Illinois Gaming Board seeks public input as it prepares betting law
Stakeholders invited to comment on proposed law that includes an 18-month ‘penalty box’ for online operators
The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) is seeking the public’s input in developing the state’s sports betting regulations.
The public comment period is open until September 27 and is offering stakeholders “an equal opportunity to submit comments about the proposed sports betting law.”
IGB administrator Marcus Fruchter said: “In order to make the process of rule creation as transparent and independent as possible, it is important that the public and various stakeholders have an equal opportunity to submit comments about the Sports Wagering Act.”
Illinois passed its betting bill in June, including a clause that would prohibit online-only operators from acquiring licenses until 18 months after local casinos, racetracks and major sporting venues.
Licenses will also cost $20m, with a maximum of three available via a competitive proves, and operators will be taxed 15% of gross gaming revenue (GGR).
A lot of uncertainty still remains around whether online-only operators will enter the market via market-access partnerships with licensed casinos or via marketing deals.
Public comments can be submitted via the email address igb.sportsrulecomments@igb.illinois.gov. Once the period closes, the board will publish the public comments on its website.
The IGB received an entirely new board in July led by attorney and partner at Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP Charles Schmadeke.
At an August meeting of the IGB, Fruchter said the law had no deadline for implementation, despite the state formerly saying it wanted to launch betting ahead of the upcoming NFL season or by the Super Bowl in February 2020.