Open your own Gaming Café.
As the premier Illinois terminal operator, Universal Gaming Group is committed to providing you with unparalleled gaming expertise.
Download our gaming café new business guide.
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How it works: Starting your gaming café business
The entire process, from selecting your gaming café location to going live, can take 6-12 months. Here’s an overview of the critical steps, and key questions to consider along the way.
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
1. Choose the Ideal Location
- Are you in an opted-in municipality?
- Are there any local restrictions on gaming establishments? Is there a cap on total number of licenses available? Does your town require a full kitchen? Is there a residency requirement for new gaming businesses?
- What is the local competitive landscape (cafes and non-cafes) within a 5-10 mile radius?
- How big is the space? Can you create a safe and welcoming gaming environment? How much build-out is required?
- Can you negotiate up to 6-12 months rent-free to minimize overheads before going live?
2. Register Your Business and Secure Your City & State Liquor License
- What are the municipal liquor and gaming licensing requirements and associated costs?
- What local permits will be required for gaming area build-outs?
3. Select the Terminal Operator That’s Right for You
- How do they handle service calls? What is their average resolution time? What types of issues can they resolve remotely?
- Do they use an in-house cash collection team, or outsource to a service provider?
- What is their reputation from existing gaming partners?
- How many other locations do they service in your area?
- What quality of service, support, and partnership can they guarantee long-term?
4. Apply for Your Illinois Gaming Establishment License
- At Universal Gaming Group, we will guide you through the video gaming licensing process from start to finish
- We’ll remind you when it’s time to pay your application fee, get fingerprinted, and start preparing for your site inspection
5. Work With Your Terminal Operator to Select the Optimal VGT Lineup
- Our team leverages local market insights and player demographics to select the optimal gaming lineup for your location
- We also provide recommendations on gaming area layout and player amenities
6. Prepare for Go-Live!
- You can begin promoting gaming the moment your Illinois gaming license is granted
- UGG will help you promote your new gaming business via the optimal mix of direct mailers, digital and social media campaigns, player promotions and more
“I have had a great partnership with Universal Gaming Group since October 9, 2012. This was a huge day. We even had WGN and CBS show up with a live broadcast. I never have to ask for updates or new games. Universal is consistently taking care of my location. I strongly recommend Universal Gaming Group to anyone looking for a terminal operator”
Phyllis, Crabby’s Pub
“We have been working with Universal Gaming Group for many years! In the past year we have increased our dual marketing efforts with Universal and have seen a great increase in our revenue. Our private gaming room with custom graphics makes our location one of a kind.”
Nick, Anastasia’s
“Knowledgeable and engaged account manager, creative graphics/marketing team, quick and reliable tech support, and online analytics – Universal Gaming Group has all of these in spades! They continue to be the right gaming partner for my business.”
Maureen, Chance’s Bar & Video Gaming
Why UGG?
Our team is deeply committed to customer service, innovation, integrity, and reliability. You can count on Universal Gaming Group to help you maximize your gaming revenue and navigate Illinois gaming regulations.
Ready to Get Started?
We truly are your partner every step of the way. With licensing and gaming expertise, top-of-the-line equipment and superior service, making the switch is an easy call.
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Or call us at 312.455.0844
About UGG
We’re a full-service Illinois Terminal Operator with more than 40 years of gaming & amusements experience. Our Illinois video gaming experts help you navigate the Illinois Gaming Board so you can maximize gaming revenue & payouts. We provide the latest cabinets and titles, ATMs, and offer one of a kind customer support to increase ROI.
Since our founding in 2009, we have dedicated ourselves to offering our gaming establishment partners a reliable, stable, and compliant video gaming business. We continue to invest in our existing sites while expanding our network throughout Illinois. Our team is deeply committed to customer service, innovation, integrity, and reliability. You can count on Universal Gaming Group to help you maximize your gaming revenue and navigate Illinois gaming regulations.
Download our gaming café new business guide
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