Illinois Governor, J.B Pritzker, signed a monumental plan in Springfield on Friday, June 28, 2019. A portion of the $45 billion budget will go toward sprucing up the gambling scene in the state including the long-awaited sports betting regulations and even a new casino for Chicago.

Gov. Pritzker refers to the plan as “the most comprehensive reconstruction effort in this state’s history”. He went on to say, “Together we passed the largest, most robust capital plan in this state’s history. We’re investing $45 billion over 6 years to fix what’s broken and repair what’s needed.”

$45B Budget Breakdown

  • Transportation Project: $33.2B
  • State Facilities: $4.3B
  • Education: $3.5B
  • Environmental Projects: $1.2B

“This isn’t just an infrastructure plan. It’s a jobs plan, for job creation across our state, the likes of which we haven’t seen in Illinois for a very long time. … This really is about increasing economic growth in this state, giving people more economic opportunity,” said the Governor.

Casino Planned for Chicago and Several Statewide Destinations:

Chicago will break ground on a brand-new casino, which is expected to generate tons of income for the state as well as increase job opportunities. Profits are set to be divvied up three ways among the city (to go toward fire and police pensions), state and the casino owner.

A further five casinos are planned to pop up across the state in areas such as Danville, Rockford, Waukegan, Williamson County and the Cook County suburbs.

A Sports Betting Facility Outside Wrigley?

The city is buzzing at the possibility of the Chicago Cubs opening a betting facility just outside Wrigley Field. There have not been any official comments made regarding the plan, however, sources have leaked the exciting news.

The MLB rules do not allow sportsbooks within stadium walls and the NBA follows similar guidelines. Earlier this month, Illinois proposed SB 690, related to the legalization of sports betting in the state. In light of Pritzker’s recent signature, the leagues will likely cash in on this sports betting opportunity.

“We will work with our clubs to explore the opportunities presented by the rapidly evolving sports betting landscape in a socially responsible manner,” an MLB spokesperson revealed to ESPN in a statement.

Bill SB 690

This an excerpt from the bill. Read it in its entirety here.

“Article 25. Sports Wagering Act”

“Section 25-1. Short title. This Article may be cited as the Sports Wagering Act. References in this Article to “this Act” mean this Article.”

“Section 25-5. Legislative findings. The General Assembly recognizes the promotion of public safety is an important consideration for sports leagues, teams, players, and fans at large. All persons who present sporting contests are encouraged to take reasonable measures to ensure the safety and security of all involved or attending sporting contests. Persons who present sporting contests are encouraged to establish codes of conduct that forbid all persons associated with the sporting contest from engaging in violent behavior and to hire, train, and equip safety and security personnel to enforce those codes of conduct. Persons who present sporting contests are further encouraged to provide public notice of those codes of conduct.”