The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) held its monthly meeting on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. Board members present at this meeting included Chairman Schmadeke, Member Hayden, Member Kolar, and (newly appointed) Member Brannon.
Administrator’s Report: National Responsible Gaming Education Month
Administrator Fruchter started his report by acknowledging a change in Board members, thanking member Garcia for his service and noting his spot will be filled. He also welcomed Sean Brannon, appointed by the governor on Sept. 9, 2024. Brannon previously held senior roles at the IGB, including Deputy Administrator of Field Operations, and with the Illinois State Police.
Fruchter gave a quick update on the opening of Rockford’s new permanent casino, Hard Rock Casino Rockford, and other casino and racetrack projects in development.He also highlighted September as National Responsible Gaming Education Month, stressing the IGB’s focus on preventing problem gambling year-round. Fruchter encouraged visiting the IGB’s site regarding problem gaming or the state’s “Are You Really Winning” helpline for resources. He also reminded attendees to stick to licensed gambling providers and report any illegal activity via the IGB hotline at (855) 494-0237 or on their website.
New Revenue Numbers
Although some figures are still coming in at the time of this writing, there are currently 15 casinos, 15 sports wagering facilities, 59 terminal operators, and 8,606 live video gaming locations hosting approximately 48,217 Video Gaming Terminals (VGTs), according to the Administrator.
In July, licensed VGTs generated a net terminal income (NTI) of over $241 million which resulted in $84 million in total taxes; with the state’s share of approximately $72 million and local municipalities receiving approximately $12 million. In August, casinos generated an adjusted gross revenue (AGR) of over $140 million with $32 million in taxes going to the state and $8 million to local communities. Total sports wagering AGR generated a taxable amount of $71 million in July, with $14 million in taxes to the state and $739,000 going to Cook County. To date for 2024 (not including August VGT or sports wagering revenues), video gaming, sports wagering, and casinos have generated over $970 million in taxes.
New Rules
The meeting continued with Administrator Fruchter providing a brief overview of proposed additions to the current advertising and marketing rules for sports wagering, Rule 1900.340. Some of the amendments to this rule discussed were:
- Advertisements shall not include false or deceptive claims
- Advertisements shall not promote events as free of risk
- Advertisements shall not describe events as free of risk or free of cost if participants must also use personal funds
- Advertisements shall not publish on college campuses, media outlets, or sports facilities
- Advertisements shall not publish images of college students or collegiate settings
- Advertisements shall not use logos or trademarks on products targeting those under 21 years of age
- Advertisements shall not publish on problem gambling sites
- Advertisements shall allow of patrons to opt out and facilitate such requests as soon as reasonably practicable
Some other proposed rules include new rules for casino gambling, Rule 3000.680, and video gaming, Rule 1800.370. The Board ultimately approved the submission of these proposed rules to the Index Department of the Secretary of State. The proposed rules will go through the standard rulemaking procedure, including First Notice (public comment), encouraged by the Administrator. Further updates on these rule proposals will be posted on the Secretary of State’s website.
Updates in the Casino Industry
The casino portion of the meeting kicked off with a request for the initial review of the owners license renewal for Elgin Riverboat Resort, aka Grand Victoria Casino—no action was needed from the Board. The Board then approved waiving the two-meeting rule and granted final approval for Midwest Gaming & Entertainment’s (Rivers Casino) license renewal.
Next, the Board approved joint requests to rescind key person approvals, change of entity approvals, and ownership transfers for Casino Queen (Draft Kings) and Fairmount Park (FanDuel Sportsbook).
They also renewed the supplier license for Gaming Partners International USA, Inc., approved 114 Level 2 and 125 Level 3 occupational licenses, and issued four denial notices.
Finally, the Administrator renewed licenses for those up for renewal in July, August, and September, provided they met all requirements and paid on time.
Sports Wagering Updates
In the sports wagering section, the Board approved joint requests to rescind key person approvals, change of entity approvals, and ownership transfers for Casino Queen (Draft Kings) and Fairmount Park (FanDuel Sportsbook). This was a repeat of what was covered earlier under the casino section, but needed action again due to the different licenses.
Next, the Board reviewed the master sports wagering license renewal for Fairmount Park, Inc., though no action was needed yet. They then waived the two-meeting rule and renewed Hawthorne Race Course’s license, along with approving key persons and entities tied to it, including Frank GF Inc., Frank Gentile, Entrée You, LLC, and Players Pub & Grill.
The Board also approved Rush Street Interactive’s initial management services provider application and issued 188 Level 2 occupational licenses. Lastly, the Administrator renewed licenses for all Level 1, 2, and 3 licensees who met the necessary requirements and paid on time.
Video Gaming Updates
The video gaming section of the meeting started with the Board denying AARUSH Gaming, LLC’s application for a terminal operator license.
The Board approved 119 terminal handler licenses and six terminal technician licenses, but denied applications from two individuals.
Next, the Administrator renewed terminal handler, technician, and location licenses for those who met all requirements and paid their fees on time. Non-renewal notices were issued to two individuals with handler licenses and these four locations: China King Restaurant, Hunt’s Hardware & Grocery, Jerk Chicken Flavors, and Rinky’s Café.
The IGB approved 172 location applicants for licensure and issued denials to the following 14 establishments, including three for statutory ineligibility:
- A & L Martinez Brothers Inc. d/b/a Maravelas Group
- A Siobhan, LLC d/b/a Dooder’s Bar & Grill
- Antigua Mexican Grill #3 Inc. d/b/a Mexican Grill 3 Inc.
- Delaney’s Smokehouse Inc. d/b/a Delaney’s Smokehouse Inc.
- Fastline Enterprises LLC d/b/a Fastline Enterprises LLC
- Grand Jackpots LLC d/b/a Grand Jackpots LLC
- Hard Dog Café LLC d/b/a Hard Dog Café LLC
- Moonshine Run LLC d/b/a Moonshine Run LLC
- Rudraya Corp. d/b/a Bravo Pizza and Italian Restaurant
- Social Bar & Grill LLC d/b/a Social Bar & Grill
- Arbuda Oaklawn Inc., d/b/a Oaklawn Wine and Spirits
- Braidwood Real Estate Inc. d/b/a E and K Liquor
- Mihir Enterprises LLC d/b/a Maquon Miracle Mart
- Gammon Coach House LLC d/b/a Gammon Coach House
The Board also rescinded a previously issued nonrenewal of Post Time Sports Bar and Grille LLC d/b/a Post Time Sports Bar and Grille LLC and granted it a license.
To wrap up the meeting, the Board issued a notice of economic disassociation to Accel Entertainment Gaming, LLC regarding Hassan (or Asan) Asani. They also issued a final order for Rule 320 Petition 21-UP-006, involving Eureka Entertainment, LLC (Universal Gaming Group) and Gold Rush Amusements, Inc. (Gold Rush Gaming) over Danny’s Cafe, LLC (LUCKY 29 GAMING CAFE).
The next IGB meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 24. Don’t forget to follow Universal Gaming Group on LinkedIn for ongoing updates, industry news and more gaming insights!
Universal Gaming Group advocates for responsible gambling.
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.
