service public infrastructure. They also insist that a regulated iGaming market would make for a transparent and fair gambling environment for all involved.
Consultancy firms Eilers and Krejcick, the article notes, have pegged the amount of tax revenue Illinois could receive within five years as approximately $775 million, or $1 billion with higher tax rates in place. Meanwhile, the Sports Betting Alliance is also lobbying for iGaming to reach neighboring states like Maryland.
As noted in the same report, for those opposing iGaming legalization in Illinois, there is much more to lose in comparison to the potential economic benefits. The major concern of most casino operators and VGT companies is that a legal iGaming market would cannibalize existing revenue from Illinois’ established land-based casinos. Jay Keller, a lobbyist for Penn Entertainment, whose company is said to have invested over $600 million in Illinois casinos, has also lent his voice to the opposition, the report notes.
He argued that he only made this huge outlay on the assumption that the current gaming landscape would remain stable, further warning about the uncertain economic impact of iGaming and the possibility of severe negative consequences. The National Association Against iGaming Projects also commissioned a study, the article notes, that found that the state could lose about $252.5 million worth of casino tax revenue with the introduction of iGaming. Even worse, they could also approximately 4,733 jobs.
Labor groups, the article points out, have also lined up behind the bill’s opponents, wary of the potential job losses in traditional casino settings. Then there’s Marc Poulos, executive director of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150, who points to studies consistently linking iGaming to cuts in positions, the article reads.
Proponents of iGaming have argued that Illinois is already hosting several “illegal online gambling platforms.” James Hartmann, a lobbyist for sports betting giant FanDuel, noted the ease with which consumers access unregulated gambling apps on their smartphones. Legalizing iGaming could not only force these operators into a regulated framework; it would also ensure the taxation of all online wagers and the enforcement of consumer protection measures. Moreover, Trevor Hayes, an executive with Caesars Sportsbook, pointed to the ability of iGaming to attract younger customers as one of its biggest highlights, the article points out. He explained that online gambling could serve as an effective marketing tool and introduce new demographics to traditional casinos.
Besides the financial risk that comes with a legalized iGaming space, critics also point to its potential to cause gambling addiction problems. For Ivan Fernandez, director of the Illinois Gaming Machine Operators Association, the 24/7 availability of digital gambling could push vulnerable people towards excessive, isolated gambling behavior. Additionally, the Illinois Gaming Board fears for the heavy regulatory workload that an expanded iGaming market would bring. The debate over iGaming legalization in Illinois continues to divide opinions. While supporters for the economic benefits and regulated space it will create, opposers fear that it would weaken the traditional casino sector. This would then lead to job losses and ultimately cause more addiction problems from there.
Once you are all up to speed in relation to the latest gaming news and notes coming from the state of Illinois and its evolving gaming scene, make sure to peruse the array of info at SBS. For even more analysis on the state covered in this article, the sports betting in Illinois guide is an excellent resource that goes over all kinds of updates coming from the area and beyond. This includes everything from local gaming updates to state gambling laws, like this update. Conversely, for those interested in maximizing their wagers, the best bonus betting sites breakdown is a fantastic page that covers a catalogue of the latest welcome bonus offers. Finally, the BetOnline sportsbook review rundown is a must-read page for eligible customers that goes over all the perks of the site and beyond.
About the Author
Chris Boline is a Reno-based business development professional and freelance sports writer with over a decade of experience covering the NBA G League, Los Angeles Chargers, and national football and basketball. His expertise spans the NFL, NBA, UFC, boxing, golf, and motorsports, along with topical news, marketing, and promotional content. A proud University of Nevada graduate, Chris earned both his BS in Management & Economics (2015) and MBA (2023). He is active in the Reno community, serving on boards such as the Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, NCET, and the College of Business Alumni Association, where he was past president (2022–23). Notable honors include: - Two-time University of Nevada Alumni Chapter of the Year honoree (2017, 2021) - 2021 NCET Professional Services Organization of the Year (with TAC) - 2016–17 Reno Bighorns MVP, awarded by the Sacramento Kings - Nevada Press Association Award for Best Sports Column (2015) - Former Editor-in-Chief of The Nevada Sagebrush Chris blends his passion for sports with a strong background in sales, marketing, and community engagement.
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