summary
Introduced
02/06/2026
02/06/2026
In Committee
02/13/2026
02/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975. Provides that, in addition to the appropriation for payment into the thoroughbred and standardbred horse racing purse accounts at Illinois pari-mutuel tracks, a one-time appropriation shall be made for the 3-year period before the effective date of the amendatory Act for which appropriations were not made. Makes conforming changes. Makes changes to provisions concerning the calculation of organization licensees' annual contributions to non-profit organizations that provide medical and family, counseling, and similar services to persons who reside or work on the backstretch of Illinois racetracks. Provides that for the 10-year (rather than 5-year) period beginning on the January 1 of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year during which an organization licensee begins conducting gaming operations, the organization licensee shall make capital expenditures to the improvement and maintenance of the backstretch. Amends the Illinois Gambling Act. Requires a person or entity having operating control of a racetrack to pay an initial fee of $17,500 (rather than $30,000) per gaming position from organization gaming licensees where gaming is conducted in Cook County. Provides that a person or entity having operating control of a racetrack located in Cook County shall only pay the initial fees for 720 of the gaming positions authorized under the license. Provides that the required reconciliation payments for an organization gaming licensee who operates gaming positions may be made in installments over a period of no more than 12 (rather than 6) years.
AI Summary
This bill makes several changes to Illinois's horse racing and gambling laws. It includes a one-time appropriation to cover purse accounts at pari-mutuel tracks for a three-year period where funds were not previously allocated. The bill also extends the required period for organization licensees (entities that hold licenses to conduct racing and gaming) to make capital expenditures for backstretch improvements and maintenance from five to ten years, starting from when they begin gaming operations. Additionally, it modifies the initial fees that entities controlling racetracks must pay per gaming position (a slot machine or similar gambling device) where gaming is conducted in Cook County, reducing it from $30,000 to $17,500, and caps the number of gaming positions for which this fee is paid at 720 for Cook County racetracks. Finally, it allows organization gaming licensees to pay their required reconciliation payments, which are calculated based on gaming revenue and purse contributions, over a longer period of up to 12 years, instead of the previous six years.
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Referred to Rules Committee (on 02/13/2026)
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