Media Coverage of Chip Schmadeke's Appointment as Chair of the Illinois Gaming Board

On July 29, 2019, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced the appointment of Hinshaw partner Charles Schmadeke as Chair of the Illinois Gaming Board. Here is a summary of some the media coverage given to the appointment and Schmadeke's first board meeting as chair.

Peter Hancock reported on Schmadeke's first board meeting as chair. At the meeting, Schmadeke said that "maintaining [public] confidence must undergird everything we do. Achieving and preserving the integrity of the gaming industry in Illinois will be at the heart of my tenure on this board, and based upon what I know I believe that also applies to the board as a whole and to the staff. We will undertake our responsibility as effectively and as efficiently as possible, but we will not compromise on issues of integrity."

Chicago Sun-Times: "Pritzker's new gambling guru takes over: 'These are not ordinary times'"

"Achieving and preserving the integrity of the gaming industry and Illinois will be at the heart of my tenure on this board," Charles Schmadeke said, as the state embarks on its massive gambling expansion.

Chicago Sun-Times: "Tough' new Illinois Gaming Board chairman faced with massive gambling expansion"

The aptly nicknamed Charles 'Chip' Schmadeke is getting ready for a whirlwind bidding process for six new and highly coveted casino licenses. Ex-bosses say he has the right temperament for the high-stakes, low-glamor job.

"[Chip Schmadeke is] one of the key litigation partners we have in the group on meaty, constitutional matters," [Hinshaw Firm Managing Partner Bob] Shannon said. "He has a really deep understanding of the legal workings of government thanks to his past senior positions in the state. He's a very well-rounded litigator."

Chicago Daily Law Bulletin: "Hinshaw attorney appointed head of Illinois Gaming Board"

Charles R. Schmadeke, partner in charge at Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP's Springfield office, became chair of the Illinois Gaming Board on Monday. The board is tasked with permitting licenses for new casinos — including one cleared to be built in Chicago — and overseeing legalized sports betting.

The move comes as the governor faces heat over empty spots at the body charged with handling the massive gambling expansion in Illinois.

Chicago Tribune: "Gov. J.B. Pritzker fills two seats on Illinois Gaming Board as work toward Chicago casino, massive gambling expansion begins"

A month after signing legislation authorizing a massive expansion of gambling in Illinois, Gov. J.B. Pritzker has filled two vacancies on the board charged with awarding licenses for new casinos, including one in Chicago, and overseeing the rollout of legalized sports betting.