As the year comes to a close, Universal Gaming Group reflects on an eventful and successful 2024. From expanding our network of live locations to launching innovative loyalty programs and navigating industry shifts, this year has been one for the books. Keep reading for a comprehensive recap of our proud achievements, expansive growth, and the exciting future ahead.
2024 Total Live Locations
This year, Universal Gaming Group significantly expanded our footprint, bringing our services to 17 new live partner locations across Illinois. Each addition strengthens our network and reinforces our commitment to offering top-tier gaming experiences. Here’s a snapshot of our new partnerships:
- The Pizza Kitchen, LLC (Wood Dale, IL)
- Chestnut Gaming (Murphysboro, IL)
- Southbound Bar & Liquor (Marion, IL)
- Bonnie Cafe (Nashville, IL)
- E77 Midlothian (Midlothian, IL)
- Sammi’s Cafe (Posen, IL)
- The Old Show Room (Christopher, IL)
- Honey Bee Restaurant (Antioch, IL)
- Booby’s (Carbondale, IL)
- Parkside Tavern (Petersburg, IL)
- Stag-R-Inn LLC (Emden, IL)
- Midway Liquor & Tobacco (West City, IL)
- C’Ville Roadhouse Company (Carpentersville, IL)
- Gemato’s Wood Pit BBQ (Worth, IL)
- Los Dos Pollos Grill (Rolling Meadows, IL)
- Filling Station (Bath, IL)
- JJ’s Pizza Villa 2 (Anna, IL)
These partnerships bring exciting new opportunities for gaming enthusiasts and underscore our dedication to supporting businesses across the state of Illinois.
Company Growth
2024 was a year of evolution for Universal Gaming Group. In addition to growing our partner location count, we invested in expanding our team to better serve our clients:
- New Team Members: We welcomed an additional Account Manager, a Marketing Coordinator, and bolstered our service team to ensure swift response times for our growing portfolio.
- Enhanced Services: Our expanded team enables us to maintain and elevate our industry-best standards of service while scaling our operations to meet increased demand.
My Player Perks Loyalty Program
This year marked the full rollout of My Player Perks, our cutting-edge loyalty program, across all Universal Gaming Group accounts by March 2024. Designed for convenience and engagement, players now enjoy seamless check-ins via mobile apps and on-site kiosks, and real rewards that members want!
Key Highlights:
- Membership Milestone: Thousands of members joined across the state of Illinois in the program’s first year, with new sign-ups daily.
- Bonus Days: We hosted 51 bonus point days, keeping the excitement alive year-round.
- Sweepstakes Success: The 5th Annual 12 Days of Giveaways became our most successful sweepstakes to date, surpassing previous records for entries and participation within the first week.
Navigating Industry Changes
Like any dynamic industry, 2024 brought regulatory and administrative changes to video gaming in Illinois. Here’s how we adapted:
- Administrative Fee Increase: Effective January 1, 2024, Light & Wonder raised the administrative fee to 0.92%, slightly reducing Terminal Operators’ and Establishments’ NTI shares to 32.53%.
- Tax Increase: Starting July 1, 2024, the Illinois General Assembly implemented a 1% NTI tax increase, bringing the rate to 35%.
- Market Growth: Despite these challenges, the industry thrived, with 654 new locations going live statewide in 2024, and 81 new licenses approved at the final IGB meeting of the year in December.
- New Games: 2024 introduced a variety of new games and cutting-edge VGT cabinets that generated significant excitement and success, attracting players and enhancing the gaming experience.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we gear up for another year, Universal Gaming Group has a host of exciting initiatives on the horizon:
- TITO Implementation: Anticipated to begin in early 2025, this advancement will enhance convenience and security for players and operators alike.
- Legislative Opportunities: The industry remains optimistic about potential legislative enhancements to build upon the progress made in 2019.
- My Player Perks Expansion: With a packed schedule of bonus points, social media giveaways, and sweepstakes, 2025 promises even greater engagement for our loyalty members and our partner locations.
- New Partnerships: Our pipeline is brimming with new accounts eager to join the Universal Gaming Group family.
As we close the chapter on 2024, we celebrate the milestones achieved and look forward to an even brighter 2025. Thank you to our partners, team members, and loyal customers who made this year a success. Stay tuned for more exciting developments in the new year!
