HB 5443 Illinois House · 104th Regular Session

SPORTS WAGER-FANTASY CONTEST

Summary
Amends the Sports Wagering Act. Defines "sports wagering". Provides restrictions on pool sports wagering. Provides that the Illinois Gaming Board may issue master sports wagering licenses to persons to conduct sports wagering over the Internet or by mobile applications. Provides that applicants shall pay the Board a nonrefundable $250,000 application fee for a master sports wagering license. Provides that the initial fee for a master sports wagering license for an online sports wagering operator is $15,000,000. Provides that the master sports wagering license is valid for 4 years. Sets forth a $1,000,000 license renewal fee and a privilege tax on the fantasy contest operator licensee's adjusted gross fantasy contest receipts based on specified rates. In a provision concerning voluntary self-exclusion programs for sports wagering, includes fantasy contests. Allows the Board to regulate the conduct of fantasy contest operators under the Act. Creates provisions concerning fantasy contests and legislative intent; definitions; board powers; licensure; conduct of contests; duties of licensees; audits and recordkeeping; and responsible gaming. Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that participants of fantasy contests conducted in accordance with the Sports Wagering Act shall not be convicted of gambling. Makes changes in provisions concerning recoverable gambling losses. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act to authorize emergency rulemaking. Effective immediately.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 6, 2026 Last action Mar 27, 2026
Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
0
Committee
3
Mar 27, 2026
Committee
Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
lower
Feb 24, 2026
Committee
Assigned to Gaming Committee
lower
Feb 13, 2026
Committee
Referred to Rules Committee
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Curtis Tarver
Curtis Tarver
DDemocratic
IL
25