Illinois is making a big move to legalize online poker and casinos in 2025. The state just introduced new bills, and guess what? They’re bringing the heat—there’s even talk of joining forces with other states for a multi-state poker party!
Let’s dive in and see what this could mean for the Land of Lincoln.
The Bills Are In: SB 1963 & HB 3080 – What’s the Deal?
Two fresh bills—SB 1963 and HB 3080—are the stars of the show. These bad boys are calling for a regulated online casino and poker market. Here’s the quick scoop:
- Tax Rate: A cool 25% on the money made.
- Licenses: Get your online poker or casino license for a $250,000 entry fee.
- Skin Slots: If you’re a land-based casino or racetrack, you can roll up three online “skins” (brands) for poker and casinos.
The real kicker? These bills could let Illinois join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Compact (MSIGA). This means bigger player pools and larger jackpots. The stakes just got a whole lot higher.
Online Poker MSIGA: Teaming Up with Other States for a Poker Powerhouse
Illinois could join forces with other states like New Jersey, Michigan, and Delaware in the MSIGA. What does that mean? A bigger market for poker players and shared jackpots. The more players, the more fun (and bigger wins) for everyone. Illinois would become the second-largest state in the compact after Pennsylvania.
The VGT Battle: Will Illinois’ 47,000 Video Gaming Terminals Fight Back?
Here’s where it gets tricky: Illinois has over 47,000 Video Gaming Terminals (VGTs) spread out across bars and restaurants. These machines bring in big bucks—around $800 million a year. The people running those VGTs might not be too happy about online gaming creeping in and stealing some of their thunder.
But… online poker and casinos could bring in billions for the state, and that’s why this push is back on the table. Will VGTs hold strong or will online gaming steal the spotlight? Only time will tell.
Is 2025 Finally Illinois’ Year for Online Gaming?
Illinois has tried before to legalize online poker and casinos—but this time, things feel different. Higher taxes, MSIGA action, and big-name brands like PokerStars and BetMGM are ready to jump in if it happens. Could this be the year? Fingers crossed!
Final Thoughts: Illinois Could Be the Next Big Thing in Online Poker
Illinois is making a bold play in the online poker and casino game, and 2025 could be their year. With big names in the game, the potential to join MSIGA, and a huge player pool, this could change the game for iGaming in the U.S. Keep an eye on Illinois, because things are about to get interesting!
FAQs!
1. SB 1963 and HB 3080: what are they?
Illinois’s new online casino and poker bills are these ones. They advocate a controlled online market with 25% taxes and maybe joining the MSIGA to distribute players and prizes to other jurisdictions.
2. What is MSIGA, and why should it matter?
Under a fancy moniker, the Multi-State Internet Gaming Compact is an agreement between governments to merge their online casino and poker sectors. More states equate to more players, hence larger jackpots. One important actor in this would be Illinois.
3. About VGTs, what’s the situation?
With 47,000+ Video Gaming Terminals, Illinois boasts a lot of income-generating capability. Although the VGT operators may not enjoy the concept of part of their money being taken by internet gaming, the state sees great promise in online poker.
Content and Picture Courtesy: PokerFuse
