With Gov. JB Pritzker already hinting at online casino legalization, Illinois lawmakers have filed a proposal.
Sen. Cristina Castro and Rep. Edgar Gonzalez filed Senate Bill 1963 and House Bill 3080 on Thursday. The bills would create the Internet Gaming Act and legalize online casino gambling in Illinois.
The proposal adds to a growing list of states considering online casino legalization in 2025.
Illinois online casino details
The proposals would allocate three skins per casino or horse racing track license in the state, and licenses would require a $250,000 fee.
Illinois would tax the online gambling revenue at 25%. Estimates suggest the state could generate up to $800 million in online gambling tax revenue.
To renew their licenses, licensees could not reduce their workforce by 25% or more since the date the initial license was issued. That provision’s inclusion comes as cannibalization concerns from casino companies are a main argument against the expansion.
Pritzker sees positives
Pritzker will unveil his proposed budget this month, and it could include a projected $3 billion deficit.
Last month, the governor said online casino legalization was “worthy of consideration.”
Pritzker has led a significant era of gambling expansion in Illinois, including the launch of sports betting.
Previous Illinois efforts
Castro previously submitted similar legislation in 2021 and 2023. She has called it a tool to increase revenue.
Gonzalez also introduced a proposal in 2023.
Illinois has a two-year legislative session. Gonzalez’s bill was not assigned to the House Gaming Committee until last spring.
Online casino push
Lawmakers in multiple states have introduced iCasino legislation this year.
A proposal in Indiana has passed its first committee. In Maryland, a six-hour discussion took place with a renewed effort from last year.
New York Sen. Joe Addabbo hopes his proposal can gain some momentum this session. Legislators in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Virginia have also filed bills.
