It looks like talks on legalizing iGaming in Illinois are back on the table. With Illinois facing a projected $3 billion budget shortfall, the possibility of legalizing online casinos may enter discussions. Governor JB Pritzker is preparing to present his budget proposal next month, and this might be in his agenda. Given how lucrative iGaming is, its one reason to become a bookie. And Pritzker knows this from sports betting in the state.
The Illinois legislature, which reconvenes on January 8, has until the end of May to approve a budget, leaving room for online gambling to emerge as a potential revenue source. While legalization may not happen this year, industry insiders view Illinois as a prime candidate for the next wave of online casino expansion.
Discussions on iGaming in Illinois
Gambling revenue has long been a draw for lawmakers looking to bolster state finances. And Illinois’ budget woes make online casinos particularly attractive. Senator Cristina Castro, a consistent advocate for expansion to add iGaming in Illinois, underscored the fiscal appeal. She noted that in difficult budget years, new revenue streams like online casinos could become more acceptable to constituents. Even with independent sportsbooks, reports generated through their sportsbook pay per head software show how a more well-rounded gaming site is more profitable than just offering sports betting.
Castro has introduced online gambling legislation in the past, in both 2021 and 2023, though neither proposal gained significant traction. Representative Edgar Gonzalez is expected to introduce a similar bill during the current legislative session. Early estimates suggest that legalizing online gambling in Illinois could generate up to $800 million annually in tax revenue, offering a substantial boost to state finances.
Illinois Governor Has Always Supported Gaming
Governor Pritzker’s openness to gambling expansion has been evident since he took office in 2019. Under his leadership, Illinois has embraced online sports betting, expanded video gambling, and approved the addition of six new casinos.
While these measures reflect Pritzker’s pragmatic approach to using gambling as an economic tool, his relationship with the industry has not always been entirely favorable. Last year, he increased taxes on sports betting, signaling his willingness to impose higher fiscal demands on operators as part of the state’s broader revenue strategy. Naturally, this did not sit well with sportsbook operators.
The Struggles in the Illinois Legislature
Efforts to legalize iGaming in Illinois, however, have encountered challenges in the past. Gonzalez introduced an online gambling bill in 2023, but the legislation stalled. It was assigned to the House Gaming Committee in the spring but failed to advance beyond the House Rules Committee, ultimately expiring at the end of the session. Given Illinois’ two-year legislative session, the bill’s reintroduction could see renewed debate in the coming months, though the complex dynamics surrounding gambling legislation may still pose obstacles.
Illinois is not the only state where online casino discussions are gaining momentum. Across the country, several state legislatures are expected to consider similar proposals this year, with states like New York, Louisiana, and Ohio also on the radar for potential iGaming expansion. If you are also interested in sports betting, here are some sports betting software reviews to help you get started in the industry.
