In Illinois, a state legislator is reportedly planning to insert language into a proposed sportsbetting legalization measure that could eventually lead to the licensing of up to six additional casinos including one for the metropolis of Chicago.

Piggyback success:

According to a Monday report from the Chicago Sun-Times newspaper, Robert Rita, from the Illinois House of Representatives is hopeful that the widespread support for bringing legalized sportsbetting to ‘The Land of Lincoln’ amongst his fellow legislators will help his attached proposal to gain the required approval.

Income incentive:

The newspaper reported that the lawmaker believes his measure will also engender support because it could lead to the Midwestern state earning up to $350 million in additional tax revenues every year. This cash would be a key component in financing a $41.5 billion construction scheme that Illinois Governor, Jay Pritzker, wants to sign into law by the end of the General Assembly’s spring session on Friday.

Rita reportedly told the Chicago Sun-Times…

“Sportsbetting is a component that everybody is looking for. The existing casinos are looking for sportsbetting. It’s the common denominator that could bring it all together.”

Chicago casino:

The newspaper reported that Illinois is currently home to ten riverboat casinos but the passage of the measure from 49-year-old Rita could eventually see this portfolio expanded via the licensing of similar floating facilities for Lake County, which lies just to the north of Chicago, and the southern jurisdiction of Williamson County. The Democrat’s proposal could moreover purportedly lead to the opening of a land-based casino in Chicago as well as riverboat counterparts in the communities of Danville, Rockford and the southern suburbs of the state’s largest city.

Additional encouragement:

Rita has yet to write his plan into a legislative proposal but that it moreover intends to feature language that would legalize sweepstakes wagering and permit existing casinos and horseracing facilities in the state to bring in additional gambling positions.