With only 11 days left of the spring Legislative session, a massive gambling expansion bill was introduced to the Illinois General Assembly.
"HB 4087 is a massive expansion of sports gambling and the Lottery in every community statewide," says the Illinois Church
HB 4087 allows Sports Lottery terminals at Lottery retail outlets and in bars and restaurants where alcohol is poured and consumed, at video gambling establishments, and any retail food establishment.
While the 2019 legislation put a cap on 2,500 locations and limited the types of sports bets, HB 4087 eliminates these provisions, lowers taxes and fees, and is a losing proposition for the State.
Sports Lottery terminals would accept an electric card to place bets on a sporting event or buy Lottery tickets and accept bets conducted over the Internet or through mobile applications or other digital platforms.
People could purchase any type of Lottery ticket, including Scratch-Offs, as well as place bets on sports through the Sports Lottery terminal. Scratch-offs account for two-thirds of Lottery sales and generate the most revenue. The poor and/or addicted could lose all of their money in these machines conveniently located in gas stations, grocery stores, bars, and video gambling establishments.
HB 4087 allows any video gambling terminal operator and retail location to purchase or lease the Sports Lottery terminals. If the bill is passed, the Lottery sports wagering would be implemented on June 30, 2021, with betting terminals available within 90 days after becoming law. Read the bill
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