The Illinois House of Representatives has approved legislation that would permit sports betting on in-state college games, within limits and on a trial basis for two years. Bets would have to be placed at one of the nine casino sportsbooks, and no mobile wagers would be permitted. Bets could only be placed on the outcome of games, and filed before games begin.
If the Senate follows suit and Governor J.B. Pritzker signs the bill, it will become active immediately, reported the Illini Inquirer. It hasn’t stopped University of Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman and 12 of his counterparts from continuing to oppose the legislation.
“I don’t know why they’re trying to change this particular part of this law, which is only two years old to start with,” Whitman said last month at an annual media roundtable. “I think we as administrators in college athletics, we’re always looking out for what we believe are the best interests of the student-athletes. I think that this situation is clearly not in the best interests of student-athletes or any Illinois college student-athlete.”
Whitman is all in for sports betting on professional games because of improved engagement and revenue. But he thinks college athletes are too vulnerable. “They’re 18, 19, 20 years old,” he said. “They’re living on a college campus, they’re surrounded by people every day who may be betting on them.” Gambling could open the door for harassment on social media, some of which he called “abusive” and “vile.”
According to LegalSportsReport.com, in the first four months of 2021 Illinois brought in about $27 million in tax revenue on sports wagers, and could bring in $102 million a year. The state receives 15 percent of the revenues remaining after bets are paid off. And during the first six months of this year, the Illinois Gaming Board reports a handle of $13.6 million from in-person wagering on college sports, compared to $278.3 million in online bets.
“I just feel that’s my job, to look out for what’s in the best interest of our students. Usually what is in the best interest of our students and what’s in the best interest of our engagement are the same,” Whitman said.
