CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- One Chicago alderman is pushing to permit sports wagering at the city’s major stadiums: Wrigley Field, Guaranteed Rate Field, Soldier Field, United Center and Wintrust Arena, as well as the eventual city-based casino.
Sports betting has been available online through betting apps and at casinos statewide since last summer, but Chicago has not let allowed physical sports books to set up shop.
Now, 27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett wants to see the city move forward and introduced the ordinance at Wednesday’s City Council meeting to make that happen.
Under his proposal, the city wouldn’t get direct revenue, but it would allow the city to get licensing fees paid by gaming operators: $50,000 for the initial year and $25,000 per year after that; and a portion of gaming revenue would go to the state to fund infrastructure projects.
According to Crain's Chicago, in-person sports wagering operations have to be limited to a single location, either inside the sports facility or in a permanent building within a five-block radius of the stadium. Additionally, the city would limit the number of betting kiosks at stadiums and bars during certain hours. Wagering would also be limited to those 21 and up. Violations of the ordinance could carry a fine of up to $10,000.
The ordinance is likely to come up for consideration in September.
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