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IllinoisHB2947104th General Assembly (2025–2026)HouseWALLET

GAMING-OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE

Sponsored By: Robert "Bob" Rita (Democratic)

Became Law

gamingassignmentsexecutive

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 2 mixed.

Board can deny or pull licenses

The Gaming Board can refuse your license if you are unqualified, lie or hide facts, had sanctions elsewhere, have risky ties, or for other just cause. The Board can also suspend, revoke, or limit a current license for breaking the Act or rules, for conduct that would have disqualified you, or for unpaid debts to the State. Knowingly making a false statement on an application is a Class A misdemeanor.

Tougher checks and one-client limit for gaming managers

Firms that seek to manage gambling operations must pass background checks and meet requirements like owners do. A management firm may manage operations for only one licensed owner.

Rules to qualify for gaming jobs

To work in patron gaming jobs, you must be 21. You cannot have a felony or Article 28 conviction for those roles. Crimes of dishonesty or moral turpitude also bar you, unless the only conviction was over 10 years ago and you have no later convictions. The Board reviews your record, including time since, number and severity of crimes, facts, your age then, and proof of rehabilitation. You must also show the skill or knowledge needed to operate gambling at a casino, riverboat, or organization gaming facility.

College training deals for licensees

Licensed owners and organization gaming licensees can sign written agreements with community colleges or approved private schools to train workers. Training under an agreement can happen at the gambling facility or at the school.

Fees, fingerprints, and one-year licenses

When you apply, you pay a nonrefundable application fee and an annual license fee set by the Board. You must submit two sets of fingerprints and pay the State Police fee; this does not apply to the non-gaming badge. Your application must list prior gambling licenses, any other state licenses under another name (with that name and your age), and any suspensions or revocations with dates. Each occupational license lasts one year from issuance; you must renew under Board rules.

Simpler badges for non-gaming workers

If you are hired only for non-gaming work, you do not need a full license. The Board issues a non-gaming badge after you apply and pay a nonrefundable yearly fee. You must be at least 18 years old for these roles. The Board may take away a badge under Section 9 and its rules, and badge holders must follow Board rules.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Robert "Bob" Rita

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Cristina Castro

    Democratic • Senate

  • Natalie A. Manley

    Democratic • House

  • Thaddeus Jones

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 343 • No: 0

House vote • 5/31/2025

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 House Concurs

Yes: 114 • No: 0

House vote • 5/29/2025

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Motion to Concur Recommends Be Adopted Gaming Committee;

Yes: 16 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/21/2025

Third Reading - Passed;

Yes: 57 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/8/2025

Do Pass as Amended Executive;

Yes: 10 • No: 0

House vote • 4/10/2025

Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed

Yes: 114 • No: 0

House vote • 3/19/2025

House Floor Amendment No. 1 Recommends Be Adopted Gaming Committee;

Yes: 17 • No: 0

House vote • 3/12/2025

Do Pass / Short Debate Gaming Committee;

Yes: 15 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0255

    8/15/2025House

  2. Effective Date August 15, 2025

    8/15/2025House

  3. Governor Approved

    8/15/2025House

  4. Sent to the Governor

    6/24/2025House

  5. Passed Both Houses

    5/31/2025House

  6. House Concurs

    5/31/2025House

  7. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 House Concurs 114-000-000

    5/31/2025House

  8. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Motion to Concur Recommends Be Adopted Gaming Committee; 016-000-000

    5/29/2025House

  9. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Motion to Concur Rules Referred to Gaming Committee

    5/28/2025House

  10. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Motion to Concur Referred to Rules Committee

    5/21/2025House

  11. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Motion Filed Concur Rep. Robert "Bob" Rita

    5/21/2025House

  12. Placed on Calendar Order of Concurrence Senate Amendment(s) 1

    5/21/2025House

  13. Arrived in House

    5/21/2025House

  14. Third Reading - Passed; 057-000-000

    5/21/2025Senate

  15. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Thaddeus Jones

    5/15/2025House

  16. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading May 15, 2025

    5/14/2025Senate

  17. Second Reading

    5/14/2025Senate

  18. Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading May 13, 2025

    5/8/2025Senate

  19. Do Pass as Amended Executive; 010-000-000

    5/8/2025Senate

  20. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Adopted

    5/7/2025Senate

  21. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Assignments Refers to Executive

    5/6/2025Senate

  22. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Assignments

    4/29/2025Senate

  23. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Secretary by Sen. Cristina Castro

    4/29/2025Senate

  24. Assigned to Executive

    4/29/2025Senate

  25. Referred to Assignments

    4/14/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Engrossed

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    PDF

  • House Amendment 1

    PDF

  • Introduced

    PDF

  • Senate Amendment 1

    PDF

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