In this article, we provide an overview of Illinois slot machine and video gaming laws and regulations. Read more to explore:
A brief history of gambling in Illinois
What are video gaming terminals?
Current Illinois VGT laws and regulations
VGT hosting requirements
FAQs
Introduction
Illinois slot machine laws regulate the growing gaming business in Illinois. As video gaming is a relatively new industry in Illinois, these laws are carefully written to protect consumers and businesses alike. But before diving into the current state of Illinois slot machine laws, let’s take a look back at the history of gaming in Illinois.
A brief history of gambling in Illinois
Gambling in Illinois dates to the early 1800s when Illinois first became a state. At the time, any type of gambling was illegal and could only be found in illegal riverboat casinos and underground groups. Legalization of gambling in Illinois came about in 1990, when the Riverboat Gambling Act permitted multiple lotteries and opened the door for casinos to provide video gambling. In 2009, gambling laws changed with the passage of the Video Gaming Act, authorizing the placement of Video Gaming Terminals (VGTs) in licensed retail establishments, truck stops, and veteran and fraternal establishments. This includes the advent of Illinois slot machine laws which have continued to evolve over time.
At this time, the Illinois Gaming Act allows liquor pouring establishments to host slot machines. Businesses like bars, restaurants, and truck stops can have up to 6 slot machines, or video gaming terminals (VGTs). Large truck stops are now allowed to have up to a total of 10 slot machines. More businesses have become interested in obtaining an Illinois video gaming license from the Illinois Gaming Board to operate video gaming terminals, and the distributed slot business has continued to grow ever since. Other types of legal gambling in many parts of Illinois now also include bingo, lotteries, pull tabs, jar games, and charitable games.
What Are Illinois Video Gaming Terminals?
Video gaming terminals (often called ‘video slots’ or just ‘slots’) are a type of legal gambling that can be found in bars, restaurants, truck stops, gaming cafes and other establishments. In some states, video gaming terminals are also known as video lottery terminals because the state lottery regulates them. People who play video gaming terminals wager money and either lose or receive a return on what they wager. There is a minimum amount that is required to wager to be able to play. Most video gaming consoles are based on slot or card games, while some offer multiple games to choose from. Keep reading to get a better understanding of Illinois video gaming laws and what you should know when playing or operating video gaming terminals.
Current Illinois VGT Laws and Regulations
The state of Illinois amended its video gaming laws in 2019, and this law included some changes such as a terminal tax increase, a maximum wager amount increase, a maximum payout increase, and an increase in the number of terminals allowed on-premises. This law authorized the use of video gaming terminals at the Illinois and Du Quoin state fairs and added provisions for use of VGTs in “large” truck stops. There are many regulations and statutes relating to video gaming. Even some municipalities within the state have their own added standards for the machines. These standards involve responsible playing including appropriate licensure, self-exclusion, and a minimum age requirement. Establishments are required to have an employee who is at least 21 years of age monitoring the VGTs operating inside an establishment. The operator of the establishment and site must possess a valid license for the machines. If the video gaming terminals are illegal, you could be liable to state and local prosecution if you play them. Since the state of Illinois legalized VGTs in 2009 with the Video Gaming Act, the Illinois Gaming Board has regulated VGTs. The Video Gaming Act governs who can play a VGT, who can operate it, who can service the machines, and how payouts must be handled.
VGT Hosting Requirements
A variety of brick-and-mortar establishments are permitted to host VGTs in the state of Illinois. VGT operation accounts must be kept separate from any other organizations currently operating in the same building. The VGT gaming areas also must be separate from other parts of the building. Video gaming terminals are likely to be found in bars, gas stations, liquor stores, restaurants, taverns, adult entertainment businesses, and more. Licensed Video Gaming locations must obtain and maintain an Illinois gaming licensing with the Illinois Gaming Board.
FAQs
- Must every video gaming business sign an agreement with a Terminal Operator?
- Yes, a Licensed Video Gaming Location must have a signed Use Agreement with a Licensed Terminal Operator prior to the placement of any VGTs in the establishment. Contact us if you need a Terminal Operator.
- How much money does a typical gaming business earn in Illinois?
- Income can vary greatly depending on several factors such as the number of VGTs in the establishment, hours of operation, and the location of the business. In April 2024, the IGB data indicated an average of more than $9,300 in gross gaming revenue per establishment. Read more about how much Illinois bars and restaurants make on slot machines.
- Is video gambling allowed in all municipalities in Illinois?
- No, there are some municipalities where video gaming is not yet legal. Find out if your municipality has legalized video gaming on the IGB website.
- What if I forget to pay my yearly video gaming license renewal fee?
- If you have not paid your Illinois gaming license renewal fee, you may not operate your gaming business. Read more about obtaining and renewing your Illinois gaming license.
- Is gambling legal in Illinois?
- Some forms of gambling are legal in Illinois. These include but are not limited to video gaming, bingo, lotteries, pull tabs, jar games, and charitable games.
- Is gambling legal in Chicago?
- Some forms of gambling are legal in Chicago like games located in land based casinos and sports betting. Video gaming terminals are not yet legal in Chicago.
- Are we required to monitor the video gaming room?
- Every video gaming business is required to have a surveillance system which is installed and maintained by terminal operators to protect customers and the gaming business.
