Welcome to another Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) recap with everything you need to know about the latest industry news and regulations.
The March open meeting, held on March 14, 2024, kicked off with Administrator Marcus Fruchter highlighting that March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month. This is a great time for operators to raise player awareness about resources for problem gambling.
Requesting Input from Operators and Gaming Businesses
Fruchter emphasized the importance of public comments on rule proposals, and is requesting input from operators and businesses, noting that they help improve rules and the industry as a whole. One topic of interest is the possibility of providing temporary permits or expedited licensing to establishment applicants under certain circumstances, such as when the applicant already owns and operates other licensed establishments and has thereby already been vetted by the IGB. In these cases, the IGB could issue an expedited license or TOP (Temporary Operating Permit).
Fruchter noted, however, that the IGB is not open to any expedited process for applicants on an overall basis, and that the focus for expedited processes is narrow.
Comments on this topic and any others are due by April 30th, and stakeholders are encouraged to share their thoughts. Contact us if you’d like to share any thoughts or ideas with us
A Plea From Thornton’s
Jim Zorn of Thornton’s truck stops addressed the board regarding delays in processing and licensing Thornton’s applications. While four locations were licensed in February, nine others remain pending, some since 2018. Fruchter assured that the IGB is working diligently to process these applications efficiently.
Licensing Updates
The IGB issued four new Technician licenses and 62 Terminal Handler licenses during the meeting. However, Notices of Denial were issued to LaSheryl Doris Poole and James Daryck Bosley, and a Notice of Non-Renewal was issued to Gary Scott Shelton for his Terminal Handler license.
Additionally, the IGB approved 82 new Establishment licenses, with only one Notice of Denial to Sergio’s Barbecue, Inc., d/b/a Rob’s Barbecue. Fruchter also used his authority to deny Chalkey’s Tavern, Inc. as statutorily ineligible to hold a license. The Board rescinded the previous denial issued to Jay Maa Mogal LLC, d/b/a On the Rocks, resulting in 83 new licensees in March.
Economic Disassociation
The Board instructed Gold Rush Amusements, Inc. to disassociate from Eli Rosenfeld and Rayleen Panicola, d/b/a RMSP Services, for allegedly failing to comply with IGB requests during the sales agent registration process.
Requests for Hearings
Only one Request for Hearing was entertained, which was denied for failing to state a prima facie case. The request was from Jai Sriram Inc., d/b/a AM Star, outlining a plan to come into future compliance with the Video Gaming Act’s requirements barring establishments from within 100 feet of a place of worship.
The next open meeting is scheduled for April 25th, 2024. Don’t forget to follow Universal Gaming Group on LinkedIn for ongoing updates, industry news and more gaming insights!
