WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 3731

Relating to reporting by institutions of higher education; and declaring an emergency.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Sara Gelser Blouin and 4 co-sponsors

The bill authorizes a new standardbred license for a Cook County racetrack and grants the licensee broad rights, including inter-track wagering, up to 1,200 gaming positions, and i

Chapter 358, (2025 Laws): Effective date June 20, 2025.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 3731

Summary — HB 3731 (Chapter 358, 2025 Laws)

Relating to reporting by institutions of higher education; and declaring an emergency.
(Note: bill text actually amends the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975, §19.5)

Main purpose / intent

HB 3731 amends Section 19.5 of the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975 to authorize an additional organization license limited to standardbred racing for a racetrack located in specified Cook County townships, and to set conditions and processes for issuance of that license. The bill clarifies application review timing, licensee rights, and establishes a geographic limitation on issuing the new license absent consent from nearby racetracks.

Key provisions

  • Amends 230 ILCS 5/19.5 (Standardbred racetrack in Cook County).
  • Authorizes issuance of an additional organization license limited to standardbred racing for a racetrack located in one of these Cook County townships: Bloom, Bremen, Calumet, Orland, Rich, Thornton, or Worth.
  • Geographic restriction: before the amendatory Act’s effective date, the additional organization license shall not be issued within a 35-mile radius of another organization license that existed on the effective date — unless the person having operating control of the existing racetrack provides written consent to the applicant. That consent must be filed with the Illinois Racing Board at or before the time the application is submitted.
  • Application review: the Illinois Racing Board must examine the application within 21 days for conformity with the Act and Board rules. The Board may reject noncompliant applications, request corrected submissions within a reasonable time, or grant a compliant application at any Board meeting.
  • Rights conferred to the new licensee: equivalent current and future rights of existing Illinois racetracks, including:
    • ability to obtain an inter-track wagering license and inter-track wagering location licenses,
    • eligibility for an organization gaming license under the Illinois Gambling Act with up to 1,200 gaming positions,
    • ability to offer Internet wagering on horse racing.

Who is affected

  • Prospective standardbred racetrack operators in the listed Cook County townships.
  • Existing racetracks within a 35-mile radius (their written consent can block issuance).
  • Illinois Racing Board (application review and licensing duties).
  • The horse-racing and gaming industries, local governments, and wagering markets (potential expansion of gaming positions and internet wagering).

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Introduced by Rep. Robert “Bob” Rita (chief co-sponsor Rep. Anthony DeLuca).
  • Passed both chambers and signed by the Governor. Chaptered as Chapter 358, 2025 Laws.
  • Effective date: June 20, 2025 (act takes effect upon becoming law).

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

Sign in to ask a question.