A huge gaming expansion will come in the US state of Illinois, one bigger than ever imagined in the many years of failed attempts.
The Illinois Legislature has approved six new casinos, slots and table games at racetracks and sports betting under comprehensive gaming expansion in an extended legislative session.
The bill just needs a signature from Governor JP Pritzker, who has supported and pushed for it and is expected to sign. SB 690 would authorise a Chicago casino with 4,000 gaming positions, plus five casinos in Chicago’s south suburbs.
Existing riverboat casinos could move on-land and increase gaming positions from 1,200 to 2,000 and racetracks could have up to 1,200 gaming positions - slots and table games. Slots would be allowed at O’Hare and Midway Airports and taxes on slots in routes would increase over two years to 34 per cent from 30.
Sports betting would be allowed on-site and online, operated by casinos, racetracks, sports arenas and via kiosks at up to 2,500 slot locations. Daily fantasy sports operators DraftKings and FanDuel could partner with a licensee to be involved from the start.
Source: Fantini's Gaming Report
