HB 4885

Abstract

Amends the Riverboat Gambling Act. Provides that the Board may issue one additional owners license subject to a competitive bidding process pursuant to a minimum bid of $60,000,000 that authorizes the conduct of gambling in a municipality with a population of less than 50,000; however, the licensee must not conduct gambling pursuant to this license within 50 miles from a licensed riverboat in operation on the effective date of the amendatory Act. Provides that, in granting the new owners license, the Illinois Gaming Board must give favorable consideration to economically depressed areas of the State, to applicants presenting plans that provide for significant economic development over a large geographic area, and to applicants who currently operate non-gambling riverboats in Illinois (for other licenses, the Board may give favorable consideration to these things). Effective immediately.