Add the State of Illinois to a growing ledger of U.S. States considering the prospects of legalizing online gambling to one extent or another. With just over two weeks before a scheduled adjournment at the end of May, and amidst debate over Medicaid and pension reforms, Chicago Democrat and Illinois Senate President, John Cullerton, has introduced legislation to create a Division of Internet Gaming within the Illinois State Lottery. Not going so far to introduce legislation to regulate online casinos, per say, Cullerton said his goal is to make Illinois nimble enough to adjust to the reality of online gambling and position itself to capture the widest audience possible before federal regulation is implemented.
Cullerton, like several other State politicians, believes there is great value in being one of the first State’s to regulate online gambling. First, Cullerton believes that the sooner Illinois establishes itself in the iGaming industry, the more advantage it will have for long-term success and making a stake at what could be hundreds of millions of dollars. As first reported by CBS News, in his letter to Governor Pat Quinn and other legislators, Cullerton said, “The state could organize the first major poker pool, garner worldwide popularity, and position itself as a hub for multi-state and international iGaming”.
Secondly, Cullerton believes that it is imperative to pass regulations before the federal government takes the lead. Currently, there is legislation pending in the U.S. Senate that, if passed, could preclude State’s from reaping financial benefits if motions are not already underway if and when a federal law to regulate online gambling is passed.
While Cullerton has support from some of his colleagues, like Illinois Senate Gaming Committee Chairman, Terry Link – who cited Cullerton’s legsilation as having “unlimited potential” that would not cut into business – others, like Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno, have expressed caution rushing into a vote on Cullerton’s proposal. Nor does Governor Quinn appear too keen on the idea of expanding gambling – in any form, at that. Having already expressed opposition to a proposal that would expand casino gambling and permit racetracks to offer slot machines, Governor Quinn’s office openly stated they will not take a position on Cullerton’s proposal so as not to distract from more pressing issues – namely, health care and public employee pensions.
Despite Cullerton’s pressing, his proposal will very likely have to wait until the Senate commences once again. Whether or not this “delay” will put Illinois at a disadvantage in the long-term remains to be seen. In the meantime, Cullerton can rest assured that the Illinois State Lottery is liking this whole internet thing. Since March of this year, when online lottery sales went live in Illinois for the first time, the State has brought in almost $2 million in online sales alone.

The government of Ireland is working on legislation to tax online gambling bets placed in the Emerald Isle. It is an attempt to recoup revenue that is currently going overseas. Michael Noonan, the Minister for Finance, says that work is ongoing on the legislation, but is hopeful that something will be completed this year.
Soon Iowa residents will be able to bet on horse racing online for the first time. On Thursday, the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission is expected to approve new
The trade group for Australia’s national internet industry told the government that internet service providers (ISPs) should not be charged with policing online gambling. The Internet Industry Association (IIA) submitted a report to parliament recommending that the regulation and restriction be done at the point of access.
We probably write about Donald Trump way too often here on OCS, but he is very talented at inserting himself into the news. Lately he has made it known that he wants to invest in the online gambling industry. As we reported earlier, Trump Entertainment is taking part in a joint venture to create an online gambling site with the Trump name to take advantage of regulation when it happens. That puts him at odds with some, though.
On Tuesday, the Massachusetts House Ways and Means Committee voted unanimously to close the rest of the gambling bill negotiations to the public. The most contentious issues of bills are often handled by committee and the Massachusetts legislature has made it a common practice to close those talks to the public.
The tea leaves seem to say that federal online gambling regulation is coming soon to the United States. There is the fact that it is a way of cutting into the national debt without raising taxes. There is the fact that the House of Representatives has held a hearing on the impact of regulation. And now we have a lot of rich entrepreneurs looking to get into the action.
As the U.S. federal government desperately searches for ways to trim the national deficit, reduce spending, and increase revenue, online gambling has become a hot topic. Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives