New Illinois Bill Allows Felons to Work in Casinos

By Jerry Smith Staff Writer Updated: 06/12/2023

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Jerry’s greatest advantage is his extensive experience on the casino floor. His time as a casino manager taught him everything about what makes a player tick. Besides being a skilled poker player, he has deep knowledge of all live table games and gambling regulations in the US.

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New Illinois Bill

It has been revealed that the Illinois Legislature has passed a bill that will allow people with felony convictions to work at casinos. Senate Bill 1462 is now set to be sent to the state governor, JB Pritzker, to be signed into law.

The bill could spell good news for those who have felony convictions but want to find employment, but it could also prove beneficial for casinos, many of which have struggled to find staff following the global pandemic.

SB1462 passed the Senate with a 44-12 vote in the final days of this year’s session. While the decision is likely to cause some controversy, it will make a big difference when it comes to staffing levels within the industry, which have become problematic over the past couple of years.

It will enable those who have felony convictions to compete equally for positions within the casino and hospitality industry within the state.

Applicants will Need Occupational License

It was further revealed that potential employees with convictions will need to secure an occupational license from the Illinois Gaming Board for non-gaming positions at gaming establishments.

The IGB will also be able to review the applicants on an individual basis, and they can refuse to issue a license if they deem it appropriate. This is likely to happen in cases where the nature of the conviction could put public interest and safety or the integrity of gaming at risk.

Before issuing a license, the gaming board will need to take into consideration all matters relating to the person’s convictions, including the number of convictions they have and how severe the charges were. The timing of the conviction along with other factors will also be taken into consideration when making a decision.

Bill Waiting for Governor’s Signature

The bill still needs to be signed by the state governor, and some have pointed out that a similar bill was passed in New York last year but was ultimately vetoed by the state governor, Kathy Hochul. The labor legislation in Illinois was introduced in February by Senator Peters, and he said that it would help open new doors and opportunities for work.

Those who do succeed in getting a license from the gaming board will be able to apply for jobs and work in casinos in non-gaming positions.

Senator Peters said that the range of positions with decent pay for those who had felony convictions was ‘few and far between’. He added:

Connecting those with prior justice system involvement with employment by allowing them to perform functions in a casino that do not involve gaming ensures financial stability and decreases the likelihood of backsliding into the justice system.

The many casinos that are desperate to find employees will also benefit if the bill goes through and is signed into law. Just weeks ago, Bally’s was advertising for up to 700 jobs to be filled at one of its temporary locations and its proposed permanent one. If the bill is signed in, more people will be eligible to apply for these positions.