Illinois online gaming operators took a hit this week when Gov. JB Pritzker signed a budget bill that increases the sports betting tax rate.

However, that tax increase could eventually help give those same operators a boost. It could be the first step toward Illinois online casino legalization.

PlayUSA spoke with two key Illinois House lawmakers about the sports betting tax increase and how it could impact online casino efforts.

House Gaming Committee Chairman Dan Didech said he wasn’t crazy about raising taxes, but it was necessary this year to pass a balanced budget.

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