Illinois sports betting becomes a reality after their governor signed a massive gambling expansion bill which he called “the most comprehensive reconstruction effort in this state’s history”.

The legislation opens the door to video gambling machines at larger truck stops, to slot machines at O’Hare and Midway airports, and introduces legal sports wagering to Illinois. Casinos and horse racing tracks will be able to offer slot machines and other games of chance, and can apply for the $10 million sports betting licenses.

However, online sports betting giants will be stuck in the “penalty box” for the first 18 months, effectively giving the casinos a head start on the tech companies that have been taking bets online in the state over the objections of former Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan. Instead, the fantasy sports sites can partner with a casino, a race track or a sports venue. After 18 months, the sites would be able to run independently online, should they get one of the $20 million online licenses the state is offering.

Customers wanting to bet will have to physically enter a casino sports book to register to play and to place deposits. They then would be able to follow the action on the apps. You can read more about Illinois sports betting at the Chicago Sun Times.