With a projected $3 billion budget shortfall, an Illinois online casino proposal could be considered when Gov. JB Pritzker submits his budget draft next month.
Pritzker called Illinois online casino gambling “worthy of consideration,” according to the Chicago Sun-Times last week. The Illinois legislature begins meeting Jan. 8, and a budget is supposed to pass by the end of May.
While it might not be this year, industry stakeholders have targeted Illinois as a likely next step in the online casino landscape.
Taxes attractive with budget deficit
Gambling issues, especially sports betting, have attracted lawmakers because of the tax hauls they bring. In Illinois, online casino could have that same allure.
“In a tough budget year, you’re looking at ways to increase revenue. This is one tool for that,” Sen. Cristina Castro told the Sun-Times. “And it’s something that could be more palatable to constituents.”
Castro has submitted legislation in 2021 and 2023. Rep. Edgar Gonzalez is expected to submit an online gambling bill this session. Estimates suggest the state could generate up to $800 million annually from online gambling in Illinois.
Pritzker open to gambling
Pritzker took office in 2019.
Since then, the state has welcomed online sports betting, expanded video gambling and added six new casinos.
Pritzker is not entirely friendly to the gambling industry, however, as he did hike sports betting taxes last year.
Previous online casino efforts
Gonzalez previously introduced online gambling legislation in 2023.
It did not get assigned to the House Gaming Committee until last spring.
The bill did not make it past the House Rules Committee, where it died at the end of the session. Illinois has a two-year legislative session.
Online casino discussions heat up
Gambling industry headwinds, like those at the US Senate, might complicate any gambling expansion discussions this year.
Still, multiple state legislatures will likely see bills filed during their sessions.
That could include states like Louisiana, New York and Ohio.
