From this week's PPA update (
here):
Illinois: Take Action
Illinois has a real opportunity to become a hub for online poker in the Midwest.
In his State of the Budget speech, Governor Pat Quinn publicly outlined rigorous requirements for any gaming expansion in that state. He stated that proposals must have “proper ethical safeguards” in place before he would sign such legislation into law.
Governor Quinn rejected two earlier proposals, expressing concern that they did not include sufficient ethical safeguards and proper regulation. The casino gaming proposal now on the table appears to address his concerns as they relate to bricks and mortar casinos. Should this bill become law, it would authorize five new casinos and would also authorize real money online poker and online casino gaming websites, accessible to residents of the state.
However, the governor
expressed skepticism over the online poker and online casino gaming provision. “It’s a brand new idea and there hasn’t been much review on that at all. Anytime you have something brand new it shouldn’t just be thrown into a bill at the last minute.”
I encourage all Illinois poker supporters to phone Governor Quinn at (217)782-0244 and to email him (
click here) right away. Let’s tell him online poker is not a new concept and that, in fact, licensing this is long overdue!