Sangamon Sun

State Representative Joe Sosnowski has introduced new legislation aimed at enhancing the gaming industry in Illinois. The proposal allows for the relocation of the state's three least successful casinos to areas that can better support them, potentially boosting job creation and economic activity.

"The gaming industry supports almost 30,000 jobs in Illinois and nearly $2 Billion in tax revenue that fund vital state and local services," said Rep. Sosnowski. "We must have the adaptability in state law to allow a struggling casino to relocate to another market within the state where they have a better prospect for success rather than continue to languish with no remedy. My proposal would ensure the ability of every Illinois casino to thrive."

The bill outlines that the Illinois Gaming Board will review casinos' adjusted gross receipts over a 12-month period to identify those underperforming. Communities interested in hosting these casinos can submit proposals for consideration by the board. If a casino relocates, its original community would receive double their current share of receipts as compensation for lost revenue, acknowledging how crucial this income is for local services.

Currently, Illinois hosts 17 casinos along with approximately 9,000 licensed video gaming locations and 14 sportsbooks. In 2024 alone, these operations contributed over $1.76 billion in tax revenue to both state and local governments. The American Gaming Association reports that around 28,562 jobs are supported by this industry across Illinois.