The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) completed its final meeting of 2023, concluding a significant year in the state’s gaming industry. The IGB is the regulator for each of the 15 casinos, 11 sportsbooks, and over 8,500 video gaming establishments operating in the Prairie State. This year, the IGB oversaw the opening of four new land-based casinos – American Place, Hard Rock, Bally’s Chicago, and Wind Creek Chicago Southland – and two sportsbooks.
Marcus D. Fruchter, IGB Administrator, commented on the achievements of the year, saying, “We have achieved a lot this year to further strengthen and advance Illinois gaming, ensure a high level of integrity and ethics, safeguard public trust, and generate critical revenue for communities across our State. I am thankful for and proud of our outstanding Board members and staff, who deserve much credit for their work, dedication and accomplishments.”
During the meeting, the IGB approved new rules related to former felons working at gaming establishments. This law allows people with felony convictions to apply for non-gaming jobs in casinos, like in restaurants or maintenance. When deciding on these applications, the IGB can now look at each case individually.
The Board also announced new rules for responsible gaming signs at video gaming locations. Similar to those in casinos and sportsbooks, these signs are now required at video gaming locations.
The meeting’s decisions included approving licenses for 96 video gaming locations, 27 technicians, and terminal handlers. The IGB also denied licenses for a terminal operator and a gaming location and issued disassociation orders for one casino key person and one significant gaming influencer.
For casinos, 48 Level 2 and 94 Level 3 occupational licenses were approved, but the Board denied licenses for a casino supplier and several other applicants. In sports wagering, 64 Level 2 occupational licenses were approved. Additionally, the IGB denied four hearing requests and resolved a Video Gaming Rule dispute. The next IGB meeting is set for February 8, 2024.
