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Lawmakers Approve Online Betting Extension

Jenna Dooley
/
WNIJ

Last minute action by Illinois lawmakers will prevent cuts in the horse racing industry.

Tracks had been threatening to slash the number of race days unless Illinois re-authorized "advanced deposit wagering" -- basically a form of online betting.

Lawmakers rushed it though Wednesday with minimal debate. A few hours later, the governor signed it into law.

State Representative Lou Lang is a Democrat from Skokie:

"This is critical for the horse racing industry, which is an important agri-business part of our state. Many think of this as just gambling,  gambling,  gambling but there are thousands of jobs in the horse racing industry," Lang said.

The Illinois Racing Board -- which regulates the industry -- depends on the Internet-based wagering for much of its funding.