Gambling | WGLT

Gambling

6 Months After Gaming Moratorium Ends, Some Bloomington Businesses Still Wait

By • Feb 29, 2020
JP's Wheel and Ale House
Eric Stock / WGLT

Video gambling has created a substantial cash windfall for thousands of businesses in Illinois since the state legalized the machines in 2009.

Video Gambling Tax Hike Will Be Decided By Lawmakers With Financial Ties To Industry

By Jason Grotto/ProPublica & Dan Mihalopoulos • May 28, 2019
Bill Brady
Jeff Smudde / WGLT

With the Illinois General Assembly poised to consider a tax hike on video gambling, some key lawmakers and their family members have developed previously undisclosed financial connections to the industry, meaning the fate of any proposal could lie in part on votes of legislators with a stake in the outcome.

Low Tax Rates 'Key' For Sports Betting Success In Illinois

By • May 16, 2019

One year after the U.S. Supreme Court allowed states outside of Nevada to set up their own sports betting rules, some experts are offering Illinois lawmakers tips as a final proposal is drafted. 

Town, City Take $1 Million In Video Gambling Revenue

By Mary Cullen • Apr 16, 2019
AP Photo/Mike Groll

Editor's note: This is the second of a two-part GLT series on how video gambling has played out in Central Illinois. From Monday: Gambling experts and a recovering addict discuss the social costs of gambling.

Recovering Addict Considers Social Impact Of Gambling Expansion

By Mary Cullen • Apr 15, 2019
AP Photo/Mike Groll

Editor's note: This is the first of a two-part GLT series on how video gambling has played out in Central Illinois. Coming Tuesday: A deeper look at the effects of video gambling on local government budgets.

Sports Leagues Want A Piece Of The Action In Legal Sports Betting Market

By • Mar 28, 2019

As Illinois considers legalizing sports betting, state and national sports leagues are asking for a share of the money. But not everyone is on board with the idea.

Normal Video Gambling Businesses Could Lose Liquor Licenses

By • Mar 22, 2019
Marie's Place
Google Maps

Two video gambling businesses in Normal could soon lose their liquor licenses for allegedly failing to provide legally required food service.

Illinois Lawmakers Set On Legalizing Sports Betting

By • Mar 21, 2019

Illinois Democrats are offering several options on how legal sports gambling could work in the state. 

Bloomington Video Gambling Moratorium Extended To Sept. 1

By • Feb 26, 2019
Kim Bray at a meeting
Ryan Denham / WGLT

Bloomington will keep its moratorium on video gambling until after state legislators have made key decisions about sports betting and marijuana.

Sports Betting In Illinois Faces Uncertain Future

By • Oct 19, 2018

Illinois lawmakers are trying to gauge whether legalizing sports betting could help the state earn some much-needed revenue.  Experts say the plan has long-term benefits, but only if it’s done right.