Illinois seeks to make changes to a proposed sports betting bill that was introduced last month to the House. Four separate amendments will be introduced to House Bill 3308 which was filed by Rep. Michael Zalewski. The House Rules, and Revenue and Finance Committees will examine each of the amendments and see which one is best suited to be added to HB 3308. The proposed bill did not include any type of regulation details, and to amendments will fill this gap to determine which regulatory model will be pursued.
The amendments are with the House’s Rules Committee where they are being discussed.
What are the options?
The Classical New Jersey Option
- Proposed by Rep. Zalewski
- Will allow riverboats and others allowed under the 1975 Horse Race Act to apply for an operating license.
- Gamblers will be allowed to play land-based, online and mobile betting.
- $10 million license fee + $250,000 renewal fee every five years.
- The Illinois Gaming Board will be responsible for regulation.
Mississippi Model
- Proposed by Rep. Katie Steward
- Allows for land-based and online gambling at licensed racetracks and casinos.
- Ten online operators will be allowed to operate sports betting.
- $10 million license fee + $500,000 renewal fee every five years.
- 20% royalty to be paid by operators to professional sports leagues
- 15% tax rate on adjusted gross sports wagering income.
- Illinois Gaming Board will be responsible for regulation.
Professional Sports League
- Proposed by Rep. Andre Thapedi.
- Allows for land-based, online and mobile sports wagering.
- Operators will pay $10 million for a license.
- 5% tax rate on annual adjusted gross sports wagering income.
- 25% royalty fee to the Illinois Gaming Board, which will distribute it to sports governing bodies.
Lottery Oversight
- Proposed by Rep. Elizabeth Fernandez
- The Illinois Department of Lottery will take over responsibility for all sports betting activities in the state.
- The regulator will make all decisions regarding the type of wagers that can be placed and betting limits.
- Sports betting will be limited to land-based only.
- The state will collect 50% of adjusted gross sports wagering income for taxation.
- Funds will be distributed to Illinois pension, school and construction funds.
