There are two important gaming bills in Springfield now, the expanded gaming bill that includes
slots at the racetracks, SB1849, and a newly proposed internet gaming bill, HB4148.
The slots-at-tracks bill, SB1849, passed with a strong 69 votes last week in the Illinois House
and is likely to be called in the Senate next week on Wednesday or Thursday. Last Fall, this
same Bill failed to pass the House getting only 58 of the required 60 votes for passage. 71 votes
represents a veto-proof majority in the House and leaders believe that they would have
those votes if it should become necessary to override a veto by the Governor.
We expect the Senate to support SB1849 even stronger, with a vote of at least 36 which would
represent a veto-proof majority in that chamber. The ITHA is very optimistic that Governor
Quinn will sign into law a bill that includes slots at the tracks by the end of this year.
On a disturbing note, a new internet gaming bill, HB4148, has been filed which allows casinos,
tracks and ADW providers to conduct internet gaming but gives nothing to horsemen's purses.
Intenet gaming will likely dwarf live casino revenues in the future and horsemen must be a part
of any such legislation.
The ITHA continues to monitor these and similar bills closely and we will advise the membership
regarding the progress of any internet gaming bill in Illinois.
Mike Campbell, President Glen Berman, Executive Director
