Illinois Senate President Don Harmon’s campaign says it will give $50,000 to local charities after questions arose about a campaign contribution from the parent company of an online gaming platform that state regulators have accused of operating illegally in Illinois.
The contribution came from ARB Interactive, the company behind Modo, a sweepstakes-style online casino platform that has come under scrutiny from gaming regulators in multiple states. Records filed with the Illinois State Board of Elections show that Friends of Don Harmon for State Senate received the $50,000 contribution on Jan. 6, making it one of the largest donations received by the campaign in 2026.
The donation attracted attention after the Illinois Gaming Board sent Modo a cease-and-desist letter the following month. Regulators alleged that the platform was offering unauthorized online casino games to Illinois residents and violating state law.
According to Harmon’s office, the Senate president met briefly with representatives from ARB Interactive during the winter. A spokesperson said the meeting lasted about 15 minutes and did not involve discussion of the company’s gambling interests.
“Senate President Harmon has long been among the most skeptical voices in Springfield as to the wisdom of putting a slot machine in every Illinoisan’s pocket, and he remains so today,” the spokesperson said, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Contribution Draws Attention After Regulatory Action
The Illinois Gaming Board’s February cease-and-desist notice stated that regulators observed Modo providing Illinois users access to slot machines and table games through internet and mobile platforms. According to the agency, participants could win cash, gift cards, and other prizes despite the company lacking authorization to operate such activities in the state.
In the letter, regulators wrote: “On January 15, 2026, the IGB observed that you offered Illinois users the ability to play slots and table games (‘Games’) through both the internet and mobile devices. The Games gave users the opportunity to win cash, gift cards, and other prizes in violation of Illinois law.”
The agency further stated: “It is unlawful to knowingly establish, maintain or operate an Internet site that permits a person to play a game of chance or skill for money or other thing of value via the Internet, or that permits a person to make a wager upon the result of any sport, game, contest, political nomination, appointment or election via the Internet, without an IGB-issued license. The IGB has neither licensed nor authorized Modo to engage in online gambling activity.”
The timing of the contribution also generated interest because it arrived shortly before lawmakers began a legislative session during which gambling-related matters were expected to receive attention, although no significant regulatory changes advanced.
Before 2026, ARB Interactive had not made contributions to Illinois political committees. The company also retained an Illinois lobbying firm this year as policymakers and regulators increased their focus on sweepstakes-style gaming operations.
Regulators and Critics Intensify Scrutiny
Illinois officials are not alone in their concerns regarding Modo. Arizona’s Department of Gaming has previously characterized the platform as a criminal enterprise operating in violation of state law.
The company also faces a federal lawsuit in California. Court filings accuse Modo of disguising gambling operations as a sweepstakes platform and allege that the business exploited a customer with bipolar disorder who spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on the site.
According to the lawsuit, the player spent extensive time using the platform and sought help controlling his activity. Court records state that he requested a reduction in his VIP status to limit his engagement. The complaint alleges that an employee responded: “I cannot do that to you. You deserve to be there.”
The lawsuit further claims that the company engaged in “predatory conduct” and allowed the customer to continue participating despite his stated concerns.
Critics of online gambling have used the controversy to renew warnings about the expansion of digital casino products.
“Online gambling is ‘gambling fentanyl,’ ” says Les Bernal of Stop Predatory Gambling, an advocacy group. “That’s how dangerous it is, that’s how addictive it is,” especially for “young people.”
“Politicians accepting money from these gambling fentanyl dealers, it’s like accepting campaign donations from the Mexican drug cartels,” Bernal said.
Another lawmaker involved in gambling policy also received money connected to ARB Interactive. State Rep. Bob Rita, who has played a prominent role in gambling legislation, received a $2,500 contribution in March from an employee of the company.
Modo Disputes Allegations as Investigation Continues
ARB Interactive rejects the Illinois Gaming Board’s conclusions and says its operations comply with state law.
“ARB Interactive respectfully disagrees with the Illinois Gaming Board’s legal interpretation and has provided the board with a detailed legal analysis supporting our position that our platform operates lawfully under Illinois law. We have requested the opportunity to meet with the board multiple times and remain committed to constructive engagement as we work to resolve this issue. Any political contributions made by or on behalf of the company were lawful, publicly disclosed and fully compliant with applicable campaign-finance laws.”
The company has continued operating in Illinois despite receiving the cease-and-desist notice. Modo’s website remains available to users in the state, and ARB has indicated that it is prepared to defend its business model if legal action moves forward.
The controversy has unfolded as broader debates continue across the country regarding sweepstakes casinos. Operators argue that these platforms function differently from traditional online gambling businesses, while regulators in several states have increasingly moved to classify them as unlicensed casino operations.