Illinois is Already at Phase 2 of Sports Betting and Finally Releases More Rules

It has been over a year since the Supreme Court of the United States has stricken the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act or PASPA of 1992 down in May 2018. Because of this, each state can decide on legalizing and regulating sports betting. Since then, many states have already made a move to legalize local sports betting.

Currently, there are already 19 states that have signed the legislation of sports betting. Each state has different laws regarding this and currently, not all 19 states have already launched betting. This includes the state of Illinois.

Illinois’ Governor Jay Robert “JB” Pritzker signed the gambling expansion bill in June of last year. This bill allows Illinois to have six new casinos, 20 sportsbooks and thousands of new gaming positions that include slot machines and seats at table games like blackjack and poker.

Even before the Supreme Court made a decision about PASPA. Americans have always been placing their bets offshore. This was made easier because of online betting. Many American punters would flock online bookies to wager on sports like football, basketball, and cricket.

Of course, there are risks that Americans face when placing bets offshore but these risks can be lessened by choosing the right online bookie. BetEnemy is a good website to check for the reviews of the top online bookies worldwide. This site also lets the players know which bookies offer the best odds.

Now, the people of Illinois are still mostly placing their bets outside the state. While this is still fine for many local punters, the state is still losing revenues from taking its time to launch betting. Illinois has been a bit slow when it comes to doing this and some already expressed their impatience about it.

Since June of last year, it took until December for the state to release more details on how sports betting will be regulated locally. It was also in December when they finally accepted applications from local operators.

However, only existing casino operators can apply for a license for now. Sports bookies that had no affiliation in Illinois before the bill was passed will have to wait for 18 months after the launch of local betting before they could apply for a license. This is how the state wants to protect local casinos in terms of gaining revenue.

Now, there are no details released just yet as to which operators have applied for a license since December. The state also didn’t want to share details just yet as to when the applications will be approved.

What has only been released after the acceptance of applications in December were more rules as to how betting will be regulated within the state.

So far, what we know is that the operators are required to have voluntary limit-setting control for their customers. This should cover the type of wager placed, the frequency of the activity, the ability to put a spending cap or limit and to allow the customers to completely exclude themselves from gambling.

The release of the new rules also confirms that wagering on minor leagues or collegiate teams based in Illinois is banned. This includes parlay bets and fantasy sports betting.

The operators can also submit written requests to the Gaming Board to seek permission for offering odds on events.

The Gaming Board administrator Marcus Fruchter talked about how things are getting more in order for the state. He also said, “We look forward to working with our industry partners to ensure that sports wagering in Illinois operate with high integrity in a manner that is compliant, accountable, profitable, and fun.”

He explained that once the applications are submitted, vetted, and approved, the operators can then receive a temporary permit. They can then start accepting wagers as soon as they are ready.

He also added, “The Gaming Board is committed to the establishment of an ethical, transparent, successful, and efficient sports wagering regulatory structure and the phase 2 rules are an important additional step in the establishment of that structure.”

While phase 2 is already released by the Gaming Commission, there is still no exact date as to when betting will finally launch in the state. Many are hoping that it would be launched before February ends, but knowing how Illinois is taking its time, it may still take a while.

What’s sure is that sports betting will definitely launch this year in Illinois. Based on research, the state could earn as much as 250 million US dollars of revenue each year when it finally launches.