ADW will be illegal in Illinois effective Jan. 1

[Al Gobbi]

Advance-deposit wagering will be illegal in Illinois effective Jan. 1, 2013, because the General Assembly has failed to renew enabling legislation, the Illinois Racing Board ruled Dec. 18.

The IRB had expected the legislature to extend the law during its recently concluded veto session. It did not. Lacking legal authority to conduct ADW after the end of the year, the board rejected applications from the existing licensees.

Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/75104/adw-illegal-in-illinois-effective-jan-1#ixzz2FRnsSKIG

[Delta Cone]

Advance-deposit wagering will be illegal in Illinois effective Jan. 1, 2013, because the General Assembly has failed to renew enabling legislation, the Illinois Racing Board ruled Dec. 18.

The IRB had expected the legislature to extend the law during its recently concluded veto session. It did not. Lacking legal authority to conduct ADW after the end of the year, the board rejected applications from the existing licensees.

Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/75104/adw-illegal-in-illinois-effective-jan-1#ixzz2FRnsSKIG

What a shocker! :rolleyes: The state of Illinois is an embarrassment.

[Steve 'StatMan']

I'm dispointed with IL Government again as usual. But what would be even worse is if they actuall enforced this during the unapproved time. Several ADW's offered wagering to IL residents several years before IL legalized ADW's. However, now that those companies likely want to stay in the state's good graces, I don't know right now what they plan to do.

From my perspective at least, I can help believe that the IL State Goverment has to be one of the worst organizations for companies to do business with. Certainly for the gambling industries at least.

[thaskalos]

One cannot find a worse state to live in. :ThmbDown:

I can't wait for my son to go to college...so I can get as far away from this place as I can possibly get.

[Vinnie]

Massachusetts has to be right up there on the one of the worst in the U.S. list I would imagine.

[Robert Goren]

Texas wisdom has found its way to Illinois.;)

[Helles]

One cannot find a worse state to live in. :ThmbDown:

I can't wait for my son to go to college...so I can get as far away from this place as I can possibly get.


Gus, you're welcome here in Colorado. I know you don't necessarily need to go to the track, so having Arapahoe as our only track won't be a deal breaker!

Just leave Hanover where he is please.

[andicap]

So if you live in Illinois, will it be illegal to bet through Twinspires.com as of Jan. 1??

[thaskalos]

So if you live in Illinois, will it be illegal to bet through Twinspires.com as of Jan. 1??

Yes.

[lamboguy]

Gus, you're welcome here in Colorado. I know you don't necessarily need to go to the track, so having Arapahoe as our only track won't be a deal breaker!

Just leave Hanover where he is please.
please, don't make fun of my favorite track

[ronsmac]

One cannot find a worse state to live in. :ThmbDown:

I can't wait for my son to go to college...so I can get as far away from this place as I can possibly get.
Believe me maryland and new jersey can't be better. They'll tax a tax and find a fee for everything.

[jdhanover]

Gus, you're welcome here in Colorado. I know you don't necessarily need to go to the track, so having Arapahoe as our only track won't be a deal breaker!

Just leave Hanover where he is please.

Funny...soooooooooo funny

Not a lot of 'good' states nowadays from a gov't perspective.

BTW - sounds like that at worst this 'ban' will be for Jan 1-3. Could be longer but I wouldnt be surprised if they fix this somehow before jan 1. Costs IL tax money that it desperately needs.

[mannyberrios]

Funny...soooooooooo funny

Not a lot of 'good' states nowadays from a gov't perspective.

BTW - sounds like that at worst this 'ban' will be for Jan 1-3. Could be longer but I wouldnt be surprised if they fix this somehow before jan 1. Costs IL tax money that it desperately needs.
Hope your right

[Valuist]

Texas wisdom has found its way to Illinois.;)

We Illinoisians can only wish that.

[olddaddy]

Are the ADWs going to contact their customers or just cut them off?

[Racetrackrick]

please, don't make fun of my favorite track


Arapahoe may not be much, but for those of us who know the history of the place, it's a miracle it's open at all after sitting empty for 8 years. Purses have increased some over the past few years, so things could be worse!

It's still a fun meet to attend. Just wish they would add a few live race days.

[jdhanover]

Are the ADWs going to contact their customers or just cut them off?

No word. It is possible we will get such a notice tomorrow. Or, also possible, is that the ADWs worked out something to grant them a reprieve for the few days until the legislature is back in session. Cant see the state passing on any penny of possible revenue if it can be avoided

[johnhannibalsmith]

...

It's still a fun meet to attend. Just wish they would add a few live race days.

Colorado might be the best "little" racing area I've ever been to. It's amazing the crowds that they can regularly draw running a couple of tragic Arab races, a couple good QH races, a couple boring CO-BRED races, and then one or two races that look as though they were actually carded with the intent of trying to get someone to bet on them.

If someone actually tried to run an actual racing program there, there's no telling how successful they could be. As it is, they do almost everything wrong as far as the core product and people still show up to bet their two dollars. The location is good, the facility is awkward but still pleasant, the backside is actually nice for what it is, and the track is generally pretty darn good.

Add a few racing people that have ever seen racing outside of Colorado and Nebraska, someone that writes races that people will actually bet on and fill with full gates every time instead of pet project giveaways, preferably someone that can assemble a card in a meaningful sequence to facilitate wagering revenue, then maybe a wagering menu that resembles the 20th century, maybe actually send the signal to a few places outside of Havana Park and the other in-state OTBs so the pools would no longer tip over sideways when you bet $20 to win at one minute to post...

...the full list is several paragraphs longer, so I'll quit there...

Okay - I was trying to be positive and I still am and don't want to divert the thread from Illinois ADW - but man, a guy could do more with MiHiRacing than just apparently tanking the product in the hopes that mediocrity will improve the chances of slot welfare. It really, truly is a bit of a diamond in the rough that should be, in my opinion, so much more than what it is considering how well they inexplicably do as it is.

COPOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Helles]

Back in the 80s Arapahoe and Mile High Kennel Club were always packed to the gills. After limited-stakes gambling in the mountain towns was introduced, it cost dog racing and horse racing.

As you pointed out, Arapahoe was closed for years and ALL five dog tracks have closed. Arapahoe runs a token meet so simulcasting will remain legal. If it were profitable, I'm sure they would try to add dates. Without a significant change of mood in Denver, they will never get slots.

I think the track is in a lousy location personally. But I do agree they do the best they can with what they have.

Hanover came out and was duly impressed since he has to suffer with going to Arlington. lol

I never thought my off-handed crack about ARP would have generated any comment. At least we have a track and for that I am grateful.

I hope Illinois gets things straightened out for our internet players there.

[tophatmert]

Called at 8:30 central operator said they were taking bets from Il.She also had no idea what I was talking about with the issue of IL residents not being able to bet with ADW. I made a bet at about 8:00 that was accepted and then I decided to call.I still don't know if this will change later but that is what I experienced this morning.

Rich

[Robert Goren]

Called at 8:30 central operator said they were taking bets from Il.She also had no idea what I was talking about with the issue of IL residents not being able to bet with ADW. I made a bet at about 8:00 that was accepted and then I decided to call.I still don't know if this will change later but that is what I experienced this morning.

RichShocking! :rolleyes:

[Striker]

Bet with Xpressbet all day. ADWs not following the rules here or what? And no enforcement from the Illinois Racing Board as of today I guess.

[Robert Goren]

Bet with Xpressbet all day. ADWs not following the rules here or what? And no enforcement from the Illinois Racing Board as of today I guess.Chances are that ADWs haven't told to stop taking bets yet.

[jdhanover]

Illinois isn't going to make a big deal of this I suspect. If they are smart they will simply let it be....they want the few tax dollars anyway

[Robert Goren]

Illinois isn't going to make a big deal of this I suspect. If they are smart they will simply let it be....they want the few tax dollars anywayThey probably will sooner or later if the law isn't changed. Some anti gambling nut will make big stink about it sometime. They always do.

[olddaddy]

The government at work, always later than sooner. I still expect a shutdown.

[jdhanover]

maybe they fixed this and we just havent seen anything since it was the holidays?

[Hoofless_Wonder]

As of yesterday, still in limbo for us "Land of Lincoln" weenies. Renewal stalled in the state senate.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/75344/adw-companies-taking-illegal-illinois-wagers

Some scary comments in that article like the Illinois Racing Board is "monitoring all systems" (ADWs). Probably end up with a fee hike to pass on to the players to make the IRB and politicians happy..... :(

[olddaddy]

As of yesterday, still in limbo for us "Land of Lincoln" weenies. Renewal stalled in the state senate.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/75344/adw-companies-taking-illegal-illinois-wagers

Some scary comments in that article like the Illinois Racing Board is "monitoring all systems" (ADWs). Probably end up with a fee hike to pass on to the players to make the IRB and politicians happy..... :(

It says at least 3 of the 4 ADWS continue to take wagers, I thought that there were only 3 ADWs allowed to take bets in Illinois: twinspires, xpressbet and tvg.

[jdhanover]

why is this state so messed up??????? So annoying.

[Robert Goren]

why is this state so messed up??????? So annoying. They aren't more messed up than most when it come to horse race betting. Every few have right and even then the takeout is too high.

[jdhanover]

TVG just sent a note that Jan 10 IL residents are shut off......stupid IL govt

[thaskalos]

I am taking my business overseas...and I won't wager a dime in a U.S. mutuel pool ever again.

[jdhanover]

careful Gus...lots of problems with overseas operations. And the IRS gets very interested from what I hear

[illinoisbred]

No such notification from Twinspires...yet.

[Striker]

New legislature being sworn in Wednesday and still focusing 100% on the pension crisis, this could be a little while before these clowns do anything about this. On a sidenote that I found interesting today while I was driving in Waukegan, was the fact that state sen. Terry Link, who has been one of the driving forces behind getting casino expansion and slots at the tracks, has signs up that he is running for mayor of waukegan where he resides.

[Hoofless_Wonder]

I am taking my business overseas...and I won't wager a dime in a U.S. mutuel pool ever again.

I'm beginning to share this viewpoint. The overall corruption and cronyism of the decision makers, the ever expanding bureaucracy, the continuing abuse of the horseplayers, and the decline of the great game of racing extends well beyond the borders of Illinois.

The parasites are killing the host.

[olddaddy]

I wonder how long they can keep taking bets.

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130115/news/701159567/

[Robert Goren]

They probably will sooner or later if the law isn't changed. Some anti gambling nut will make big stink about it sometime. They always do. From olddaddy's link
Anita Bedell, the director of Illinois Church Action on Alcohol & Addiction Problems, called on Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan to shut down the illegal operations.
These nuts always show up.

[cribking]

As of today Illinois is closed down. I tried to wager on my Twin Spires acoount and it is shut down.

[Mr_Ed]

As of today Illinois is closed down. I tried to wager on my Twin Spires acoount and it is shut down.

Xpressbet today:

We regret to inform you that the Illinois Racing Board has requested that all online wagering providers cease accepting wagers from residents of Illinois. Effective Friday, January 18, our Illinois customers will not be permitted to wager at Xpressbet.com until further notice.


We apologize for the inconvenience this presents and will keep you updated on any progress towards a resolution. We look forward to once again serving your account wagering needs once this situation has been resolved.


Your account will remain active and you will have full access to live video, Pro Shop products, race information, race replays, free daily picks, as well as deposits, withdrawals, and account information.

[CincyHorseplayer]

Damn,Illinois is getting hit hard.Bettors can't bet and horses can't ship out because of the EH.Wow.

[ArlJim78]

This state is completely dysfunctional, and openly hostile towards the ADW player.

[Mr_Ed]

Illinois is getting only 1.8 million of 200+ million bet via ADW.

The master rebaters get a much sweeter deal.

[Delta Cone]

This state is completely dysfunctional, and openly hostile towards the ADW player.
I agree. I just sent an email to the Illinois Racing Board expressing my displeasure.

Of course I expect no response or actions, but felt it was important to express my feelings.

The Illinois Racing Board is a joke and the "leaders" in Springfield are incompetent.

I encourage anyone who is upset by this decision to carpet bomb the Illinois Racing Board with emails.

Executive Director Marc Laino.... marc.laino@illinois.gov
General email..... IRB.Info@illinois.gov

[Striker]

If they are smart they will simply let it be....they want the few tax dollars anyway
Apparently they don't want the tax revenue. Maybe they feel this revenue will be offset by the couple of dollars that they raised the registration stickers for automobiles once again starting this year.

[Robert Goren]

Apparently they don't want the tax revenue. Maybe they feel this revenue will be offset by the couple of dollars that they raised the registration stickers for automobiles once again starting this year.If they raise the registration fees 25 cents, they raise more money than a did on taxes on ADW wagers. That is sad state of horse racing today.

[Striker]

If they raise the registration fees 25 cents, they raise more money than a did on taxes on ADW wagers. That is sad state of horse racing today.
You are about right. Illinois took in about $2 million from the tax revenue from the ADWs and the $2 increase in license plate fees has been projected at $18-$20 million. Agree with the state of horse racing, but state legislatures like Illinois are just contributing more to the downward spiral of it.

[davew]

Illinois will make more with additional drivers licenses->

Illinois moved a step closer Tuesday to becoming the next state to allow illegal immigrants to obtain driver's licenses after House lawmakers approved a bill requiring one-year proof of state residency, form of identification and a photograph.

[olddaddy]

Is anything going on with this nonsense? It would be nice if the advocates, twinspires and xpressbet, would keep their customers informed.

[betovernetcapper]

for crapnet to come in riding a white horse and save you, you've been watching too many movies. Illinois is currently also considering a CCW law. I was just on one of the gun sights and someone was in a panic because he was unable to reach his legislator. Two or three other people shared his concern added a few minutes the lines were open. On March 6, 10,000 NRA members will descend on the Springfield Illinois to demonstrate their concern. These are people that are actually committed to having something done.

Horse players on the other hand, in my experience are more committed to complaining then actually achieving results. It would be interesting to see a poll of how many Illinois residents on this board actually contacted their representatives and demanded a change in the law. Water is wet and rocks are hard and if you don't take initiative you're likely to get screwed. Confucius said this X thousand years ago and it is true then as it is today. if you don't like the way things are, change them. Call your state legislator and the IRB today or if you don't want to do that, stop complaining about it. :)

[imofe]

What if you did contact your elected representatives? Are you allowed to complain then?

[olddaddy]

I contacted my local reps and also called twinspires and asked how their lobbying efforts were going, which is when I heard crickets.

[betovernetcapper]

What if you did contact your elected representatives? Are you allowed to complain then?

LMAO :lol: If that's what makes you happy, go for it.

[imofe]

So now you are saying demanding a change will not do anything. But before you wanted to see a poll concerning how many demanded a change. Maybe you should go back to the gun sights.

[thaskalos]

I contacted my state representatives, and they told me to submit my complaints in writing...because they are trying to save money on toilet paper.

[olddaddy]

I felt the same about contacting state reps but I gave them the toilet paper anyways because I know they use so much of it, do to the fact they are so full of crap.

If the adws are not lobbying then something is really fishy.

[betovernetcapper]

Ah yes, you are all right. Life is hopeless, and there is nothing we can do to change it. Illinois will never have ADWs. I suppose we could put the Governors office & state reps on speed dial and call every day until we got some action. I suppose someone could visit the State of Illinois building and attend the next hearing concerning what they call "the bookie bill"* and see who is blocking Internet betting. I suppose people could do any number of things. But what is the use? We will all have to sit in the back of the bus with Rosa Parks. Nothings ever going to change. Carry on. :(





*I'm not making this up. :lol:

[imofe]

Ah yes, you are all right. Life is hopeless, and there is nothing we can do to change it. Illinois will never have ADWs. I suppose we could put the Governors office & state reps on speed dial and call every day until we got some action. I suppose someone could visit the State of Illinois building and attend the next hearing concerning what they call "the bookie bill"* and see who is blocking Internet betting. I suppose people could do any number of things. But what is the use? We will all have to sit in the back of the bus with Rosa Parks. Nothings ever going to change. Carry on. :(





*I'm not making this up. :lol:

What happened is this. Olddaddy expressed his frustration about not knowing how this thing was progressing. You decided it would make him feel better by giving some screwed up comparison between bettors from Illinois and the NRA. Then topped it off by quoting Confucius. Now you don't like it because you are finding out there actually are people who have called and wrote letters. So now it is about attending the next hearing. After that you will say it is about doing something else.

[betovernetcapper]

What happened is this. Olddaddy expressed his frustration about not knowing how this thing was progressing. You decided it would make him feel better by giving some screwed up comparison between bettors from Illinois and the NRA. Then topped it off by quoting Confucius. Now you don't like it because you are finding out there actually are people who have called and wrote letters. So now it is about attending the next hearing. After that you will say it is about doing something else.

Your right, I'm a terrible person. Please carry on with the complaining. In the long run the whining & complaining is much more important then any action or result. Please enjoy it. :D

[imofe]

Is anything going on with this nonsense? It would be nice if the advocates, twinspires and xpressbet, would keep their customers informed.

What is wrong with this guy complaining as long as he has tried to do something about it. He wants to know if anyone has an update and he is venting. But from YOUR EXPERIENCE you think you know him and he is just a complainer. Never said you were a terrible person but you did treat him and others that are feeling the same way in a condescending manner.

[olddaddy]

imofe, This is what people do when they are frustrated and have no answers or solutions. If you word things in the right way you make yourself appear to have a silver bullet but really have squat. Let it go.

[goforgin]

I sent an email to the head of the IL Racing Board Marc Laino about a week ago. He said there had been no movement to date, but hopes the ADW will be extended and taken up by the General Assembly within a few weeks. Of course there's no guarantees in IL politics. I plan to follow up again with Marc on March 8th for an update if we haven't heard anything by then.

[imofe]

imofe, This is what people do when they are frustrated and have no answers or solutions. If you word things in the right way you make yourself appear to have a silver bullet but really have squat. Let it go.

You are correct. I will let it go.

[imofe]

I sent an email to the head of the IL Racing Board Marc Laino about a week ago. He said there had been no movement to date, but hopes the ADW will be extended and taken up by the General Assembly within a few weeks. Of course there's no guarantees in IL politics. I plan to follow up again with Marc on March 8th for an update if we haven't heard anything by then.

Thanks for the update. Let us know if you hear anything else.

[Mr_Ed]

Why doesn't Xpressbet, et al, just drop Illinois tracks for all ADW bettors until this is resolved?

Don't you think Illinois would then move faster on this bill?

[Maximillion]

Why doesn't Xpressbet, et al, just drop Illinois tracks for all ADW bettors until this is resolved?

Don't you think Illinois would then move faster on this bill?

Its an interesting idea.

What can we do as horseplayers?
Do we all gather up in a park a la The Warriors?.

A boycott would be great but the adws are really the only ones in position to do so.Of course the question would be would it be worth it for them...would they really gain anything?

[betovernetcapper]

Illinois State Rep Jay Hoffman introduced a bill that would allow ADWs to operate legally. It is HB 964. What can be done is to contact your state reps & senators and request it's passage. It's pretty much of a no brainer for all but a very few politicians in extremely conservative areas. A few thousand calls and emails should do it.

The IRB is said to support this bill, but it's important to remember that the IRB doesn't create the law, merely enforces it.

So if you'd like Illinois to have ADWs, make a phone call. Or if you'd rather, just complain about it. It's all good. :bang:

[imofe]

That is good news. Thanks for the info betovernetcapper.

[ArlJim78]

Illinois State Rep Jay Hoffman introduced a bill that would allow ADWs to operate legally. It is HB 964. What can be done is to contact your state reps & senators and request it's passage. It's pretty much of a no brainer for all but a very few politicians in extremely conservative areas. A few thousand calls and emails should do it.

The IRB is said to support this bill, but it's important to remember that the IRB doesn't create the law, merely enforces it.

So if you'd like Illinois to have ADWs, make a phone call. Or if you'd rather, just complain about it. It's all good. :bang:
thanks for the info.

where did you get the info highlighted above? conservatives have no clout in this state, so I'm wondering how this issue might hinge on a few conservatives. If you can reveal who these few extreme conservatives are who are standing in the way, let me know and I will contact them directly.

also why do you always make the assumption that any person who complains on here has done nothing else tangible, like write or call? :bang:

[betovernetcapper]

At every hearing regarding any type of gambling, there is some very conservative religious group, that I assume carries some weight in one or two districts. They seem to oppose any form of gambling and probably music/dancing and any form of vice.
RE the bill, without a lot of public support, legislators try to pile on various riders like slot machines at tracks, support for the County Fair races and anything else they think they can get through. With every rider the bill becomes more attractive to some legislators and less to others. It's like that with most legislation. A clean bill as written should pass.
People in other states that would like to lend assistance might make a phone call to Gov Pat Quinn and request the passage of this bill. His # is 217-782-0244.

[Striker]

Illinois State Rep Jay Hoffman introduced a bill that would allow ADWs to operate legally. It is HB 964. What can be done is to contact your state reps & senators and request it's passage. It's pretty much of a no brainer for all but a very few politicians in extremely conservative areas. A few thousand calls and emails should do it.

The IRB is said to support this bill, but it's important to remember that the IRB doesn't create the law, merely enforces it.

So if you'd like Illinois to have ADWs, make a phone call. Or if you'd rather, just complain about it. It's all good. :bang:
My guess is that the bill Lou Lang introduced, HB 995 which extends the ADW bill until June 30th, has a better chance to pass since it is more short term and was filed and referred to the Rules Committee 4 days after the bill that Hoffman introduced was referred to the rules committee. Given that Lang is on the Rules Committee if he was content with HB 964 passing, there would be no reason to introduce another bill.

[olddaddy]

Contacting your elected officials is not the only thing that people can do. Contact the adw that has your account. Ask them what are their efforts are in this matter. I got nowhere doing this but maybe they will at least give a response if enough customers bug them. Politicians hearing from their constituents is good but lobbyists sometimes can do more.

[betovernetcapper]

Contacting your elected officials is not the only thing that people can do. Contact the adw that has your account. Ask them what are their efforts are in this matter. I got nowhere doing this but maybe they will at least give a response if enough customers bug them. Politicians hearing from their constituents is good but lobbyists sometimes can do more.

Each ADW has it's own agenda, which is usually something that would give them exclusive rights or at least a competitive advantage. One of the early versions of the bill banned all ADWs except those that were owned by an Illinois racetrack. At least at the time the only ADW that fit that model was TwinSpires,(Arlington Park). AP probably does have the political clout to get an ADW bill passed, but also has a belief that without ADWs they would get all of the traffic back in their OTBs and track. Not going to happen but that seems to be their opinion. It doesn't hurt to call them but I wouldn't get my hopes up. HB :9: :6: :4:

[Mr_Ed]

Illinois numbers.

Read it and weep:

http://www2.illinois.gov/irb/Documents/AnnualReports/2012%20Annual%20Report.PDF

[illinoisbred]

Hawthorne did have their 1st 2 million + handle of the meet yesterday. Can't say I could see that coming,not off the poor depth of yesterday's card. Only 8 races tomorrow,and entries came out very late,suggesting they had difficulty just getting 8 to fill.

[olddaddy]

Well Illinois basically lost 2 of their biggest ADW handle meets, Santa Anita ,Gulfstream and the Derby prep races. Now on to Keenland and Derby day. Great job illinois legislature, keep up the good work. :mad:


And yea, I keep calling my reps and writing them and its just like fartin in the wind.

[betovernetcapper]

It seems the tracks and casinos have heard our pleas and while they are not offering ADWs, they may allow us to bet slots and such online, provided they are owned by an Illinois track or casino. Such largess.

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130318/news/703189922/?interstitial=1

I for one am boycotting all Illinois race tracks, including the Illinois Derby and the Arlington Million. It's a tiny gesture, but I find it soothing.

[olddaddy]

I have boycotted illinois tracks and otbs. It is a small gesture by myself also and may be hurting the sport I love but I really dont know what else to do at this point.

[betovernetcapper]

I have boycotted illinois tracks and otbs. It is a small gesture by myself also and may be hurting the sport I love but I really dont know what else to do at this point.


I'm also boycotting Illinois products as much as possible. Did you know that in NYC there is no tax on clothing, while in Chicago it's 10%? I'm considering taking up smoking so I can cross the border and buy cigarettes in Indiana. If I believed in God, I'd put a note in the collection plate that I saving my donations until the ADW issue was resolved. When my membership in the Art Institute is up, I'll be sending them a note saying they can get by without my support until I get my ADW. Screw Illinois. No gesture is too small or petty.

[illinoisbred]

I'm also boycotting Illinois products as much as possible. Did you know that in NYC there is no tax on clothing, while in Chicago it's 10%? I'm considering taking up smoking so I can cross the border and buy cigarettes in Indiana. If I believed in God, I'd put a note in the collection plate that I saving my donations until the ADW issue was resolved. When my membership in the Art Institute is up, I'll be sending them a note saying they can get by without my support until I get my ADW. Screw Illinois. No gesture is too small or petty.
In Chicago..a 23% tobacco tax and 9.50% sales tax to top things off.

[Striker]

Rumors of more upcoming problems between Arlington and everyone they deal with(IRB, ITHA, ITBOF) could possibly cause more problems for us bettors, specifically with simulcasting. I live only 20-30 minutes from the Wisconsin border so it might be time to go to Potawatomi Casino to bet on the horses if need be.

[olddaddy]

I know they all have different agendas but the ADWs really piss me off. At least pretend that they care and are doing something. Not one email since I was cut off, really bad business practices.

[illinoisbred]

Here's the day to day comparisions from 2012-2013 on handle at Hawthorne per the equibase charts. All are rounded to the closest 1,000.Do you think anyone is looking at these numbers?
Day 1 -487,000 in 2013
Day 2...no handle provided in 2013
Day 3 -1,100,000 in 2013
Day 4 -694,000 in 2013
Day 5 -494,000 in 2013
Day 6 -622,000 in 2013
Day 7 -3,000 in 2013
Day 8 +100,000 in 2013
Day 9 -355,000 in 2013
Day 10 +13,000 in 2013
Day 11 -425,000 in 2013
Day 12 -49,000 in 2013
Day 13 -138,000 in 2013
Day 14 -420,000 in 2013
Day 15 +166,000 in 2013
Day 16 -426,000 in 2013
Day 17 -415,000 in 2013
Day 18 -572,000 in 2013
Day 19 -67,000 in 2013
Day 20 +92,000 in 2013
Day 21 +69,000 in 2013
Day 22 -372,000 in 2013
These are friday to friday,saturday to saturday,sunday to sunday,and wednesday to wednesday comparisions.

[betovernetcapper]

I know they all have different agendas but the ADWs really piss me off. At least pretend that they care and are doing something. Not one email since I was cut off, really bad business practices.

In their defense, it's probable that they have been advised not to have any contact with Illinois residents by their lawyers or the Oregon Racing Commission. I don't know this for a fact, but seems reasonable.

[betovernetcapper]

Here's the day to day comparisions from 2012-2013 on handle at Hawthorne per the equibase charts. All are rounded to the closest 1,000.Do you think anyone is looking at these numbers?
Day 1 -487,000 in 2013
Day 2...no handle provided in 2013
Day 3 -1,100,000 in 2013
Day 4 -694,000 in 2013
Day 5 -494,000 in 2013
Day 6 -622,000 in 2013
Day 7 -3,000 in 2013
Day 8 +100,000 in 2013
Day 9 -355,000 in 2013
Day 10 +13,000 in 2013
Day 11 -425,000 in 2013
Day 12 -49,000 in 2013
Day 13 -138,000 in 2013
Day 14 -420,000 in 2013
Day 15 +166,000 in 2013
Day 16 -426,000 in 2013
Day 17 -415,000 in 2013
Day 18 -572,000 in 2013
Day 19 -67,000 in 2013
Day 20 +92,000 in 2013
Day 21 +69,000 in 2013
Day 22 -372,000 in 2013
These are friday to friday,saturday to saturday,sunday to sunday,and wednesday to wednesday comparisions.

If you don't mind, I'd like to cut and paste this to Pat Quinn.

[olddaddy]

Here's the day to day comparisions from 2012-2013 on handle at Hawthorne per the equibase charts. All are rounded to the closest 1,000.Do you think anyone is looking at these numbers?
Day 1 -487,000 in 2013
Day 2...no handle provided in 2013
Day 3 -1,100,000 in 2013
Day 4 -694,000 in 2013
Day 5 -494,000 in 2013
Day 6 -622,000 in 2013
Day 7 -3,000 in 2013
Day 8 +100,000 in 2013
Day 9 -355,000 in 2013
Day 10 +13,000 in 2013
Day 11 -425,000 in 2013
Day 12 -49,000 in 2013
Day 13 -138,000 in 2013
Day 14 -420,000 in 2013
Day 15 +166,000 in 2013
Day 16 -426,000 in 2013
Day 17 -415,000 in 2013
Day 18 -572,000 in 2013
Day 19 -67,000 in 2013
Day 20 +92,000 in 2013
Day 21 +69,000 in 2013
Day 22 -372,000 in 2013
These are friday to friday,saturday to saturday,sunday to sunday,and wednesday to wednesday comparisions.


If you dont mind I'd like to send it to my reps, who have shit for brains and dont give a shit but what the hell.

[illinoisbred]

If you dont mind I'd like to send it to my reps, who have shit for brains and dont give a shit but what the hell.
Can't hurt..probably won't help. I really don't think this will be resolved soon. It will be interesting to see if there's any movement once Arlington opens. Some deeper pockets for the state slimeballs to pick or probe.

[goforgin]

Sent emails to two state reps and our IL U.S. rep. Guessing since it's Spring break and all that they'll get back to me next week. Maybe their having computer system problems. But, quite sure they'll get back to me shortly.

[Hoofless_Wonder]

Possible movement on this issue, according to one of the horse racing threads on the RX Forum.

http://www.therxforum.com/showthread.php?t=954296

Includes an email from the IRB executive director that HB0620 is supposedly moving forward. However, looking at the General Assembly's web site, there's not much info on that bill and nothing recent. But, it was proposed by Madigan, which is a plus, since he runs the state......

Fingers crossed, as the OTB is not a pleasant alternative.

[mannyberrios]

I'm also boycotting Illinois products as much as possible. Did you know that in NYC there is no tax on clothing, while in Chicago it's 10%? I'm considering taking up smoking so I can cross the border and buy cigarettes in Indiana. If I believed in God, I'd put a note in the collection plate that I saving my donations until the ADW issue was resolved. When my membership in the Art Institute is up, I'll be sending them a note saying they can get by without my support until I get my ADW. Screw Illinois. No gesture is too small or petty.
What a heavy post

[olddaddy]

Possible movement on this issue, according to one of the horse racing threads on the RX Forum.

http://www.therxforum.com/showthread.php?t=954296

Includes an email from the IRB executive director that HB0620 is supposedly moving forward. However, looking at the General Assembly's web site, there's not much info on that bill and nothing recent. But, it was proposed by Madigan, which is a plus, since he runs the state......

Fingers crossed, as the OTB is not a pleasant alternative.


Sent back to rules committee on 4/19, the same black hole where previous bills were sent.

[Hoofless_Wonder]

:bang:

Did a search through web site of the Illinois House bills on ADW - seems like bills to make sure taxes are paid from the horse tracks and to set a minimum target of 20% of awarded contracts go to minority owned, female owned, or disabled person owned companies are further along than the bills to "turn on" the online betting.

What a cluster.

Interesting points in this article how Fairmount Park is losing $100,000 per month due to the loss of ADW, and the state is losing $9,600 per day.

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/other/fairmount-faces-more-issues-than-the-snow/article_b7590622-5d98-51a2-bab1-5bff89361d2d.html

[illinoisbred]

Doesn't the Illinois legislature go in summer recess soon? If they don't pass this bill soon,we might be looking at next fall.

[Robert Goren]

:bang:

Did a search through web site of the Illinois House bills on ADW - seems like bills to make sure taxes are paid from the horse tracks and to set a minimum target of 20% of awarded contracts go to minority owned, female owned, or disabled person owned companies are further along than the bills to "turn on" the online betting.

What a cluster.

Interesting points in this article how Fairmount Park is losing $100,000 per month due to the loss of ADW, and the state is losing $9,600 per day.

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/other/fairmount-faces-more-issues-than-the-snow/article_b7590622-5d98-51a2-bab1-5bff89361d2d.html There something wrong with that story. ADWs do get enough of FP bets for them to be losing $100,000 a month. With a combined handle of a little over 35k a day, the math doesn't add up. Figuring a high of 6% and all the money went through a an ADW ,that is $2,100 a day! There are enough days in the month to $100,000.

[olddaddy]

Doesn't the Illinois legislature go in summer recess soon? If they don't pass this bill soon,we might be looking at next fall.


Summer break starts end of may, so maybe now in time for breeders cup. :mad:

[cordep17]

:bang:

Did a search through web site of the Illinois House bills on ADW - seems like bills to make sure taxes are paid from the horse tracks and to set a minimum target of 20% of awarded contracts go to minority owned, female owned, or disabled person owned companies are further along than the bills to "turn on" the online betting.

What a cluster.

Interesting points in this article how Fairmount Park is losing $100,000 per month due to the loss of ADW, and the state is losing $9,600 per day.

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/other/fairmount-faces-more-issues-than-the-snow/article_b7590622-5d98-51a2-bab1-5bff89361d2d.html

Good article.
I hope FP can make a return as a high quality track.

[Striker]

This would be the week to move the bill forward and have your votes and get it done before the derby, if they have a little bit of intelligence. But that is a big IF.

[olddaddy]

You would figure with the churchill meet opening today, the derby next week, they would be lobbying heavily these days but not a peep from twinspires to its customers. As was mentioned before by someone else, I think arlington is behind this.

[BIG49010]

AP gets an extra 2.5% plus for the OTB's why would they want to give that up, if they can get the people to make bets that way?

[Hoofless_Wonder]

There something wrong with that story. ADWs do get enough of FP bets for them to be losing $100,000 a month. With a combined handle of a little over 35k a day, the math doesn't add up. Figuring a high of 6% and all the money went through a an ADW ,that is $2,100 a day! There are enough days in the month to $100,000.

I agree that $100K seems high, but I'm assuming FP gets some percentage of ALL ADW bets from Illinois customers, not just those on FP itself. Not sure if the increased takeout from the OTBs will offset that, as I sure as hell ain't betting nearly as much now that I have to drive 35 miles to Bloomington, instead of just logging into Twinspires.

Forgot to mention that a couple of other bills relating to horse racing in the state is to ensure that delinquent child support payments are withheld. Grrgh.

[rosenowsr]

Just received in the mail.

Important Message For Illinois Account Holders


With the Kentucky Derby approaching on Saturday, May 4th, we wanted to provide you an update on the status of online wagering on horse racing in Illinois. As you are likely aware, in January the statutory authorization for ADW expired. As a result, the Illinois Racing Board requested TwinSpires.com and other ADWs stop taking wagers from Illinois residents. Although we have been working with Illinois lawmakers on legislation that would restore your ability to wager online, we are not optimistic that this issue will be resolved in the next two weeks. Rest assured that we will we will keep you apprised as we make progress in restoring your ability to wager with TwinSpires.com (http://link.twinspires.com/u.d?G4GsZwMLopytyF_U1Fzj=311).

As a reminder, your TwinSpires.com (http://link.twinspires.com/u.d?YYGsZwMLopytyF_U1FyT=471) account remains active with full access to racing information, live video, race replays and Brisnet handicapping information.

If you are interested in wagering at Arlington Park or a Trackside OTB location, please click on the link below to find the location nearest you.

http://www.arlingtonpark.com/trackside/locations (http://link.twinspires.com/u.d?W4GsZwMLopytyF_U1FyI=481)

Sincerely,

TwinSpires.com Team

[Mr_Ed]

4/30:

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/77928/il-racing-threatened-by-legislative-stalling

[Jeff P]

The Chicago Tribune is reporting that a gambling bill made it through the IL Senate earlier today:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-illinois-gambling-expansion-0502-20130502,0,1776207.story

The article reports the bill authorizes new casinos and slots at race tracks - but says nothing about ADW.

So I did some digging on the IL . gov website and pulled up the text of the bill:
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/98/SB/PDF/09800SB1739sam001.pdf

The bill appears to contain text that authorizes advance deposit wagering.

Don't get too excited just yet. The bill still has to clear the House and be signed by the Governor.



-jp

.

[Hoofless_Wonder]

Don't get too excited just yet. The bill still has to clear the House and be signed by the Governor.

Thanks for posting, Jeff. No worries about being too hopeful in this passing soon - the Trib article indicates that Quinn's office will review the bill with a fine-toothed comb, and at 555 pages, that will take a while.

Lots of fingers in that pie when trying to figure out where all the money goes....

[Striker]

Gov. Quinn has already said he won't even look at the new gambling bill if it passes the house until pension reform is taken care of. But Madigan has put a new plan in place for the pension crisis that is to be voted on soon, and he basically runs the state of Illinois so..........

[Mr_Ed]

Gov. Quinn has already said he won't even look at the new gambling bill if it passes the house until pension reform is taken care of. But Madigan has put a new plan in place for the pension crisis that is to be voted on soon, and he basically runs the state of Illinois so..........

For chrissakes, I was holding onto some hope.

Now........tell me there's no Santa Claus, too.

[andicap]

There's still hope. Illinois REALLY needs the money and the bill reportedly addresses some of the oversight concerns Quinn expressed last summer.

http://www.drf.com/news/illinois-senate-passes-bill-allowing-slots-tracks

[Striker]

For chrissakes, I was holding onto some hope.

Now........tell me there's no Santa Claus, too.
There is hope. Madigan's pension bill passed the IL House yesterday and moves to the Senate and Quinn has already said he will sign it, if it comes to his desk. There will of course be lawsuits by the unions representing the teachers after that because of what the bill does, but then if the gambling bill passes the IL House, Gov. Quinn can make his decision while not wanting to focus on the pension crisis in IL.

[dfifo]

I wonder if this amendment (http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1493&GAID=12&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=85&GA=98) has anything to do with the delay.

"Synopsis As Introduced
Amends the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975. Provides that payments of a percentage of the pari-mutuel handle from an inter-track wagering location licensee to the municipality and county in which it is located must be paid by the licensee on a monthly basis no later than the 10th of the month following the month such handle was generated. Effective immediately."


Maybe they're finally getting around to horse racing. I'm not holding my breath.

[dfifo]

A few more horse related gems they've been working on instead of passing the bill that extends the ADW licensing.

1. HB2843 (http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2843&GAID=12&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=85&GA=98) which basically gives an ADW licensee authorization to withhold winnings if the person owes past child support.

I don't think they realize they are working on a bill pertaining to something which is currently ILLEGAL in the state. There are no winnings to withhold! :confused:

Amends the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975, the Riverboat Gambling Act, and the Income Withholding for Support Act. Provides that an organization licensee under the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975 shall withhold moneys from winning wagers and winnings from wagers placed upon races conducted by that organization licensee as provided in the Income Withholding for Support Act; imposes a similar duty on a licensed owner under the Riverboat Gambling Act with respect to winnings on games. Provides that if a licensed owner fails to withhold, from winnings otherwise payable to an individual, an amount representing delinquent child support as required under the Income Withholding for Support Act, the owner's license is not renewable upon its expiration, but the owner must instead apply for a new license.

2. I also found this little nugget. Everyone still gets their cut.
Provides that the licensee shall pay the withheld amounts to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services. Provides that the licensee is entitled to an administrative fee not to exceed the lesser of 4% of the total amount of cash winnings paid to the gambling winner or $150. Provides that a licensee who in good faith complies with these requirements is not liable to the gaming winner or any other individual or entity.

3. And for the finally.. HB2506 (http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2506&GAID=12&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=85&GA=98)
Amends the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975. Provides that, in addition to certain charitable contributions to non-profit organizations that provide medical and family, counseling, and similar services to persons who reside or work on the backstretch of Illinois racetracks, organization licensees shall provide funding for no less than one Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to be placed in the paddock of their racing facilities and no less than one AED to be placed in the barn area of their racing facilities. Requires that the AEDs be accessible at all times to industry workers. Provides that qualified charitable organizations receiving the charitable contributions shall provide annual AED training, in English and Spanish, to horsemen and racetrack personnel. Requires the Board to conduct periodic checks on the AEDs and notify organization licensees to replace or repair them as needed. Effective immediately.

I only have one question.. is the state required defibrillator for the horses? :D
Why do they need a law to make this happen. JEESH!

[Mr_Ed]

Illinois total takeout for ADW customers was 20.78% (79.22 returned).

IMHO, by the time they're done..........it'll be 30+%.

[Hoofless_Wonder]

Heard a political announcement on WLS radio today requesting folks to oppose SB1739, which is the casino bill that has the ADW renewal in it, I think. ( hard to tell with so many bills related to horse racing floating around).

They described it as wanting to turn Illinois into the Las Vegas of the Midwest, and that the expansion of gambling would still only serve "special interests" as opposed to their special interest, I guess.

Details here:

http://www.bipac.net/issue_alert.asp?g=ILLINOIS&issue=Bad_Bet_for_Illinois&parent=ILLINOIS

I don't have a clue what level of support the bill has versus what level of public opposition there is, but something tells me my Twinspire and Xpressbet accounts aren't going to be working any time soon..... :bang:

[Striker]

IL lawmakers adjourn May 31st and don't resume until late October for the fall session, but they could be called back in at anytime for any matters that are deemed important. Doubtful that the casino bill is considered to be at the top of that list with all of the other problems in this state.

[BIG49010]

Legislative & News Update for Illinois Horsemen
From the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association



May 16, 2013 ITHA is proud to represent horsemen at Arlington Park and Hawthorne Racecourse.

For two decades, we've worked to preserve and enhance Illinois purses.




Internet Gaming Proposal Will Lead to




Demise of the Illinois Horse Racing Industry

and Cost Thousands of Jobs

Worse than Recapture:
Tracks and Advance Deposit Wagering Operators Owe Their Existence
to Horse Racing, but the Proposal Would Allow Them to Have

Casino-Style I-Gaming Without Offering a Dime for Horse Racing


Senators Should Amend Plan to Require Tracks and ADW Operators to Share Internet Gaming Revenue with Purses





Statement from Mike Campbell,

President of the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association






<img name="13eafd7514c6d122_ACCOUNT.IMAGE.3" alt="Mike Campbell Profile" height="198" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="200" border="0">Mike Campbell, ITHA President,
Thoroughbred Trainer & Owner The Illinois Senate removed an Internet gaming plan from a larger gaming expansion bill after Illinois horsemen objected to allowing tracks and ADW operators to offer Internet gaming without sharing any of that revenue with purses.



But this week in Springfield, the same Internet gaming proposal has re-emerged as stand-alone legislation. Yet again, this proposal would authorize tracks and ADW operators to host poker and other casino-style games online - positioning them for a windfall of revenue - and would not require them to share a dime of that revenue with purses.



Where is the dedication from billionaire track owners and ADW providers to horse racing and the Illinois ag economy? Unless this Internet gaming proposal is amended to provide fair compensation for purses, this legislation will virtually ensure the prompt transformation of Illinois tracks and ADW companies to casino gaming empires - leaving horsemen shortchanged, reducing Illinois racing opportunities, and jeopardizing the livelihood of thousands.



This proposal is still in draft form but is intended as an amendment to Senate Bill 7. It could become that bill or manifest itself as an amendment to another bill sometime prior to May 31, the scheduled adjournment of the General Assembly's spring session.

All three major horsemen groups in Illinois - the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, the Illinois Harness Horsemen's Association, and the Illinois Horsemen Benevolent & Protective Association - oppose this effort to transform tracks and ADW providers into casino gaming empires while providing no benefit for horse racing, the hard-working men and women who make horse racing possible, or the more than 35,000 jobs that Illinois horsemen support.



We support allowing tracks and ADW providers to operate Internet gaming as a means to support purses. But tracks would earn this gaming privilege solely because of their association with horse racing. Generating revenue to bolster purses - to save horse racing, preserve jobs, and support Illinois agriculture - is the entire point of letting tracks and ADW providers venture into casino-style gaming.



Illinois horsemen have called on senators to amend this proposal (whether it's appended to SB 7 or another bill) to require tracks and ADW providers to share Internet gaming revenue with purses. Unless this plan is amended accordingly, it threatens to radically diminish Illinois horse racing and, in the process, cost thousands of middle class and lower-income workers their jobs, harming the best interests of the state of Illinois and its taxpayers.



Other Gaming Expansion Measure



The larger gaming expansion bill, SB 1739, would authorize tracks to operate slot machines and would require tracks to share a portion of that revenue with purses. It also would require tracks to offer a minimum number of live racing opportunities, but only if the tracks earn revenue from operating slot machines - the number of racing opportunities is directly linked to slot revenue.


But if tracks are allowed to operate Internet gaming as contemplated by the additional proposal, they will have no incentive to build and operate the racinos authorized by SB 1739. That means no construction jobs, no permanent racino jobs, no local capital investment, and no benefit for horse racing. If tracks opt to focus solely on Internet gaming, there will be no additional funds for purses and no minimum racing opportunities.



If both SB 1739 and SB 7 become law, why wouldn't tracks focus only on Internet gaming?



<img name="13eafd7514c6d122_ACCOUNT.IMAGE.9" alt="Comparison Chart" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="580" border="0">

Illinois Horsemen Committed to Horse Racing

Illinois horsemen have long stood by tracks as they sought to offer slot machines to enhance purses and make Illinois horse racing more competitive. As Illinois tracks have noted in recent years, the scope and quality of Illinois horse racing has already suffered because horsemen naturally migrate to states offering higher purses.



But now that they recognize the vast potential of Internet gaming -- which they could launch with no capital investment -- they propose sharing none of that revenue with purses.



Illinois horsemen will continue to advocate for the interests of the hard-working men and women who make horse racing possible. We will fight for continued racing opportunities, and we will fight to protect and enhance purses.



To ensure you're receiving ITHA updates on this and other critical matters, send your contact information - name, phone, email address and postal address - to info@itharacing.com (http://info@itharacing.com). Also see news updates posted at itharacing.com (http://itharacing.com).

[betovernetcapper]

to me in the ITHB letter is how often the players are mentioned. I've read many similar documents and we (the players) are a matter of no concern. Their only concern (as perhaps it should be) is their benefit and they are never satisfied.

On the other side of the coin, every spring for at least the last 20 years Arlington Park (Crapnet) has come out with statements that they need more or less Summer days and slots and special this and that or they will turn the place into a Walmart. It seems they can't make any money at all and are running it only to improve the breed. They also seem indifferent to the needs or even existence of the player.

I'm concerned about the horseman and the tracks exactly as much as they are concerned with me the player and that is zip. If the horseman can't make it, let them sell their horses to a slaughter house and if AP can't make it, close it down and put up another Walmart. As I don't bet Crapnet and don't wear clothing made in China, I don't care what it is.

Have a good Memorial Day. :)

[Hoofless_Wonder]

The audacity of the horsemen astounds me. You're right betovernetcapper, the fans/players are never mentioned 'cause who needs them?

This paragraph blows my mind, and reminds me why I continue to boycott Illinois Racing:

"We support allowing tracks and ADW providers to operate Internet gaming as a means to support purses. But tracks would earn this gaming privilege solely because of their association with horse racing. Generating revenue to bolster purses - to save horse racing, preserve jobs, and support Illinois agriculture - is the entire point of letting tracks and ADW providers venture into casino-style gaming."

Translation: We can't make it on our own, so we must extort additional purse monies from the other gambling revenue streams, since those players should support our ancient, failed business model.

Hopefully online gaming will arrive in the Land of Lincoln outside the control of the racetracks and horsemen, and then let market forces determine the winner.

[olddaddy]

I am will both posters above me. They dont care about us one bit. I heard nothing from this group when there was earlier stand alone legislation for ADW's. Its a me me world these days and I'm convinced now we are screwed in Illinois for ADW's. I hope the IRB does go under and racing in illinois is gone forever. And yea, a chinamart would be perfect on the arlington location.

[thaskalos]

Why should the players be mentioned in the ITHB letter?

Don't the players still have access to the OTBs throughout the state...for a mere 5-10% "convenience" fee?

[cordep17]

Why should the players be mentioned in the ITHB letter?

Don't the players still have access to the OTBs throughout the state...for a mere 5-10% "convenience" fee?

I see it as quite an inconvenience. Missouri doesn't even have an OTB, nor do they allow ADW. I have to drive 30 minutes either to FP or OTB in order to play the races. It is bogus.

[Striker]

10 days til adjournment and Quinn said yesterday he won't look at the gambling bill until a bill is passed for pension reform. I remember him saying once the political contributions were revised in the past gambling bill that he vetoed, that all would be swell. Adding casinos, slots ,and restoring ADW would be accepting revenue where people have a choice in whether they wish to add these activities into their life, but this state loves increasing revenue by force where people have no choice but to pay it such as increased state income taxes and increase in car registration yearly stickers. ADW might not be around for the rest of 2013, and who knows when it will be restored by these idiots.

[Hoofless_Wonder]

Why should the players be mentioned in the ITHB letter?

Don't the players still have access to the OTBs throughout the state...for a mere 5-10% "convenience" fee?

I believe the OTB surcharge is closer to 2.5%, but it's ridiculous to have to pay anything.

Looks like the Illinois Racing Board is trying to put pressure on Quinn and the legislature by cutting back on the Fair racing this summer.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/78416/first-step-toward-cutbacks-in-illinois-racing?source=rss

Probably wishful thinking, but maybe this will help resurrect one of the bills that simply extended the old ADW law, and get it through by 5/31. Getting ADW thrown in with the casino expansion and other internet gambling bill seems to have been the main reason the renewal had been delayed.

[thaskalos]

I believe the OTB surcharge is closer to 2.5%, but it's ridiculous to have to pay anything.

Looks like the Illinois Racing Board is trying to put pressure on Quinn and the legislature by cutting back on the Fair racing this summer.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/78416/first-step-toward-cutbacks-in-illinois-racing?source=rss

Probably wishful thinking, but maybe this will help resurrect one of the bills that simply extended the old ADW law, and get it through by 5/31. Getting ADW thrown in with the casino expansion and other internet gambling bill seems to have been the main reason the renewal had been delayed.

They call it a 2.5% surcharge...but they are a bunch of lying thieves. They include the original wager when they calculate their cut...they don't just take it off the "winnings".

And I know this; when a horse who should pay $4.20 ends up paying $4.00 because of this surcharge...9.1% of the profit has been syphoned off.

2.5% my ass...

[Robert Goren]

Anybody who thinks they can keep there taxes lower off money from horse racing hasn't look at the numbers.

[Striker]

Anybody who thinks they can keep there taxes lower off money from horse racing hasn't look at the numbers.
Who on earth would think that? The point that I was making was the governor and politicians of IL don't think twice about raising income taxes and other fees in this state, and those hit the entire population of Illinois. But they can't pass a simple bill to restore ADW, which brings in peanuts in revenue compared to income taxes and other streams of revenue, but a few million is better than ZERO, and that is at least a choice that we have as far as putting our money into that source of revenue for the state.

[BIG49010]

I'm waiting for Big Dick to close up Arlington like 1998, being he controls 54% of Churchill Downs, because they won't give him what he wants. Being a billion plus dollars isn't enough for him, please just operate your track. Like a good friend of mine says "You can't take your money with you, it's going to burn up anyway".

Illinois has serious problems, and to think that any kind of gambling legislation is going to bail them out, will get many of these guys a cell next to Ryan and Blago.

[betovernetcapper]

The other day Toru Hashimoto, mayor of Osaka, gave a speech about how useful the practice of kidnapping and using women as sex slaves ("comfort women") was to keep up the morale of the WW2 Japanese troops.

http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/05/14/18245613-japanese-mayor-wwii-comfort-women-sex-slaves-necessary-for-morale?lite

I'm not easily shocked or offended and thought this would be the most shameful thing I would hear for the rest of my life. Not so and let me assure you what follows are not the delusions of an old man.

Who fought ADWs and rebates every step of the way? Who has spit on the fan from day one? Who through their own greed, hubris and ineptitude has brought us to this impasse? For those of you that may have been sleeping the last several years (BTW please PM the name of your pharmacist) it's our old friend Twinspires , AKA Crapnet.

This is the reason I bring this to your door

http://arlingtonheights.patch.com/articles/arlington-park-lobbies-fans-to-support-gambling-bill

These people now have the unmitigated gall to ask for our help. The mind boggles. :bang:

[Hoofless_Wonder]

They call it a 2.5% surcharge...but they are a bunch of lying thieves. They include the original wager when they calculate their cut...they don't just take it off the "winnings".

And I know this; when a horse who should pay $4.20 ends up paying $4.00 because of this surcharge...9.1% of the profit has been syphoned off.

2.5% my ass...

Ah, that's a good point and I stand corrected. I've poked around a bit on the internet, and can't find the specifics. I do believe there is a lower threshold on the "surcharge", perhaps below $4.00, which they do not take out anything.

But taking a cut out of the original bet and just not the profits is horses@#t, pun intended. Also, now that I think about it, they of course ding you at the lowest unit payoff, so for some bets it's a real rip off. The rate may be close to 2.5% for hitting a dollar tri or 10 cent super, but potentially much higher for the $100 win bet, depending on the "rounding" done to the $2 payout and being dinged 50 times for your wager.

I knew there was something else about the OTB I didn't like besides the company.....

[Striker]

Another bill that has ADW thrown in it, SB1884, made it out of a IL House committee and will now move to the full IL House. Positive movement here, but let's see what happens.

[Mr_Ed]

They call it a 2.5% surcharge...but they are a bunch of lying thieves. They include the original wager when they calculate their cut...they don't just take it off the "winnings".

And I know this; when a horse who should pay $4.20 ends up paying $4.00 because of this surcharge...9.1% of the profit has been syphoned off.

2.5% my ass...

So.........do you give the Church 10% net or gross?

[pandy]

I wonder how many Illinois residents will sign up for off-shore wagering accounts and stay there. When states shut our their customers like this, do they really think that they get them all back?

[Dave Schwartz]

Don't sell racino taxes short.

When one looks at DIRECT CASINO TAX REVENUES BY STATE one finds that the top state in the country is (amazingly) not Nevada with all its billion dollar casinos.

No, it is Pennsylvania.

Nevada just edged ahead of Indiana for 2nd last year by $17m.

Source Document:
http://gaming.unlv.edu/reports/direct_taxes_casino.pdf


Check out the Map of Penn Casinos (http://gamingcontrolboard.pa.gov/?p=180)

[olddaddy]

I wonder how many Illinois residents will sign up for off-shore wagering accounts and stay there. When states shut our their customers like this, do they really think that they get them all back?


They dont care. Look at how this whole mess is being handled.

[pandy]

Well, hard to expect anything different in Illinois, poorly managed state.

[Dave Schwartz]

Well, hard to expect anything different in Illinois, poorly managed state.

Pandy,

Are there any well-run states? I am not sure there are.

(Serious question.)

[pandy]

Well, I believe that most states are better run than Illinois. According to the Wall St. Journal, California and Illinois are 1-2 for worst run states. According to Yahoo Finance, California, Rhode Island, and Illinois, in that order.

[iceknight]

Don't sell racino taxes short.

When one looks at DIRECT CASINO TAX REVENUES BY STATE one finds that the top state in the country is (amazingly) not Nevada with all its billion dollar casinos.

No, it is Pennsylvania.s[/URL] Casino Revenue in PA is just intra governmental transfer (Source (http://www.paceadvantage.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1439109&postcount=1) )

[Mr_Ed]

ADW passed the House today 90-18.

Off to the Senate.

[Striker]

ADW passed the House today 90-18.

Off to the Senate.
It will pass the Senate and hopefully then Quinn the Clown signs it.

[Mr_Ed]

SPRINGFIELD — A push to once again allow Illinoisans to bet on horses online continues to advance after the Illinois House on Sunday approved the proposal.

Arlington International Racecourse officials are among the horse racing industry advocates wanting to give gamblers back their online betting abilities after the rules allowing it expired at the beginning of the year.

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130526/news/705269838/

[olddaddy]

It really confuses me why churchill took so long to push this. Something still stinks.

[jdhanover]

It really confuses me why churchill took so long to push this. Something still stinks.

My guess - Was hung up with all the casino talk. Eventually they got thru to the pols that this shouldnt be tied to that. Most pols probably were clueless on this issue.

[olddaddy]

Eventually they got thru to the pols that this shouldnt be tied to that. Most pols probably were clueless on this issue.


Thats why large corporations that have an interest in a legislative matter have lobbyists. January 1 to yesterday is a long time. There is more to this story but all I want is for this pass now.

[jdhanover]

Thats why large corporations that have an interest in a legislative matter have lobbyists. January 1 to yesterday is a long time. There is more to this story but all I want is for this pass now.

Agree

[Mr_Ed]

I believe the bill ultimately piggybacked a state comptrollers bill.

[Hoofless_Wonder]

It will pass the Senate and hopefully then Quinn the Clown signs it.
Referring to Quinn as a clown is an insult to clowns everywhere.

Looks like the bill is on the senate's calendar for Tuesday, May 28th. Mr_Ed is correct. What started out as a bill to mandate electronic pay stubs for state agencies and their retirees (/sarcasm on - how MODERN of them - /sarcasm off), now has two major riders added by the House. The first has to do with Chicago State University raiding the kitty to keep their crap school afloat, while the second has the horse racing laws around ADW and other details on how racing and casino revenues are split up.

As much as I'd like to see the ADW get turned back on, someone would have to convince me that Chicago State deserves any more funding before I'd vote for it. With a graduation rate of 16.2% as of 2007, it's running neck and neck with Chicago's other fine public schools in quality.

[Hoofless_Wonder]

One day to go in the spring session, and it's not looking good. The state general assembly has so much going on, I just don't see either of the bills that would turn ADW back on getting through today. My odds:

#1 Nothing happens, no ADW in IL until fall (1-9)
#2 SB1884 (comptroller bill) gets passed and signed (3-1)
#3 SB1739 (casino expansion) gets passed and signed (7-1)

I thought #2 was a back up bill to save the fairs, but maybe not. I hope I'm wrong on the odds here. Fingers crossed, rapping knuckles on skull.

Other items floating through state gubermint this week include 3rd Chicago airport, conceal carry, pension reform, fracking, state employee back pay, state budget, same sex marriage, use of drones, cell phone ban while driving, heroin task force and the "puppy lemon" bill. Good grief.

[illinoisbred]

Difficult to tell what's going on. SB 1884 was supposed to be brought up for a vote yesterday. A friend who's much more knowledgeable than me of the doings in Springfield messaged me yesterday saying that the larger gambling bill may be brought up, and now has Quinn's support....Huh? Wheeling and dealing..this probably comes down to the last hour today. How many times can Lou Lang mislead us?

[Hoofless_Wonder]

According to this article, Lou isn't driving SB1739 any more due to a "conflict of interest".

http://www.sj-r.com/thedome/x1039449236/Gaming-Board-chairman-Separate-Chicago-casino-into-its-own-bill

The sausage factory in Springfield is unreal.....

[dfifo]

Illinois is just messed up. Hoofless, you forgot #4.

#4 State Legislature Extends their session for 2 weeks and passes the gambling expansion.

Today is the last day they can act on SB1884, whatever that means.


5/24/2013 House Final Action Deadline Extended-9(b) May 31, 2013

[Mr_Ed]

If at first you don’t succeed, keep on sucking till you do succeed. — Curly Howard of the Three Stooges

[Hoofless_Wonder]

I don't see any references to an extension of the session in the Springfield paper:

http://www.sj-r.com/thedome

These lazy, crooked, slime ball politicians aren't going to pass up their "vacation".....

[Striker]

SB1884 passed the Senate and now goes to Quinn.

[olddaddy]

Just got this email from twinspires


Important Message For Illinois Account Holders

We are happy to report progress has been made to restore your ability to wager online. Legislation that would again allow Illinois residents to wager on horse racing online has passed both the House and Senate. The bill is now being sent to the Governor for his signature.

Once the Governor signs the bill, TwinSpires.com will again be able to accept wagers from Illinois residents. Since this could happen any time, we wanted to reach out in advance to see if you needed any assistance with your account? If you do need assistance, please reach out to TwinSpires.com Player Services via email, live chat or by phone at 877-SPIRES-1.

In addition to our numerous online deposit options, you can make deposits and withdraws in person at Arlington Park or any Arlington Park OTB location.

We are closely monitoring the situation and will let you know immediately via email when you can begin wagering on your TwinSpires.com account.

Sincerely,

TwinSpires.com Team

[Mr_Ed]

Same ole message from Xpressbet.................

At the request of the Illinois Racing Board, Xpressbet will not accept wagers from Illinois residents until further notice.
We apologize for the inconvenience this presents and will keep you updated on any progress toward the anticipated passing of HB4466 in late February.
You will have full access to live video, Pro Shop products, race information, race replays, free daily picks, deposits, withdrawals and account information.
We will update you with more information as it becomes available. Thank you for your understanding and for choosing Xpressbet as your account wagering provider.

[Hoofless_Wonder]

I received the email from Twinspires as well.

I went back and searched through Quinn's several hundred tweets back to the first of the year and searched for "ADW", "horse", "casino" and "gambling" and found nothing. No hints as to whether he'll sign SB1884 passed today.

According to the link posted by Mr_Ed earlier though, the bill would siphon off $86M of casino dough to "education", so surely PQ won't want to disappoint the children?

As mentioned earlier, there's more to this whole saga then the public version of events.....

[betovernetcapper]

According my reading of this is the ADW extension is on the Governors desk.

http://www.barntowire.com/2013/ITHA130531a.html

Speaking for myself, that's all I wanted. If Chicago goes without a casino and the tracks without slots and the horse men without whatever they think they're entitled to I can only say

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CI779D2tLyk

As a side note regarding "the children", pretty much the only way they were going to see any of the gambling money it is if they won it. Perhaps they should introduce card counting as part of the math curriculum. :)

[olddaddy]

Looks like this nonsense will probably begin again february of next year.

[ArlJim78]

Just got an email from Twinspires, online wagering is back.
whoop ti doo.

[illinoisbred]

Access to the wagering pad just came up on Twinspires.

[Hoofless_Wonder]

Nice. Saves me a trip to the OTB to play the Brooklyn/Belmont double. Sweet!

Also, now I'll get full prices in the event I cash a ticket on the Belmont, without the "2.5%" surcharge.....

Twinspires also offering a 10% rebate on Illinois tracks this weekend (Sat and Sun) and next weekend (Fri-Sun). Too bad I don't play Illinois tracks....

[Mr_Ed]

Access to the wagering pad just came up on Twinspires.

Same for Xpressbet.

[Steve 'StatMan']

Was starting to wonder if the Gov was going to let it sit and linger. Glad he found his pen.

[Longshot6977]

Congrats to all the Illinois horseplayers.:ThmbUp:

[mannyberrios]

Congrats to all the Illinois horseplayers.:ThmbUp:
That is great news, I'm happy for everybody in Illinois

[Lasix67]

That is great news. Now Texas has to get it together, however I'm not holding my breath.

[olddaddy]

xpressbet gave illinois customers 10 bucks.

[illinoisbred]

10% rebate for Illinois residents on Illinois races this weekend and next offered up by Twinspires.

[Hoofless_Wonder]

xpressbet gave illinois customers 10 bucks.

I got $25 in my account. I don't use it too often, but hey, it's "free" dough...

[olddaddy]

I got $25 in my account. I don't use it too often, but hey, it's "free" dough...


Thats great. I wonder why Tvg isnt giving out anything

[dlgreg]

Here's the opening line to the e-mail I got from xpressbet:

We are happy to announce that the Illinois State Legislature has legalized online wagering on racing by passing Amendment #1 to Senate Bill 1884. With online betting restored for Illinois residents, now is the best time to come back to Xpressbet. In fact, we'd like to offer you $50 in wagering credits when you deposit and wager $50 by June 30, 2013.

[olddaddy]

http://www.drf.com/news/illinois-racing-faces-its-own-fiscal-cliff


Here we go again.

[thaskalos]

When your product's entire statewide handle gets to a point where it produces less than $7.5 million in annual taxes for the state, then you have lost your clout with the state's politicians...and your bluffs can no longer be counted upon to bring about the intended results.

Horse racing is "small potatoes" in the state of Illinois...and the casinos are the large Idaho potatoes. Our game could fade into oblivion, and the Illinois state coffers would never even notice the disappearance. The casinos would more than pick up the slack...