Illinois changes gambling tax and fee structure
Lawmakers pass amendment to gambling law ahead of a new casino being built in Chicago.
US.- Illinois lawmakers have approved changes to the state’s tax structure for a new casino in Chicago after its previous measures were considered unprofitable.
The alterations, which form part of the restructuring of the $40billion state budget, were voted through the House 68-44 and the Senate 37-19.
A report from late last year estimated that the state’s high tax and fee structure would make the new Chicago casino ‘not financially feasible’.
The new plans also extent the deadline for casino applicants to pay their license fees.
Democratic Rep. Bob Rita said: “The idea is to make this work for Chicago, so that we could fund a vertical capital [bill], put people to work.
“Not only for Chicago but for everywhere in the entire state of Illinois. This is good for everyone for jobs and development — having a Chicago casino be real.”
Illinois’ casinos remain closed due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
