The temporary suspension on gambling at land-based casinos in Indiana has been extended.
The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) has announced that the temporary suspension on land-based gambling venues in the state will be extended to April 30 due to health concerns over the coronavirus pandemic.
The state’s casinos and video gaming venues were initially set to be closed until the end of March, but now, these venues will not be permitted to reopen until the end of April at the earliest.
What did the regulator say?
The state regulator said it will continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates to stakeholders and licence holders as new information becomes available.
In the announcement, the regulator said: “The health and safety of patrons, gaming industry employees, Gaming Board staff, and all others in Illinois is the Gaming Board’s top priority.
“The Gaming Board is monitoring developments regarding COVID-19 and will continue to make decisions based on science, public health guidance, and applicable law and rules. We will also continue to update licensees and other stakeholders as new information becomes available.”
The impact of coronavirus on the US gambling sector
The coronavirus pandemic is also responsible for the temporary closure of all commercial casinos and almost all tribal casinos across the country. The pandemic is also responsible for the postponement of several major sporting events, which is proving troublesome for sportsbook operators across the globe.
The American Gaming Association (AGA) called for support from the federal government after predicting that the shutdown of the gambling sector over the next two months could cost the US economy $43.5bn.
Last week, the US Senate passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was applauded by the AGA. The bill would allow for a $2tn stimulus package to provide support for people, businesses and states that have been affected by the pandemic.
