Illinois lawmaker reintroduces bill to legalise online casinos
House Bill 4797 has been referred to the Illinois General Assembly.
US.- Representative Edgar Gonzalez Jr. is making another attempt to regulate online casino gaming in Illinois. House Bill 4797 proposes an Internet Gaming Act to legalise online poker, slots, table games and live dealer games immediately on being signed into law. The bill has been referred to the Illinois General Assembly.
Under the proposed framework, the Illinois Gaming Control Board would regulate the sector. Operators would pay $250,000 for an initial licence, with renewals at $100,000, plus $100,000 for management service providers and $75,000 for suppliers. They would be able to offer up to three skins.
Online casinos would be taxed at 25 per cent of adjusted gross revenue, and all tax revenue would be deposited into the State Gaming Fund.
The bill would allow for up to 51 online casino businesses in a state that currently has gaming at licensed racetracks and casinos in Illinois. The bill includes several measures on gambling-harm-related issues. Operators would have check that players are 21 or older and located in Illinois or another approved area. Platforms must offer a statewide self-exclusion option, limits on deposits and spending and security for accounts.
Gonzalez Jr’s last attempts failed. He introduced HB 2239 in 2025 and HB 3080 last year.
