SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Legalized betting on in-state college sports teams could soon become a reality under a measure passed Thursday by lawmakers in Springfield.
The Illinois House and Senate have approved a measure allowing wagers on in-state college teams, but bets would have to be placed at casinos. Betting on in-state teams would still not be allowed online, which is where the bulk of Illinois sports wagers is made.
Under the bill, now being sent to the Governor’s desk, bets on in-state teams would also be limited to the outcomes of games. Bets would not be allowed on individual performances. And if the Governor signs the measure into law, state legislators would have to renew it in two years if it’s to continue being allowed.
Universities and colleges have been against any kind of betting on college sports, even before Illinois allowed sports betting two years ago. They said it would put too much pressure on athletes who live in dorms with students whose bets are riding on the athletes’ performances.
Officials said Illinois gamblers have plunked down $947 million in college sports bets on non-Illinois teams in the last year and a half.
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The bill heading to Pritzker’s desk includes several other key gaming provisions:
• Wintrust Arena would be allowed to open a sportsbook.
• Illinois residents would be able to sign up for sports betting accounts from their phones or computers beginning March 5, instead of doing so in person at a casino as required under the 2019 law.
• Local governments would not be able to impose additional taxes on video gaming terminals.
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