On Sunday, June 2, 2019, the General Assembly passed Senate Bill 690, an 816-page measure that could make Illinois the gambling capital of the Midwest.
Among many other actions, the legislation legalizes sports gambling; sanctions six new casinos, including one in Chicago; increases the number of video gambling machines as well as the maximum bet; and transforms horse racing tracks into “racinos” by permitting casino operations at the state’s three existing tracks while allowing two more to open. The main purpose of the bill is to fund Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s $45 billion building program, called Rebuild Illinois.
How many people — including the lawmakers who voted on it — have actually read the bill? Who knows.
So, we’re offering this handy annotated version. It’s a work in progress, so stay tuned for updates. And if you want to contribute, reach out to gambling@propublica.org.
