Illinois Internet Poker Bill Dead for Now

A measure to legalize Internet poker in the state of Illinois has died this past week.

PokerFuse.com reports that the piece of legislation, sponsored by State Senate President John Cullerton (D), was quietly shelved on Tuesday following after failing to receive the required third reading.

While HB 4148 has enjoyed wide support, the bill’s proponents “would like to spend more time working with constituents and the interests involved to make sure the bill is done right,” according to Rikeesha Phelon, press secretary for Cullerton. 

Illinois is one of nearly a dozen states vying to enter the multi-billion dollar online poker sector either individually or as part of a future multiple state compact utilizing a similar model to that of the lottery system’s Powerball.

- Aaron Goldstein, Gambling911.com