Illinois Senate President Don Harmon‘s campaign said it would give $50,000 to local charities after questions arose about campaign contributions from the parent company of an online gaming platform accused by state regulators of operating illegally in Illinois.
This contribution comes from ARB Interactive, the company behind Modoa sweepstakes-style online casino platform that has come under intense scrutiny from gaming regulators in many states. Records filed with the Illinois State Board of Elections show that Don Harmon’s Friends for State Senate received a $50,000 donation on January 6making it one of the largest donations the campaign received in 2026.
The donation caught the attention of the Illinois Gaming Board sent Modo a cease and desist letter the following month. Regulators alleged that the platforms offered unauthorized online casino games to Illinois residents and violated state law.
According to Harmon’s office, the Senate president met briefly with representatives from ARB Interactive over the winter. A spokesman said the meeting lasted about 15 minutes and did not involve discussion of the company’s gambling interests.
“Senate President Harmon has long been one of the most skeptical voices in Springfield regarding the wisdom of putting slot machines in the pockets of every Illinoisan, and he remains so today,” the spokesperson said, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Contributions Draw Attention After Regulatory Action
The Illinois Gaming Board’s cease-and-desist notice in February stated that regulators observed Modo providing Illinois users with access to slot machines and table games via the internet and mobile platforms. According to the agency, participants can win cash, gift cards and other prizes even if the company is not licensed to operate such activities in the state.
In the letter, the regulator wrote: “On January 15, 2026, IGB observed that you offered Illinois users the ability to play slots and table games (“Games”) via the internet and mobile devices. The Olympics provides users with 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 any person to play games of chance or skill for money or other things of value over the Internet, or that allows any person to make bets on the outcome of any sport, game, contest, political nomination, appointment, or election over the Internet, without a permit issued by IGB. IGB does not license or authorize Modo to engage in online gambling activities.”
The timing of the donation is also of interest as it comes shortly before lawmakers begin a legislative session in which gambling-related issues are expected to receive attention, despite no significant regulatory changes.
Prior to 2026, ARB Interactive has not contributed to an Illinois political committee. The company also retained a lobbying firm in Illinois this year as policymakers and regulators increased their focus on lottery-style gaming operations.
Regulators and Critics Intensify Scrutiny
Illinois officials are not alone in their concerns about Modo. The Arizona Department of Gaming previously classified the platform as a criminal enterprise operating in violation of state law.
The company also faces a federal lawsuit in California. The court filing accuses Modo of disguising its gambling operations as a sweepstakes platform and alleges that the business exploited customers with bipolar disorder who spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on the site.
According to the lawsuit, the player spent a lot of time using the platform and sought help to control his activity. Court records state that he requested a reduction in his VIP status to limit his engagements. The complaint alleges that an employee responded: "I couldn’t do that to you. You deserved to be there.”
The lawsuit further claims that the company was involved in “predatory behavior” and allowing the customer to continue participating even if he or she expresses concerns.
Critics of online gambling have used the controversy to renew warnings about the expansion of digital casino products.
“Online gambling is ‘fentanyl gambling,’” say Les Bernal from Stop Predatory Gamblingan advocacy group. “How dangerous, how addictive,” especially for “young people.”
“Politicians accepting money from gambling fentanyl dealers is like accepting campaign donations from Mexican drug cartels.” Bernal said.
Other lawmakers involved in gambling policy also received money related to ARB Interactive. State Representative. Bob Ritawhich has played a key role in gambling legislation, received a $2,500 contribution in March from a company employee.
Modo Denies Allegations as Investigation Continues
ARB Interactive rejected the Illinois Gaming Board’s conclusion and said its operations comply with state law.
"ARB Interactive respectfully disagrees with the Illinois Gaming Board’s interpretation of the law and has provided the board with a detailed legal analysis that supports our position that our platform operates lawfully under Illinois law. We have requested the opportunity to meet with the board several times and remain committed to constructive engagement as we work to resolve this matter. Any political contributions made by or on behalf of the company are legal, publicly disclosed, and fully comply with applicable campaign finance laws.”
The company continues to operate in Illinois despite receiving a 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 the legal action proceeds.
This controversy comes to light as a broader debate continues across the country regarding casino sweepstakes. Operators argue that these platforms function differently from traditional online gambling businesses, while regulators in some states are increasingly classifying them as unlicensed casino operations.
