Illinois Betting Tax Increase May Inspire Similar Moves in Other States
December 30, 2019 TamaraTam
The state of Illinois has just opened application for sportsbook operators. The state plans to include casinos, racetracks and large stadiums in operation of sportsbook platforms. It is still not known when the industry will go live. The same has been confirmed by Illinois Gaming Board , Marcus Fruchter.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a sportsbook law about six months ago. Starting from that moment, a set of sports betting rules has been released. Fruchter announced that the agency will disclose the second phase of rules on operation procedures at the beginning of the next year and will commence issuing temporary permits in “a timely manner.” Additional information will be known after the Gaming Board meeting scheduled for January 30.
At the moment, there are 10 Illinois casinos which can apply for a sports betting license. Additionally, there are three racetracks and about seven sports venues (with more than 17,000 capacity) which meet application conditions. However, several sports betting providers like DraftKings and FanDuel are excluded from the application process. These operators will have to wait about 18 months before they can officially submit an application for a sports wagering license.
At the same time, land-based sportsbook operators are allowed to create mobile sports betting submissions. Following the statements from leading operators, it is expected that major casinos, racetracks, and Chicago pro sports teams will apply for the license in the first phase.
Commenting on the application process, State Rep. Mike Zalewski said:
“Hopefully potential licensees can have their applications reviewed carefully but expeditiously so that bettors can participate in the market in a safe and legal way in the near future.”
Illinois Gaming Board , Fruchter observed:
“There’s not a timeline because we don’t want to set goals or deadlines that are arbitrary. The goal here is to get a process and a sports wagering system that is correct.”
Meanwhile, gamblers in Indiana state have wagered over $270 million just three months after legalization of the sports betting industry.“
He added:
“While we respect our Hoosier neighbors, Illinois is a different state and we have to do what’s in the best interests of Illinois.”
Candidates for sportsbook operation are ready and they just wait for the confirmation of the state. One of the most interested casinos in Illinois is Rivers Casino Des Plaines, which has already completed renovations.
General manager of Rivers Casino, Corey Wise said:
“We knew the rules were coming, just didn’t know when. So we wanted to be primed and ready once the rules are released.”
Source:
“Illinois starts sports betting application process“, yogonet.com, December 20, 2019.
Looking forward to seeing new sports betting operators in Illinois soon. There are a lot of high-quality candidates and I believe in the positive outcome of the applications…