SR0114 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0114 LRB102 15920 MST 21289 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, COVID-19 created unprecedented circumstances that changed the lives of all Illinoisans; and

WHEREAS, Changes in consumer behavior are likely to continue after the virus has run its course; and

WHEREAS, The COVID-19 pandemic made many Illinoisans wary of leaving their homes for nonessential activities and forced many casinos to close their doors for the safety of their patrons and employees; and

WHEREAS, Internet gaming is partially immune to pandemics due to the remote nature of this type of gaming; and

WHEREAS, States with legal and available internet gaming, such as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, were able to generate revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic; and

WHEREAS, Nationwide, in the few states that offer it, internet gaming earned approximately $402.7 million in gross gaming revenue during the second quarter of 2020, a more productive quarter than national sports betting operations have had to date, according to the American Gaming Association; and

WHEREAS, An internet gaming law in Illinois that permits online table games, slots, and poker with consumer safeguards, a privilege tax on the adjusted gross gaming revenue wagered on internet gaming platforms, and licensing fees has the potential to increase revenue to the State during the COVID-19 pandemic; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that on or before May 1, 2021 the Illinois Gaming Board is urged to deliver a report to the Illinois Senate that includes, at a minimum, detailed estimates of the revenue that could have been generated through a privilege tax if Illinois had implemented internet gaming beginning February 28, 2020; and be it further

RESOLVED, The report should include, at a minimum, estimates of revenue that could be generated with a privilege tax imposed on the adjusted gross gaming revenue wagered on internet gaming platforms at the following rates:

(a) 12%;

(b) 15%;

(c) 16%;

(d) 15% of the adjusted gross revenue up to and including $25 million and 20% of the adjusted gross revenue in excess of $25 million; and

(e) Any other rate the Illinois Gaming Board deems appropriate to consider; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be delivered to the Illinois Gaming Board.