Gambling legalization in the United States is an interesting, fascinating process. If only because it is not a question of whether or not gambling should be legalized nationwide. Each state deals separately with its own legislation and makes its own decision.
However, on the U.S. map, more and more states are "lighting up" and allowing gambling and sports betting. A new light bulb appeared this week, namely Illinois.
Since there are 51 states in all, that's less than 1/3 so far. But if the trend continues, it is quite possible that the remaining states will get more involved.
Interesting fact: Contrary to the widespread belief that slot machines are addictive, there are studies that prove the benefits of playing the machines. This is not only a great anti-stress, but also the prevention of some diseases. Moreover, by playing games your brain will stay flexible and young longer, because even playing regular slots players apply different logical schemes. We, recommend to try to play lucky-joker-slot.com and evaluate its benefits. You can play for free in the demo, but much more interesting to play for money and break a nice jackpot. Evaluate the performance of the device: RTP to 97%, which means that the chances of winning is undoubtedly high.
Under the law, which has already been signed into law by Governor Jay Pritzker, Illinois citizens and visitors will be allowed to bet on sports both at betting shops and online. In addition, six new casinos will open across the state. Including one in Chicago, a city of more than 2.7 million people.
However, for the gambling companies, it's not so easy. To start working, they'll have to start by getting a license, and it's not cheap: $ 20 million, plus annual renewal costs $ 1 million.
In addition, it is planned that in several international airports in Illinois will open a room with slot machines.
That's not to say that all bookmakers turned out to be happy about the new law. Many of them, who work mainly through the Internet, are frankly dissatisfied. The reason is that the Law contains an important clause and it says that those bookmakers who work only through the Internet will not be able to accept bets before 18 months after the enactment of the Law.
Bookmakers working in this way worry that until this deadline passes, the entire online segment will already be occupied by their competitors who have a land-based presence.
And some experts are worried about how online bookmakers, not to lose time, will not start operating illegally.
However, if we consider that before such activities were prohibited in the state, even such a law should be considered a significant step forward.
The director general of the American Gaming Association, Bill Miller, praised the fact that Illinois has positively addressed the issue of legal gambling. However, he noted that it is very important to take care of consumer protection.
"Illinois became the seventeenth U.S. jurisdiction to legalize sports betting, thereby joining a growing number of states that have enacted related laws after the Supreme Court ruled PASPA unconstitutional last year. As the state implements its sports betting system, it is critical that Illinois sports teams and other newcomers to the gaming business follow the lead of the state's licensed gaming operators in promoting responsible gaming practices to ensure consumer protection, betting and the integrity of the game," Miller said.
So why did Illinois decide to pass this law, and why now? The main reason is on the surface, and it's very simple. In a nutshell: no money.
Illinois, alas, has one of the lowest economic ratings compared to other states. This includes the region's investment appeal. Authorities are counting on the fact that allowing gambling in the state will attract new investors and money.
To date, there's even a program called "Restore Illinois," which suggests that gambling revenues will be used to build bridges, roads, social facilities, and pensions. The problems that have accumulated are many, and funding is severely lacking. This may be what is forcing the state's leadership to reconsider its position on certain issues.
Especially on such issues that involve a lot of money. And there is no doubt that gambling is one of them.
In addition, there is already a certain "competition" between the states, and it is very understandable. Everyone wants to attract wealthy investors, including in cryptocurrency industry, but there aren't enough of them for everyone. Especially considering the fact that new states, where gambling is finally allowed, keep popping up. Not so long ago Iowa joined the list, where you can start a betting business not in 1.5 years, but this summer.