The Chicago City Council has approved an alternate 2026 budget plan that, among other things, legalizes Video Gaming Terminals (VGTs, often called ‘video slots’ or simply ‘slot machines’) in Chicago bars and restaurants for those Wards that choose to opt in.
This opens a sizable and significant revenue opportunity. In 2025, Illinois bars and restaurants earned an average of about $9,000 of revenue per month with VGTs alone. But VGTs also complement food and beverage sales, and keep guests on-site longer.
The key for business owners who want to cash in on the opportunity is to move quickly. Waiting risks long timelines and delays, which means significant lost revenue opportunities. If you’re a Chicago bar or restaurant owner, the decisions you make now will shape how successful your VGT operation is later.
And the most important decision you’ll make isn’t whether to add VGTs. It’s who you partner with to run them. Keep reading to learn how to prepare your business for a game-changing VGT revenue opportunity in Chicago.
If you’re considering VGTs for your bar or restaurant, now is the time to start the conversation. Universal Gem is Illinois’ most experienced, most trusted VGT partner. Reach out to us now to understand your options before licenses and approvals get crowded or limited.
What VGTs Can Do for Chicago Bars & Restaurants
Across Illinois, VGTs have become a proven, regulated way for hospitality businesses to drive incremental revenue without adding staff or changing their core business model.
For bars and restaurants, VGTs can mean:
- A steady, supplemental revenue stream
- Longer guest dwell time
- Increased overall spend per visit
- Minimal operational burden when managed properly
Why You Should Get Started Now
Now that VGTs have become legalized for Chicago bars and restaurants, demand for licensing, approvals, and qualified Terminal Operators will surge. Businesses that wait until the last minute will face:
- Longer timelines and delays
- Limited operator availability
- Missed early-revenue opportunities
We’ve already seen other Illinois municipalities introduce legislation restricting the number of VGT locations allowed in any particular city. Getting in the door quickly could mean the difference between approval and significant missed revenue now and in the future.
Starting the conversation now gives you clarity, options, and a plan before everyone else is scrambling to do the same. An early conversation with us will help you understand:
- Whether your location qualifies
- What layout or compliance considerations may apply
- What timelines realistically look like
- How to position your business for success from day one
Once we’ve established that your Chicago business can qualify for VGTs, Universal Gem will help you every step of the way, from licensing and setup to installation, promotions and industry-leading maintenance and account management.
Why the Right Terminal Operator Matters
Terminal Operators (TOs) are the businesses that Chicago bars and restaurants will be required to use to install and operate VGTs in Chicago. On paper, most Terminal Operators look alike.
- They all offer the same game titles.
- They all handle maintenance.
- They all manage cash collection and promotions.
- They all charge the same fee, by Illinois law (called the ‘mandated split’)
But when machines need maintenance, questions come up, or compliance gets complicated, that’s where the differences show. When driving the maximum revenue for your bar or restaurant is a priority, that’s where the right Terminal Operator matters the most. (And that’s why we launched My Player Perks, Illinois’ most rewarding gaming loyalty program.)
Universal Gem was the first Terminal Operator to install licensed VGTs in Illinois. That experience is important—not just because we have seasoned technicians or longstanding relationships with the Illinois Gaming Board, but because we learned something early: the right support is what makes the difference between a profitable business and a thriving one.
From day one, our mission has been one of support.
We’re in the Relationship Business
For our partners, time is money. That’s why we have some of the fastest maintenance response times in the industry—with 66% of service calls resolved remotely within 10 minutes.
Our account managers come from the same industries we serve: bars, restaurants, gaming cafés, truck stops, laundromats, and more. They know how to help hospitality businesses thrive beyond gaming.
We don’t just install and service machines and collect cash. We work with our partners on personalized strategies designed to help them grow and profit.
And it shows:
- 86% of our partner locations sign renewals when the contract term expires.
- Our average partner relationship is 8.4 years.
- Gaming businesses who switch from a competitor to us see an Immediate and sustained profit.
That doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when you do what you say you’re going to do, every time.
We’re not the biggest Terminal Operator in Illinois.
You might recognize some of our competitors. The question to ask is, “do they recognize you?”
That’s the difference between a vendor and a true ally.
- We believe in meticulous quality and care.
- In honest, transparent guidance.
- In expertise, innovation, and follow-through.
We like to say it simply:
Make our partners’ goals our goals, every step of the way.
That mindset is why we’ve become Illinois’ most experienced and most trusted Terminal Operator.
Frequently Asked Questions for Potential Chicago VGT Businesses
- Are VGTs legal in Chicago yet?
- Chicago has passed a budget that includes legalization of VGTs in Chicago bars and restaurants for those Wards that decide to opt in. Now is the ideal time to prepare so you’re ready once approvals begin.
- How long does it take to get up and running?
- Timelines vary based on licensing, approvals, and location readiness. Planning early helps avoid delays.
- How much revenue can I make with VGTs?
- It varies, with factors such as the number of machines in the establishment, to where the business is located. Read more about VGT revenue estimates.
- What does the process look like to obtain a gaming license?
- While the standard process might vary somewhat for Chicago VGT licenses, it will look largely the same. Read our comprehensive guide to obtaining an Illinois gaming license.
- Will VGTs change my bar or restaurant’s atmosphere?
- When done correctly, VGTs integrate seamlessly and complement—not disrupt—your existing business.
- How do I get started launching a Chicago VGT business?
- Getting started is easy. All you need to do is contact us. Universal Gem takes care of licensing, setup and installation, and maintenance and support. Read more about how to start your Chicago VGT business..
- Why should I choose Universal Gem over another TO?
- Experience, service, and trust matter. We’ve been here since the beginning, and we’re built for long-term partnerships. This is not a “set it and forget it” business.
Let’s Start the Conversation
If you’re considering VGTs for your bar or restaurant, now is the time to talk to a partner who puts your business first, every step of the way.
CONTACT US TODAY and get a head start before the rush begins.
