|
Senate Bill 521, originally filed by Sen. Antonio Munoz,
D-Chicago, passed through the House and is currently awaiting
concurrence from the Senate. The bill would amend previous laws
and allow for Illinoisans to gamble on in-state schools but with
restrictions.
The restrictions on in-state college gambling include only being
able to bet on team performances and not on any player
performances. The bill also would require Illinoisans who wish
to bet on an in-state school to do so in a licensed Illinois
facility, Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Robert Rita, D-Blue Island,
said.
"It allows for betting on teams and not individual performances
and you have to make those bets at a brick and mortar facility
and not online over the internet."
The prohibition of gambling on Illinois state colleges came into
the spotlight in March when the University of Illinois faced off
against Loyola Chicago in college basketball's March Madness
tournament.
While many in the state watched the game, they were not allowed
to bet on the game. Rep. Tim Butler, R-Springfield, who has been
against the idea of gambling on in-state colleges, said he
believes SB521 would be a "step forward."
"I have not been a fan of betting on Illinois college teams, but
I do believe this is a half step forward, but I do believe this
is a happy medium only being able to bet in person on team
performance," he said.
SB521 was placed on order of concurrence by the House. If it
gets approved by the Senate, the bill will go to the Governor's
desk for signature.
|
|
