We have Illinois gambling news and stories from Nevada! The state of Illinois made a surprise move when their senate passed an online gambling and fantasy sports bill! And Nevada Electronic Sports (eSports) betting will be legal and regulated starting July 1st!

Illinois bettors plunked down more than $305 million on sports contests during September, which was just the third full month the industry has been live in the state.

That easily tops the Hoosier handle of about $208 million in September and $231 million in October. The Illinois Gaming Board released the September report on Friday, but it has yet to release October figures.

Illinois’ other new neighboring markets drew bets totaling just $82 million in Iowa and $46 million in Michigan through October.

Industry analysts who have long salivated over the potential of a sport-crazed state such as Illinois estimate it could eventually rival Nevada with annual handles projected to top $5 billion within a few years.

Find more Illinois gambling news at the Chicago Sun Times.