Illinois legislators are making another attempt to legalize online casinos, marking the third push in just five years. This time, they have an influential ally—Gov. JB Pritzker, who recently signaled his support as the state grapples with a growing budget deficit. But with previous efforts failing to gain traction, will 2025 be any different?
Familiar Faces, Same Fight
The latest bills introduced in the Illinois House and Senate are spearheaded by Rep. Edgar González, Jr. and Sen. Cristina Castro. If their names sound familiar, it’s because they’ve been leading the charge on this issue since 2021.
Despite their persistence, prior efforts to bring online casinos to Illinois have fizzled out. The state’s two-year legislative sessions mean these proposals have been in play for years without much progress. Now, lawmakers are hoping shifting economic circumstances will change that.
The Roadblocks Haven’t Disappeared
Even with Pritzker’s endorsement, the hurdles that stopped previous bills haven’t gone away. Opposition from brick-and-mortar casinos remains strong, as they fear losing customers to online platforms. Some lawmakers are also wary of expanding gambling, citing concerns about addiction and regulatory oversight.
But Illinois’ financial landscape has changed. The state is facing mounting fiscal pressures, and supporters of the bill argue that legalizing online casinos could provide a much-needed revenue boost.
• Revenue Potential – Neighboring states like Michigan and Pennsylvania have raked in hundreds of millions in tax revenue from online casinos. Illinois could follow suit.
• Existing Online Gambling – Illinois already allows online sports betting. Adding casino games would be a logical next step.
• Consumer Demand – Many Illinois residents are already playing online—just on unregulated sites. Legalization would bring oversight and consumer protections.
Could 2025 Be Different?
One major difference this time is Gov. Pritzker’s backing. His public support could push hesitant lawmakers to reconsider. In his recent budget address, Pritzker pointed to online casinos as a potential solution to help close Illinois’ deficit. That’s a significant shift from previous years when the governor remained largely neutral.
Lawmakers may also feel pressure to act as other states continue cashing in on online gambling. With Illinois already allowing online sports betting, the infrastructure is in place—making expansion to casino games easier than ever.
Where the Money Could Go
If Illinois successfully legalizes online casinos, the financial impact could be substantial. Based on projections from other states, Illinois could generate between $200 million and $300 million annually in tax revenue. The table below breaks down how other states with legal online casinos have performed:
| State | Year Legalized | 2024 Online Casino Revenue | Tax Revenue Generated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 2021 | $1.9 billion | $340 million |
| Pennsylvania | 2019 | $1.8 billion | $450 million |
| New Jersey | 2013 | $1.9 billion | $285 million |
If Illinois follows a similar trajectory, those funds could be directed toward critical state programs, including education and infrastructure improvements.
What Happens Next?
The bills will now go through committee hearings, where lawmakers will debate specifics such as licensing fees, tax rates, and responsible gambling measures. While Pritzker’s support is a boost, passage is far from guaranteed.
The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Illinois finally joins the growing list of states embracing online casinos—or if this latest attempt meets the same fate as the last two.
