Illinois Lawmakers Approve Online Gambling
Illinois legislators voted this week to permit online gambling and betting by state residents. The state House approved a bill which had already advanced through the Senate allowing wagering on horse races at online sites.The House voted 87-27 to pass the measure, just days after video gambling machines were legalized throughout the state. A bill seeking to expand casino gambling was voted down.
State legislators were uncertain as to how the UIGEA ban might affect the online gambling action in Illinois. Other states allowing Internet gambling, such as New Hampshire and North Dakota who use the Internet to sell lottery tickets, have found the payment block to inadvertently include programs it should exempt.
The new system will allow the establishment of online accounts. Wagers could be placed from home computers, and winnings and losses dded and deducted from the balance, just like barred online casinos.
Supporters of the bill say it will raise $1.5 million in revenue and help the horse racing industry by increasing interest and participation.
