Illinois Gaming Board

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon's campaign accepted a $50,000 contribution from ARB Interactive, the parent company of Modo, an online casino group facing allegations of illegal gambling operations in Illinois and Arizona. The campaign later stated it would donate the same amount to local charities. The contribution occurred days before a legislative session on gambling regulation.

Kalshi, a prediction market platform, sued Illinois officials over a new state law imposing a 15% tax on sports-related wagers. The company argues the law violates the supremacy clause by conflicting with federal regulation of derivatives overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

Bally’s proposed installing slot machine lounges at O’Hare and Midway Airports to replace $6.8 million in projected revenue from newly legalized video gambling terminals in Chicago. The city’s 2026 budget assumed 80% of eligible establishments would apply for licenses, but delays in processing have created a revenue uncertainty. Ald. Anthony Beale highlighted concerns about sweepstakes machines operating illegally while advocating for airport slot machine revenue.

Chicago bars and restaurants in neighborhoods like Beverly, Lake View, and Mount Greenwood have received state approval for video gambling machines but require city approval to operate. Mayor Brandon Johnson seeks to block the machines, fearing competition with the upcoming Bally’s Chicago Casino, while a City Council decision last fall authorized their expansion despite his objections.

Mayor Brandon Johnson's allies defeated Ald. Anthony Beale's attempt to ban sweepstakes machines in Chicago, allowing approximately 7,000 such devices to remain operational. Beale argued the machines compete unfairly with video gambling terminals and avoid city revenue, while opponents, including Ald. Jason Ervin, claimed banning them would harm Black-owned businesses excluded from other legal gambling sectors.