From State Rep. Joe Sosnowski:
Rep. Sosnowski files bill to strengthen Illinois gaming industry
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Representative Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) has filed new legislation to strengthen Illinois’ gaming industry and sustain its long-term success by allowing the three most underperforming casinos to relocate to a new community with the ability to support the jobs and economic activity the industry provides.
“The gaming industry supports almost 30,000 jobs in Illinois and nearly $2 Billion in tax revenue that fund vital state and local services,” Rep. Sosnowski said.
“We must have the adaptability in state law to allow a struggling casino to relocate to another market within the state where they have a better prospect for success rather than continue to languish with no remedy. My proposal would ensure the ability of every Illinois casino to thrive.”
Under the provisions of Rep. Sosnowski’s legislation, the adjusted gross receipts of all Illinois casinos would be reviewed by the Illinois Gaming Board for the prior 12-month period to identify the most underperforming.
Potential host communities would be granted an opportunity to submit a proposal to the Illinois Gaming Board for authorization to host an Illinois casino license.
The municipality or county that loses a casino would receive a share of receipts equal to two times what they are currently paid, in recognition of how integral gaming revenue is to a local government’s ability to provide critical services to residents.
Illinois is home to 17 casinos, approximately 9,000 licensed video gaming locations, and 14 active, approved sportsbooks.
Regulated casino gambling, video gaming, and sports wagering generated more than $1.76 billion in tax revenue for the state and local communities in calendar year 2024.
According to the American Gaming Association, Illinois’ gaming industry supports approximately 28,562 jobs across the state.
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- Lowest Fairmount Park in Collinsville
- Next lowest Argosy Casino in Alton
- 3rd lowest Harrah’s in Metropolis
- 4th worst casino is Walker’s Bluff in Carterville
