Home

COVID-19 Gaming Information

As required by executive order 2021-20, masks must be worn inside all licensed Illinois casinos, video gaming establishments, and sports wagering locations beginning at 12 A.M. on Monday August 30, 2021. Please note that a licensee's failure to comply with COVID-19 mitigation orders may result in discipline, up to and including license revocation.

Under the Restore Illinois framework for Phase 5, all business types, large-scale events, conventions, amusement parks, seated spectator events, among others, are allowed to operate at full capacity since the COVID-19 pandemic. The State's progress in reaching the Phase 5 stage of reopening also allows the outdoor mask requirement to be lifted in accordance with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance. In Phase 5, industry and activity-specific guidelines for operation provided by DCEO are discontinued. All businesses and activities previously subject to DCEO guidelines are allowed to resume normal operations.

DCEO and IDPH are recommending key steps business owners and venues should follow to promote COVID-19 safety going forward. Read the recommended Phase 5 guidance. For more information on guidelines published in previous phases in the State's reopening framework and track numerous public health metrics, visit the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) .

Home

The Riverboat Gambling Act was enacted in February 1990, making Illinois the second state in the nation to legalize riverboat gambling. In September 1991, the first riverboat casino began operation in Alton. Currently, there are ten casinos operating throughout the State of Illinois.

The Video Gaming Act was enacted in July 2009, authorizing the placement of up to five Video Gaming Terminals (VGTs) in licensed Retail Establishments, Truck Stops, Veteran and Fraternal Establishments. The VGTs are all connected to and monitored by a Central Communications System.

Governor Pritzker signed the Illinois Gambling Act into law on June 28, 2019. The Act makes significant changes to gaming law in Illinois. The Illinois Gaming Board is working through these changes and on implementation of the Act. We will share information on the IGB website as the information becomes available. Please check back regularly for updates.

The Illinois Gaming Board is a five-member board, appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. Through the Administrator and staff, the Board administers a regulatory and tax collection system for riverboat casino gambling and video gaming in Illinois.

The Board assures the integrity of gambling and gaming in Illinois through regulatory oversight of riverboat and casino gambling, video gaming, and sports wagering in the State.