It’s a topic that won’t disappear from anyone’s radar for probably the next two decades – online gambling legislation in the US. The latest debate comes via Illinois, which saw several bills on the topic fail during the last legislative session. However, they’re about to get some CPR and be brought back to life for the upcoming year.

Two hearings have been announced in the state to discuss regulation and legalization of online gambling. Both were set by State Representative Bob Rita, with one scheduled for August 22 and the other for October 2. As always, the discussions will take place in the state capital, Springfield.

Rita was a sponsor of State Senate Bill SB0007 last year, a gambling expansion bill that was one of many discussed during the legislative season. It saw daylight after being approved 33-24-1 in May; however, it was washed out in debates held by a number of Illinois House committees.

Rita is a staunch supporter of online gambling, indicating that it could bring up to $700 million to the state’s coffers. He points out that the state, which suffers from an extremely high deficit, would benefit greatly from the infusion of cash.