BIG NEWS! Illinois Passes Gaming Bill HB 3136

As background, gaming negotiations between the House and the Senate have been acrimonious this year.  The House passed an omnibus gaming bill in May (SB 521) with very little (if any) input from the Senate. The Senate refused to concur in the bill without making some changes. The House and Senate have been attempting to negotiate those changes over the last week.

John Pappas and Chris Nybo had several positive conversations with legislators and staff, including Senate President Pro Tempore Bill Cunningham. Prior to the passage of the bill, Chris spoke with Sen. Cunningham about why the supplier language was not included.

Sen. Cunningham told us that the House was adamant that there be only two changes to SB 521 – the definitive date for remote registration and allowing more municipalities to maintain “push taxes” they’ve imposed on VGT’s (such taxes will no longer be allowed under the bill). Cunningham explained that because of the House’s demands, no other changes (including our supplier fee language) were included. Cunningham suggested that we file the supplier language as a stand-alone bill when the legislature reconvenes in January; he indicated that he might be willing to sponsor; and he thinks our prospects for passage are good.