Sports Betting Legalized in Northwest Indiana Casinos

A completely new opportunity for Chicago gamblers has just been unveiled. A Wednesday opening of Horseshoe Casino in Hammond is going to bring extra tax revenues and jobs for residents, but it will also raise apparent critiques.

From now on, Chicago gamblers can stay home instead of traveling to Las Vegas or other known gambling destinations for betting purposes. The official ribbon-cutting occurred this past Wednesday during the Bears-Packers game.

Dan Nita from Ceasars Entertainment said:

“We purposely got the sportsbook open 24 hours before the marquee game of the NFL season”.

Background

Caesars Entertainment represents a parent company of Hammond Horseshoe Casino. The brand-new venue allows gamblers to place wagers on 19 games including NFL, National Basketball Association, boxing, cricket, and pro golf.

Tom McDermott, Mayor of Hammond, put the first bet of $100 that the Bears will make it to the Super Bowl. He is satisfied with the opportunity to offer new jobs and revenues to the community.

Matt Forte, a former Chicago Bear, helped Hammond organize the celebration of sports betting legalization. He said:

“I’m not a gambling man myself. I usually only bet on myself because I know me the best”.

About State Gambling

It is estimated that US illegal sports betting market amounts to $150 billion per year. With the opening of the Hammond venue, some of the legal revenues will flow to Indiana and experts estimate that it will include several millions of dollars. The state now has 12 casino venues and 3 off-track betting places where betting could begin very soon.

Anti-Betting Supporters:

Meanwhile, a new gambling venue comes across critics of anti-gambling activists. Anita Bedell commented:

“The younger people, they don’t like slot machines but they do like sports. Young men who do not go to casinos they will be attracted because of the sports element.”

Indiana is just one of the US states which decided to approve sports betting activities. The same is expected from Iowa and Illinois. The Illinois Gaming Commission is working on a draft plan which will be available to the public for 30-day comment.

Another problem with the recently established Chicago venue is tax structure. Mayor Lori Lightfoot has already mentioned that the Chicago casino is not sustainable under harsh tax arrangement. Problems are still waiting for solution and legislators should make the next step.

Source:

“Sports Betting now available at Northwest Indiana casino after legalization“, Julian Crews, wgntv.com, September 4, 2019.