Illinois could soon be home to college sports betting if a new proposal is adopted.
State Rep. Mike Zalewski (D-Riverside) recently filed legislation that would allow the state to expand sports gambling to include collegiate sports.
In the two years since it became legal, sports betting in Illinois has already racked up $1,87 billion in business, at least $20 million of which has gone to the state.
“Illinois betters would want to bet on Illinois,” Zalewski said. “Northwestern football, Illinois football in the fall would be another chance for robust growth.”
The bill currently sits in committee, and Zalewski said he believes it will easily become law and immediately take effect if it can ever make it to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk.
While the bill currently does not have a Senate companion, lawmakers say they are working with schools like the University of Illinois as they move forward with the bill.
