Phil West, Author at PlayIllinois

Champagne glasses clink symbolizing Bally's Chicago's one millionth visitor

One Millionth Visitor Celebrated At Bally’s Chicago

Stellar revenue and attendance numbers gave the Medinah Temple casino more reasons to celebrate along with its millionth-visitor milestone.

Posted on: July 1, 2024 | | Phil West

Online casino graphic symbolizes how Illinois could take legalization cue from sports betting tax rate hike

Could Sports Betting Tax Hike Propel New Illinois Online Casino Talks?

Two bills to legalize online casinos in Illinois died in committee, but new tax rate hikes on sports betting could help revive them in 2025.

Posted on: June 24, 2024 | | Phil West

A woman looking at a series of obstacles, signifying the path facing Bally's Chicago.

As Bally’s Prepares For Chicago Casino Construction, What Obstacles Remain?

Bally's Chicago casino site is being readied for construction, but concerns have been raised about the project's funding and location.

Posted on: June 21, 2024 | | Phil West

A person adding a seal of approval signifies Illinois granting licenses to seven IL sports betting licensees

Seven Sportsbooks Have Licenses Renewed But Brace For A Ban On In-State College Betting

Illinois sportsbook operators including DraftKings and FanDuel obtain license renewals but face a looming ban on college sports betting.

Posted on: June 18, 2024 | | Phil West

New York, Illinois, and New Jersey, ranked first, second and third for April sports betting revenue

April Sports Betting Remains Strong With $1.1B Handle

Illinois Sports betting continued its brisk pace in April, as bettors wagered $1.1 Billion during. Good for second in the nation.

Posted on: June 12, 2024 | | Phil West

Balance sheet and stacks of coins signify strong month of May for Illinois casino revenue

Illinois Casinos Up 5% In May And Nearly 18% In Year-Over-Year Gains

It was another solid month for casino revenue generation in Illinois. May brought in the second-highest total in 2024 so far.

Posted on: June 9, 2024 | | Phil West

Five thumbs down votes signify Evanston City Council voting down VGTs in restaurants

Evanston Rejects Proposal to Allow Gambling Machines in Restaurants

A proposal rejected by the Evanston City Council would have allowed video gaming terminals to be placed in as many as nine restaurants.

Posted on: June 4, 2024 | | Phil West

IL state legislature, which passed a state budget increasing the sports betting tax rate.

Illinois General Assembly Approves Budget With Graduated Sports Betting Tax Rate Hike

Though it differs from Gov. J.B. Pritzker's sports betting tax rate hike, the IL Gen. Assembly has increased the sports betting tax rate.

Posted on: May 29, 2024 | | Phil West

Skee Ball machines, which Dan Didech's amendment would block Dave and Busters from allowing wagering on.

Bill Targeting Dave & Buster’s Awaits Illinois House Vote

As the end of the Illinois legislative session draws near, a bill against Dave & Buster's plan to allow betting awaits a House vote.

Posted on: May 23, 2024 | | Phil West

Ballys Chicago investing in responsible gambling

Bally’s Chicago Doubles Down On High Standards For Responsible Gaming And Diversity

Bally's Chicago is promoting responsible gaming and diversity as part of a campaign after its parent company received RG accreditation.

Posted on: May 16, 2024 | | Phil West

Phil West

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Posts by Phil West:

One Millionth Visitor Celebrated At Bally’s Chicago

Could Sports Betting Tax Hike Propel New Illinois Online Casino Talks?

As Bally’s Prepares For Chicago Casino Construction, What Obstacles Remain?

Seven Sportsbooks Have Licenses Renewed But Brace For A Ban On In-State College Betting

April Sports Betting Remains Strong With $1.1B Handle

Illinois Casinos Up 5% In May And Nearly 18% In Year-Over-Year Gains

Evanston Rejects Proposal to Allow Gambling Machines in Restaurants

Illinois General Assembly Approves Budget With Graduated Sports Betting Tax Rate Hike

Bill Targeting Dave & Buster’s Awaits Illinois House Vote

Bally’s Chicago Doubles Down On High Standards For Responsible Gaming And Diversity

Bally’s Chicago Construction Schedule In Jeopardy Due to Unapproved Contractor

Illinois Senate Bill Would Allow State Lottery To Regulate Courier Services

Bally’s Changes Terms for Investment in Chicago Resort to Address Lawsuit

Harrah’s Metropolis Casino Forced to Close Due to Ohio River Floodwaters

East Dundee Considers Limitations On Video Gaming Terminals