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For the 2026 congressional term, Illinois House Congressman Edgar Gonzalez Jr. has proposed a bill to authorize online casino gambling.
A measure that had remained unfinished during the last legislative term revived with the filing of the House Bill 4797 on February 2, 2026.
Returns of the Internet Gaming Act Unaltered
The Internet Gaming Act and statewide regulation of online casino gaming would be established under HB 4797.
Digital slots, live games, poker, and table game operations are examples of the items that are permitted.
Only operators regulated and controlled by the Illinois Gaming Board would be able to offer these services and online gaming options to the consumers.
The plan would still forbid offshore or unlicensed platforms under the act.
Market Restrictions and Licensing Structure
The measure restricts the number of trademarked online casino skins that each licensee for online gambling may have to three.
There are now about 17 license holders for racetracks and casinos in Illinois.
The structure might support up to 51 authorized online casino businesses if it is fully utilized.
The proposals’ licensing costs are the same as they were in the previous versions:
The initial cost of an internet gaming license would be $250,000, and renewal fees would be $100,000.
For licensing, network monitoring services might have to spend $100,000.
A $75,000 licensing charge will be imposed on the gambling vendors.
Allocation for Tax Rate and Revenue
A 25% privileged fee on modified total revenue from gambling is put in place by HB 4797.
The State Gaming Fund will receive all tax revenue.
It would be quite illegal for local municipalities to impose any additional tax on online casinos.
Advocates suggest that the tax system strikes a balance between operator stability and revenue gathering.
User Safety and Fair Gaming
Several guidelines for responsible gaming will be in the plan for operators with licenses.
Platforms will have to confirm the age, identity, and location of the users.
Participants would have to be at least of a legal age – 21 years old.
Operators must provide spend limits, deposit caps, and self-limitation mechanisms.
Each time a user enters the platform, a message about responsible gambling will appear.
Why Earlier Attempts Were Unsuccessful
Through the 2025 legislative term, the identical idea was on hold.
The Committee reviewed the bill but never brought it to the final vote.
Labor organizations, commercial casinos, and the video gaming terminal all voiced objections.
Online casinos, as per their critics, will eat into retail sales and jobs.
On the other hand, we have approximately 8,700 locations for gaming terminals in Illinois, totalling 50,000 of them.
This industry continues to dominate the gaming market in the state.
Prospects for the 2026 Term
Rather than guaranteeing growth, the renewed measure indicates commitment.
Advocates maintain that unlicensed or offshore platforms are costing the state money.
The collapse of the market and its effects on the workers continue to worry the rivals.
The Bill’s fate depends on whether lawmakers are willing to challenge long-standing industry opposition.
Source: LegiScan
