Even though he has had a number of legislative failures in his recent attempts to legalize iGaming in Illinois, Representative Edgar Gonzalez Jr. is not giving up. Gonzalez is committed to reintroduce the matter for consideration in 2025, despite these obstacles.
iGaming has already been allowed in seven states in the US, enabling licensed operators to provide real money online casino games on mobile and web platforms. Illinois, though, has not yet been included to this expanding list in spite of several prior legislative attempts.
Legislative Efforts and Challenges
In February 2023, Gonzalez introduced House Bill 2239 with the goal of legalizing online casinos in Illinois. The bill encountered significant hurdles, including delays in committee assignments and ultimately failing to progress beyond the House Rules Committee.
State Senator Cristina Castro has also championed iGaming legalization through Senate Bill 1565, which faced similar obstacles in advancing through the legislative process.
Under the terms of both proposals, internet casino operators with an Illinois Gaming Board license might run up to three “skins” and pay a 15% tax on gross gaming revenue (GGR). This strategy is based on effective initiatives that have been seen in other states where internet gaming is permitted.
Gonzalez and Castro are hopeful about reintroducing their separate proposals as the Illinois General Assembly gets ready to meet again in January. They are still optimistic that Illinois will soon join other states in enjoying the financial advantages of regulated iGaming if they continue to advocate and get more support.
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