Gambling is set to expand in Illinois after Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a bill that approved a capital plan worth $45 billion.
On Friday, Pritzker passed legislation that authorized the state’s biggest capital plan ever, aiming at improving and repairing Illinois’ infrastructure.
To finance the $45-billion endeavor, the Governor enforced a law that would expand gaming in the state. According to the bill, six more casinos will be built in Illinois, namely in Danville, Chicago, Williamson County, Waukegan, Rockford, and Cook County.
The Chicago gambling venue will be allowed to put gambling machines at Midway and O’Hare airports.
Also, the legislation plans the addition of a racino, which is a combination of a casino and horse racing, in Cook County. The venue will provide table games, sports betting, and slot machines.
The measure legalizes betting for professional sports as well, making it available at casinos, racing tracks, and sports facilities. The gambling operators would need to apply for a sports wagering license first, costing $10 million. If the Illinois Gaming Board approves it, then gaming venues will be able to start laying odds.
Illinois is the 8th state to remove a ban on sports betting after the Supreme Court’s ruling delivered in May 2018.