Chicago could soon get its first downtown casino under new Illinois bill
A new bill could bring a casino to downtown Chicago while expanding gambling across Illinois. State Senator Terry Link introduced Senate Bill 0007 to allow land-based casinos and slot machines at horse racetracks. Supporters claim it would boost tourism, investment, and state revenue by hundreds of millions each year. Last week, the Senate Gaming Committee held a hearing on overhauling Illinois’ riverboat gambling laws. Chaired by Senator Steve Stadelman, the session explored the benefits of moving casinos onto land. Currently, the state only permits riverboat venues and pari-mutuel betting at racetracks.
Link’s proposal would change that by authorising up to six land-based casinos. It would also let the state’s five horse racetracks install slot machines. The bill does not yet set licence fees for casinos or the cost for racetracks to add slots.
If approved, the measure could bring in an extra $120 million to $200 million in one-time licensing fees. Annual tax revenue might then rise by another $100 million to $300 million. Danville Mayor Scott Eisenhauer backs the plan, hoping it will revive his town’s economy.
An earlier bipartisan gambling bill failed this month. The Senate will reconvene on February 7, when Link’s proposal could face a vote. The bill’s passage would allow Chicago to develop a downtown casino for the first time. It would also mark a major shift in Illinois’ gambling laws, moving operations from riverboats to permanent venues. The state’s next legislative session will determine whether the plan moves forward.
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