Illinois Casinos Start Tier 2 Mitigations Again

Illinois Casinos Start Tier 2 Mitigations Again

Revenues for casinos in Illinois dried up in 2020 because of shutdown orders from Governor J.B. Pritzker. However, now the casinos are going back to Tier 2 mitigations.

Tier 1 could also be possible soon

Three regions in Illinois have started returning to their Tier 2 mitigations after pausing for 2 months. A new order from Gov. Pritzker means that businesses like casinos, gyms, and museums can resume operations from January 16.

Illinois Casinos Start Tier 2 Mitigations Again

Region 1 includes Northern Illinois; Region 2 includes North-Central Illinois and Region 5 includes Southern Illinois. Businesses in these three regions will be able to get their operations back to normal and list Tier 3 requirements. In tier 2 restrictions, businesses cannot offer indoor services for restaurants and bars and will have limited opening hours. They have to close down at 11 pm and reopen no sooner than 6 am the next morning. No tables are allowed to have more than six tables seated at a time.

All gaming establishments like casinos must shut down by 11 pm. They will be limited to 25% capacity only and follow all mitigation rules applicable to restaurants and bars.

Pritzker said,

“We must remain vigilant if we are to maintain our progress. Honestly, that’s going to be up to each and every one of us to keep our schools open and see an economic recovery that restores jobs and businesses. We’ve got to wear a mask limiting interactions with people outside our households and get vaccinated when it’s our turn.”

Illinois working on sports betting bill

State Representative Mike Zalewski filed new legislation on January 9 that will legalize sports betting for collegiate events in the state. The bill will amend the Sports Wagering Act that will allow legal sports betting in the state. The bill needs to be re-filed in order to be passed under a tight deadline before NCAA’s gaming season begins.

About Adam Green

Adam Green is an iGaming industry written that has been covering industry regulation and events for the past 11 years. He has written for a number of other publications including iGaming Insider, IGB Magazine and Gambling 911.