Online Gambling for Illinois

June 01, 2009 | News Category: Gaming Law

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Last week, the Illinois legislators took part in a vote that would allow Internet gambling and betting to take place by the residents of Illinois. The vote passed, allowing online betting and gambling to take place in the state of Illinois, specifically allowing video gambling to take place in bars around the state.

The bill regarding online gambling was approved by the state House, with the vote passing the measure by 87-27. The bill had already advanced through the Senate, which had already allowed horse race wagering at online betting sites. The bill was passed within days after the legalization of video gambling machines throughout the state of Illinois took place. Another bill which many had hoped would pass in order to expand casino gambling was voted down.

The plan, however, still needs to be signed off on by Governor Pat Quinn. Should the plan be approved by Governor Quinn, Internet gambling will be legal in Illinois. This would allow Illinois residents to buy their lottery tickets via the Internet, which in turn would generate revenue for the state. There are a number of states that already allow the purchase of online lottery tickets, some in the form of subscriptions to their state lotteries.

Those who support the bill note that it will help increase interest and participation in the horse racing industry, as well as raise large amounts of revenue, possibly totaling $1.5 million. The system that is planned will allow gamblers to create online accounts from which they will be able to place bets from their own computers. In the same way that the barred online casinos operate, players will be able to use their accounts to have winnings added to it, and their losses removed from the balance.

Lawmakers have found a way to appease the public regarding online gambling. They have organized that part of the revenue received from online gambling would go to university construction projects, thus detracting notice from the gambling itself. Illinois lawmakers did not approve a plan to expand gambling last year because they felt that morally it was best for Illinois not to do so. With the university construction plans this year, lawmakers seem to have forgotten their previously moral high ground.

Governor Quinn has said that until the legislature have the approval of the state's operational budget and the ethics legislation, he will not approve the plan.