Illinois State Senator Christina Castro has introduced SB 1656, a bill aimed at legalizing internet casino gaming within the state. This move follows her previous attempt in 2021 to pass online casino legislation. The proposed bill outlines key provisions that would regulate the operation of internet gaming, including the number of branded skins allowed, licensing costs, taxation, and responsible gambling measures.
Key Provisions of the Proposed Bill:
Internet Gaming Operators and Branded Skins:
The proposed bill would permit internet gaming operators to establish up to three individually branded online casino websites, also referred to as “skins.” This allows operators to provide players with a variety of online gaming experiences under different brands.
Interstate Poker and Wager Acceptance:
Language within the bill suggests that interstate poker may be permissible, as it mentions the “acceptance of out-of-state wagers.” This potential provision could pave the way for players from other states to participate in online poker games within Illinois.
Regulatory Authority and Licensing Costs:
Under the proposed legislation, the Illinois Gaming Board would serve as the regulatory authority overseeing the internet casino gaming industry. To obtain an initial license, operators would be required to pay a fee of $250,000. This fee grants them the right to operate internet gaming within the state.
State Taxation and Allocation:
The bill proposes a state tax of 15 percent on the operators’ adjusted gross revenue generated from internet gaming activities. The tax revenue collected would be directed to the State Gaming Fund, contributing to the state’s financial resources.
Deduction of Promotional Credit:
Operators would have the ability to deduct promotional credits, allowing them to incentivize and reward players through various promotions and bonuses while still adhering to tax obligations.
Responsible Gambling Measures:
In line with responsible gambling practices, the proposed bill requires operators to consult a self-exclusion list, allowing individuals to voluntarily exclude themselves from participating in online gaming activities. Additionally, operators would be mandated to display responsible gambling language prominently on their websites to promote responsible behavior among players.
Illinois State Senator Christina Castro’s proposed bill, SB 1656, aims to bring internet casino gaming to the state. With provisions addressing branding, taxation, regulatory oversight, and responsible gambling measures, the bill lays the groundwork for a well-regulated and responsible online gaming environment. As the bill moves through the legislative process, its potential impact on the Illinois gaming landscape will be closely monitored by stakeholders and the public alike.