Illinois looking to implement online lottery

[AbeFroman17]

Was listening to WGN this morning and State Rep Saviano was promoting his idea of making the Illinois lottery available online. For all of the usual reasons...need money, can't stop spending, etc. But, for anyone is the "know", would this force Illinois to change its stance on internet gambling where is specifically forbidden now?

I think this is a terrible idea, but in this day and age, it amazes me the potential bedfellows you can make. If this changes the law, then, sure, let all the poor people get soaked for more dough by the lottery.

Mac

[ImsaKidd]

I want them to legalize the lottery because it makes them look like bigger hypocrites.

[Skallagrim]

In Illinois its illegal to play any game, whether its a skill game or a chance game, for money. And yes this pretty obviously includes the internet.

They would, it seems to me, have to rewrite the law somewhat for an online lottery, but I doubt they would do it in anyway that it affected playing poker.

It is very arguable, however, that poker tournaments, if they can fit the definition of "contests" are legal under Illinois law - here skill does matter.

Skallagrim

[tsearcher]

[ QUOTE ]
In Illinois its illegal to play any game, whether its a skill game or a chance game, for money. And yes this pretty obviously includes the internet.

They would, it seems to me, have to rewrite the law somewhat for an online lottery, but I doubt they would do it in anyway that it affected playing poker.

It is very arguable, however, that poker tournaments, if they can fit the definition of "contests" are legal under Illinois law - here skill does matter.

Skallagrim

[/ QUOTE ]

Could you flesh this out more. As stated it can't be true, since we have riverboat casinos, horse tracks, the lottery and charity casino nights.

[DeadMoneyDad]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
In Illinois its illegal to play any game, whether its a skill game or a chance game, for money. And yes this pretty obviously includes the internet.

They would, it seems to me, have to rewrite the law somewhat for an online lottery, but I doubt they would do it in anyway that it affected playing poker.

It is very arguable, however, that poker tournaments, if they can fit the definition of "contests" are legal under Illinois law - here skill does matter.

Skallagrim

[/ QUOTE ]

Could you flesh this out more. As stated it can't be true, since we have riverboat casinos, horse tracks, the lottery and charity casino nights.

[/ QUOTE ]

Depends on who operates the game and if a buy-in is involved. See 720 ILCS 5/28‑1. In the pub leage example since (a) A person commits gambling when he:
(b) Participants in any of the following activities shall not be convicted of gambling therefor:
(2) Offers of prizes, award or compensation to the actual contestants in any bona fide contest for the determination of skill, speed, strength or endurance or to the owners of animals or vehicles entered in such contest;


Both buy-ins and freerolls have a skills game argument.


D$D

[Skallagrim]

No - it depends on whether a poker tournament fits the category of "a bone fide contest of skill...." Illinois law exempts such things from the definition of gambling. I said it was arguable, and I am sure every illinois law-enforcement official would be happy to argue it.

If I misread the point of your question, the reason all those other things exist is becasue they too are defined as exempt from illegal gambliing.

Skallagrim