Written by :
Published on :
-
Wrigley Field, Soldier Field and other sports venues would offer sports betting under current legislation
-
Bill includes a controversial "integrity fee"
-
Bill only has a few days left to pass
-
Legislature struggling to accommodate special interests
 *Up to $2000 welcome bonus *Highest betting limits on the Web *Best in-play betting all NBA, NHL Playoffs games *In business since 1986 LEARN MORE HERE |
A bill to legalize sports betting in Illinois would allow those attending Cubs games to place bets right at Wrigley Field.
And it's not just there.
Soldier Field, Guaranteed Rate Field and other stadiums would allow betting.
Rep. Michael Zalewski, a Riverside Democrat, is behind the Illinois sports betting bill that is likely to have an uphill battle due to the inclusion of a controversial "integrity fee" whereby the leagues get a cut of the money coming in addition to the taxes imposed.
Under the proposal, betting sites can be set up within five blocks of the sports venues providing teams playing give permission to do so.
This plan was an amendment added without a legislative hearing.
The odds of passage?
Virtual zero.
Illinois's legislative period for 2019 ends May 31.
From the Capitol News:
As Illinois lawmakers are still struggling to accommodate the various interests -- including casinos, race tracks, online operators, professional leagues and more -- Zalewski did not give a definite timeline for when a final bill might emerge for a vote on the House floor.
"I'd say I'd like a vote as soon as we can get enough support," he said.
Zalewski mentioned that the leagues are in favor of allowing sports wagering at their facilities.
- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com
