The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) has adopted new advertising and marketing rules aimed at regulating sports wagering, casino, and video gaming promotions statewide. This move is part of the board’s efforts to reassess existing rules and measure the effectiveness of gaming expansion implementation, according to IGB Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter.
“The new rules adopted today will provide uniform advertising regulation and standards across all Illinois’ gaming markets under IGB jurisdiction,” Fruchter said during the board’s Thursday meeting.
The revised regulations introduce additional safeguards and extend existing marketing rules to casino and video gaming for the first time. Fruchter also noted the significance of September as National Responsible Gambling Education Month, stressing the board’s commitment to raising awareness about responsible gaming and preventing problem gambling.
To support responsible gaming, the IGB collaborates with local operators, government agencies, and addiction specialists to minimize gambling-related harm and ensure help is available for those in need. Fruchter encouraged those facing gambling issues to utilize the Illinois Department of Human Services’ support services, which are accessible through the helpline and self-exclusion program.
Board also renews licenses
The IGB also approved a series of regulatory decisions, including the renewal of Rivers Casino’s four-year license and Hawthorne Race Course’s master sports wagering license. These renewals came through unanimous 4-0 votes, extending Rivers Casino’s license through August 2028 and Hawthorne’s license through September of the same year.
Rivers Casino, located near Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, remains the top revenue-generating casino in Illinois. In the first eight months of 2024, it reported $346.2 million in winnings, contributing $103.9 million in state and local taxes. Rivers Casino has also invested in infrastructure, completing a $115 million expansion in 2022 and a $6 million renovation for a VIP lounge and restaurant.
Meanwhile, Hawthorne Race Course was among the first venues to offer retail sports betting in the Land of Lincoln. The venue opened its sportsbook in 2020 through PointsBet, which was acquired by Fanatics for $225 million in 2023. The transition to Fanatics-branded retail and mobile betting platforms occurred earlier this year.
In addition to the casino license renewals, the IGB approved a four-year Management Services Provider license for Rush Street Interactive, which operates the BetRivers mobile sportsbook in partnership with Rivers Casino.
Rivers Casino General Manager Corey Wise, during his presentation to the board, praised the venue’s performance over the last four years, noting that the casino generated $568 million in state and local taxes during that period. Rivers also leads the state in table games revenue, with blackjack, poker, craps, and roulette winnings accounting for nearly half of the state’s overall table games revenue.
Des Plaines Mayor Andrew Goczkowski also lauded Rivers Casino’s contribution to the local economy, noting that taxes generated by the casino have helped reduce the village’s debt from $102 million in 2005 to $6.8 million, with plans to eliminate the debt entirely by 2028.
The IGB will hold its next regular meeting on October 24, 2024. Information on future meetings and additional regulatory updates can be found on the IGB website.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/noticias/2024/09/16/78905-illinois-gambling-regulator-implements-new-advertising-rules-renews-casino-and-betting-licenses
