Governor JB Pritzker has signed laws that may enable people with sure felony convictions the chance to use for non-gaming positions at Illinois casinos, primarily within the hospitality trade.
The Illinois Gaming Board labored with UNITE HERE Local 1 and Senate Bill 1462’s sponsors Senator Robert Peters and Representative Kam Buckner to draft the invoice.
“Here in the Land of Lincoln, we believe that people deserve second chances—and that includes the formerly incarcerated and those who have been convicted of a felony,” stated Governor JB Pritzker. “As we transform our justice system away from incarceration and towards rehabilitation, we are creating opportunities for Illinoisans who’ve made mistakes to secure gainful employment and build better lives for themselves, their families, and their communities.”
Currently underneath state regulation, individuals who have a felony conviction are ineligible to work at a on line casino in each gaming and non-gaming positions.
SB 1462 removes computerized disqualification for non-gaming positions and permits the IGB to contemplate particular person info and circumstances about previous prison convictions when making a licensing choice for on line casino occupational license candidates.
The jobs affected by SB 1462 are for non-gaming positions resembling restaurant employees, upkeep, and housekeeping.
“Individuals impacted by the justice system often have a hard time seeking worthwhile employment opportunities when transitioning back into society,” stated State Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago). “These individuals have served their time and should be able to move on with their lives. There are many non-gaming related jobs within casinos, such as hospitality-related positions. Connecting this vulnerable community with these good paying union jobs will empower folks to become financially secure and stimulate the growth of safe communities.”
“I applaud the efforts of Governor Pritzker and the bill’s sponsors to enact Senate Bill 1462 into law,” stated IGB Administrator Marcus Fruchter. “This law preserves the IGB’s necessary ability to protect the integrity of Illinois gaming while providing an opportunity for gainful employment in non-gaming casino positions to applicants with prior convictions.”