The IGB recently held its March meeting, with all four Board members present and a relatively short agenda. Administrator Marcus Fruchter began with a reminder that March is Problem Gambling Awareness month. Fruchter noted a statewide art contest to promote the power of recovery, which is open to all Illinois residents age 14 or older. The winning submissions will be featured in several public exhibits. More information and submissions can be found here.
Fruchter voiced warnings about using unlicensed and illegal operators, specifically calling out sweepstakes games that mimic slots and VGTs. Those devices do not generate any tax revenue or include any consumer protections for users. Fruchter mentioned that the IGB is supportive of proposed legislation HB 2879 and SB 1705, which aim to eliminate any loopholes in the law for these devices.
TITO Coming to Illinois Gaming
Administrator Fruchter announced that TITO will be available to the video gaming industry on July 22, 2025. VGTs with TITO functionality that have been GLI-tested and approved will be enabled on that date. Manufacturers should submit their TITO software for testing as soon as possible to avoid a delay in TITO activation. Once that testing is complete, TOs may volunteer to participate in a field trial to test the functionality of VGTs with active play.
TITO has been a hot topic as of late, and for good reason. Read about how TITO could have a sizable impact on VGT revenue for small businesses, and improve the player experience. This is an exciting development for the gaming industry.
Fruchter closed his opening remarks with an announcement that the IGB is monitoring and investigating all activity related to revenue sharing relationships, sales agent behavior and similar topics that could violate IGB Rule 350, which covers inducements. The IGB has issued a Notice of Investigation to all TOs asking for them to identify any sales agent used at the request of a Licensed Establishment or applicant. TOs and establishments should be mindful of the expansive nature of Rule 350. It is clear that the IGB has started to focus on these activities.
The Numbers
Illinois currently hosts 16 casinos, 14 sportsbooks (including a new one from Taft client, bet365), 58 active Terminal Operators, 8,662 VGT establishments, and 48,826 VGTs. In January, VGTs produced NTI of $238,743,816, generating a total tax of $83,560,498–$71,276,219 going to the State, and $12,284,278 to local municipalities. In February, Casinos had AGR of $141,318,118, which yielded total tax of $26,886,229. January sports wagering AGR was $146,835,469, which produced total tax of $54,048,214. The State kept the majority ($52,525,858), while Cook County received $1,522,356. By all appearances, the industry is off to a good start in 2025.
Licensing Updates
The IGB did not consider any new TO applicants but did issue 2 new Technician licenses and 36 new Terminal Handler licenses. One Notice of Denial was issued to Desiree Monique Mitchell. The Board also granted 68 establishment licenses today, and Notices of Denial to Ohio Fuel & Food LLC, and Two Wheel Inn.
The Board voted to rescind its December Non-Renewal of William F. Earnest, Post No. 559, d/b/a American Legion Post No. 559 (Champaign) after an ineligible officer was removed from his post and the establishment agreed to pay a $1,500 fine.
To wrap up the day, the Board reviewed and clarified the ALJ’s decision on the denial of Dodona Gaming LLC. The IGB initially denied this Terminal Operator applicant due to a concerning association with an individual. While the ALJ recommended upholding the denial, their wording about associations and suitability could lead to confusion, so the Board revised it.
In simple terms, there are two key questions:
- Does a problematic association exist?
- If so, does it affect the applicant’s suitability?
Having an association alone doesn’t automatically determine an applicant’s eligibility. The IGB will investigate whether the association poses a risk to the people of Illinois or the integrity of gaming.
The next IGB meeting is scheduled for April 24. Don’t forget to follow Universal Gaming Group on LinkedIn for ongoing updates, industry news and more gaming insights!
Must be 21 or older to game. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) or text “GAMB” to 833234. Individuals can enroll in the IGB Self-Exclusion Program at all of the IGB offices located at all casinos. Additional information can be found at https://www.igb.illinois.gov/selfexclusion.
