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SB 3232

GAMING-SPORTS WAGERING LICENSE

104th Regular Session Introduced by Bill Cunningham

Illinois would streamline online sports wagering with a master license path, imposing a $250k application fee, $15M initial fee, 4-year terms, and priority for diverse, local devel

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Bill Summary · SB 3232

Summary of SB3232 (104th General Assembly) – Illinois

Proposed changes to: Sports Wagering Act (230 ILCS 45 / Sections 25-10 and 25-45)

Author: Sen. Bill Cunningham

Status: Introduced February 2, 2026. Referred to committees; ongoing rulemaking/debates as of filing. Effective date: immediate if enacted.

Purpose and overall intent
- The bill makes substantial changes to the framework for master sports wagering licenses in Illinois, shifting the emphasis toward online/mobile sports wagering operators and adjusting licensing fees, processes, and eligibility requirements.
- It aims to streamline the online licensing pathway, reduce certain eligibility constraints, and strengthen diversity outreach and opportunities in the emerging sports wagering market.

Key provisions and changes

1) Fees for master sports wagering licenses (online/mobile)
- Application fee: $250,000 (nonrefundable)
- Initial license fee: $15,000,000 (nonrefundable)
- License term: 4 years
- Renewal: $1,000,000 renewal fee every 4 years

2) Licensing structure and scope
- The Board may issue master sports wagering licenses to online sports wagering operators to conduct wagering over the Internet or via mobile apps.
- The bill references a 3-license framework for online operators under the master license construct, with the competitive selection process governing award decisions.

3) Eligibility and qualifications
- The bill narrows or eliminates some prior provisions related to eligibility (the text notes the removal of certain eligibility requirements for a master license, as well as duties of disclosure and outreach obligations previously imposed on the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Illinois Gaming Board).
- Establishes core eligibility criteria for applicants (age 21+, no disqualifying felony convictions or crimes involving dishonesty/moral turpitude, demonstrated necessary skill/knowledge, and compliance with Board rules). The Board may adopt additional qualifications to preserve integrity and security.

4) Applicant process and disclosure
- The Board will conduct open, public presentation of qualified applications, with names disclosed and proposals summarized on the Board’s website.
- Timeframes:
- Application window for initial competitive selections: within 540 days after the first license is issued.
- Board must announce winning bidders within 630 days after the first license is issued (extendable at the Board’s discretion).
- Upon license issuance, the information and plans in the application become binding conditions of the license.

5) Preferences and social/economic considerations
- The Board may give favorable consideration to applicants proposing economic development and community engagement plans.
- The Board may favor applicants demonstrating commitment to diversity in the workplace and, to the extent allowed, diversity in ownership (minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, disabled-owned businesses) in line with state programs.
- The bill emphasizes outreach and collaboration with minority/women/veteran/disabled-owned businesses for contracting and entrepreneurial opportunities in sports wagering.

6) Outreach and workforce development
- The Board, in collaboration with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Department of Labor, and other state agencies, must conduct ongoing outreach to minority/women/veteran/disabled-owned businesses.
- The aim is to target training and employment opportunities in the sports wagering industry and connect job seekers with opportunities.

7) Study and remedial measures
- A study was already referenced (as of prior law) to assess online sports wagering industry impacts and potential remedial measures (e.g., Business Enterprise Program participation). The bill reiterates mechanisms to study and, if necessary, adopt remedial rules to address minority/women participation.

8) Effective date
- The act takes effect immediately upon becoming law, if enacted.

Who/what would be affected

  • Online sports wagering operators seeking a master license to offer wagering over the Internet or via mobile apps in Illinois.
  • The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) and related state agencies (Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity; Department of Labor; Department of Financial and Professional Regulation) due to newly codified duties around outreach, diversity, and regulatory oversight.
  • Minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, and persons with disabilities–owned businesses, and other diverse business groups benefiting from targeted outreach and contracting opportunities.
  • Consumers could see a broader online wagering market with a fixed initial cost barrier ($15 million license fee) and ongoing renewal costs.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • Competitive bidding window: 540 days after first license issuance.
  • Public bid announcements: within 630 days after first license issuance.
  • Renewal every 4 years at $1,000,000.
  • Licensees must comply with all conditions in their application; material changes must be disclosed.
  • Board may adjust rules and criteria over time to preserve integrity and security of the market.

Notes

  • The bill emphasizes a strong online licensing pathway with a significant upfront investment and ongoing renewal costs.
  • It consolidates focus on regulatory transparency and inclusion goals, while preserving Board discretion to set additional qualifications and requirements.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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