Illinois Should Not Legalize Internet Gambling (Pocket Casinos)

If gambling expansion were a magical solution, the explosion of gambling in Illinois should have solved most of our state’s financial troubles by now. Consider:

In 1974, the Illinois Lottery was established with the goal of funding K-12 public education. In 1990, the Riverboat Gambling Act legalized ten casino licenses throughout the state.

In 1990, The Riverboat Gambling Act legalized casino gambling on riverboats, a significant expansion that led to the establishment of multiple casinos.

In 2009, another massive gambling expansion was passed, allowing video slot machines in neighborhood bars, restaurants, fraternal organizations, veterans groups and truck stops. This resulted in 18,000 slot machines at more than 4,700 locations, which is the equivalent of adding 15 new casinos. Twice as many locations for legalized gambling as Nevada.

In 2012, Illinois legalized the purchase of online lottery tickets and instant win games.

IN 2019, a major gambling expansion bill, signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker on June 28, authorized six new casinos (including a mega-casino in Chicago), legalized sports betting statewide, and expanded gaming at racetracks. Sports betting began on March 9, 2020, with Rivers Casino in Des Plaines taking the first legal wager.

In 2021, Illinois reversed its ban on wagering on in-state college teams, allowing bets on local sports teams.

In 2024, Illinois became the second state in the nation to legalize sports betting (which can be done on your phone).

IN 2025, will Illinois legalize pocket casinos?

How much money have Illinois residents lost to Big Gambling and the State of Illinois over the past several decades?