The Land of Lincoln may soon allow online casinos in addition to its growing sports betting market. Following in the footsteps of neighboring Indiana and nearby Michigan, the Illinois state legislature has introduced its own Internet Gaming Act (HB 3142).
The bill would authorize online gaming operators (land-based casinos or racetracks) to launch up to three online casino skins in Illinois with an initial license fee of $500,000.
Illinois Online Casino Bill Overview
HB 3142, if passed, would create the Internet Gaming Act, which would, in turn, include various regulations to govern the Prairie State’s online casino market.
First, the bill would allow Illinois casinos and racetracks to offer online casinos either via proprietary platforms or through a contract with a partner. The latter is more likely across the board, as most of Illinois’ casinos are already partnered with online sportsbook providers.
Unsurprisingly, the Illinois Gaming Board would oversee internet gaming regulations n the state, just as it does with sports betting and land-based properties.
HB 3142 also includes “provisions for age verification, location of wagering, responsible gaming,” and other key stipulations. Additionally, the bill would require a 12% privilege tax to be paid into the State Gaming Fund.
Illinois online casinos are still a long way off, but this is a crucial first step toward a full launch.
Illinois Online Casino Contenders
Illinois’ rapidly growing sports betting market gives some insight as to which operators might join the fray when the state’s newest form of online gambling becomes legal.
The five current sports betting operators seem the most likely contenders at first glance: BetRivers, William Hill, FanDuel, DraftKings, and PointsBet.
However, other major industry players are waiting in the wings to launch online gambling in Illinois. Barstool, BetMGM, Unibet, and many others are among those ranks. If (let’s be real, when) Illinois launches online casinos, these latecomers will be chomping at the bit to get in on the Prairie State action.
Stay tuned to Gaming Today for more developments in the Illinois online casino saga.
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