Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can I access the Video Gaming Act?

To access the Act via the Internet, go to Video Gaming Applicable Law & Standards.

A hard copy of the Act can be found in the printed Illinois Compiled Statutes (any publisher), which is available at all law libraries and many public libraries. Go to 230 ILCS 40/1 et seq. If referencing a hard copy, make sure you look at the latest edition plus any supplements, as the Act has undergone numerous changes which may not be included in an older edition.

How can I access the adopted video gaming rules?

To access the adopted video gaming rules via the Internet, go to Video Gaming Applicable Law & Standards.

How can I access proposed video gaming rule changes?

Proposed rule changes are those which have been filed with the Secretary of State and published in the Illinois Register but are still subject to public comment, revision, and review by the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) before they can be adopted in final form. To access the proposed rule changes via the Internet, go to Video Gaming Applicable Law & Standards. You will find links to the proposed rule changes as published in the Illinois Register, together with Illinois Register page citations.

How can I comment on a proposed rule change?

During the First Notice period, which lasts for a minimum of 45 days following initial publication of the proposed rulemaking in the Illinois Register, comments should be submitted in written form to the IGB's Chicago Office (160 N. LaSalle, 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60601-3103), with copies sent to the IGB Administrator and General Counsel. The Second Notice period begins after the IGB submits the proposed rulemaking, including any changes made during First Notice period, to JCAR. During the Second Notice period, comments should be submitted in writing directly to JCAR (700 Stratton Building, Springfield, Illinois 62706). All comments during either the First or Second Notice periods should reference the section of the proposed rulemaking to which the comment is addressed and be as specific as possible.

Does the IGB have jurisdiction over "amusement only" and "electronic raffle" devices in Illinois?

The IGB does not license "amusement only" and "electronic raffle" devices in Illinois. Questions about acquiring tax decals for amusement only devices should be directed to the Illinois Department of Revenue at (312) 814-5232 (Chicago) or (217) 782-3336 (Springfield).

Section 35(a) of the Act provides that as of August 18, 2012, it is a felony to operate or possess video gaming or electronic raffle devices not licensed by the IGB that award credits and contain a circuit, meter, or switch capable of removing and recording the removal of credits when the award of credits is dependent upon chance. The IGB has jurisdiction to enforce Section 35(a) of the Act.

Licensed Video Gaming Locations may continue to possess authorized crane games, vending machines, coin-in-the-slot games and redemption machines as defined in Section 28 of the Illinois Criminal Code.

Can local jurisdictions prohibit the use of VGTs?

Yes. Pursuant to Section 27 of the Act, a municipality may pass an ordinance prohibiting video gaming within the corporate limits of the municipality. A county board may pass an ordinance prohibiting video gaming within the unincorporated areas of the county. In addition, pursuant to Section 70 of the Act, a local government may hold a referendum proposing to prohibit video gaming in the municipality.

A list of all Illinois municipalities and an indication of whether or not video gaming is allowed in each municipality is posted on the IGB website and is updated on a daily basis. If you have any questions about the status of your community, please contact your local municipal authority.

What type of documentation is required to meet the definition of a Licensed Truck Stop Establishment?

An affidavit confirming that the facility is at least 3 acres (owned or leased land) and has average monthly sales of more than 10,000 gallons of diesel or biodiesel fuel per month (which may be met by showing estimated future sales or past sales). Supporting documentation for these factors must be attached to the affidavit. The form affidavit can be found on the IGB website.

What type of documentation is required to meet the definition of a Licensed Large Truck Stop Establishment?

An affidavit confirming that the facility is currently located within 3 road miles from a freeway interchange, as measured in accordance with the Department of Transportation’s rules regarding the criteria for the installation of business signs, is currently at least 3 acres (owned or leased land), and has average monthly sales of more than 50,000 gallons of diesel or biodiesel fuel per month (which may be met by showing estimated future sales or past sales). Supporting documentation for these factors must be attached to the affidavit. The form affidavit can be found on the IGB website.

What type of documentation is required to meet the definition of a Licensed Fraternal or Veterans Establishment?

A copy of the most recent letter from the Internal Revenue Service stating that the Applicant organization is either a fraternal benefit society that is exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(8) of the Internal Revenue Code, a domestic fraternal society that is exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(10) of the Internal Revenue Code, or a veterans organization that is exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code. Please note: during the application process, you may be required to submit additional information as requested by the IGB.

What if I fail to pay the annual renewal fee by the due date?

If you fail to pay the annual renewal fee by the due date, your video gaming license will expire at the IGB Board meeting in the month and year of your license expiration date. If you are a Licensed Video Gaming Location and your license expires, your VGTs will be shut off immediately. If you subsequently pay the renewal fee within 10 business days following the expiration of your license, the VGTs at your Location may be turned back on without you having to reapply for a License. If, however, you fail to pay the renewal fee within 10 business days, you will need to reapply for a License. A similar process is in place for Technicians and Terminal Handlers. See Rule 570 for details.

How will the distance restrictions in Section 25(h) of the Act be measured?

Video gaming is restricted from the following locations:

1. 1,000 feet of a facility operated by an organization licensee under the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975 (the Illinois Gaming Board may waive this restriction in certain circumstances);
2. 1,000 feet of the home dock of a riverboat licensed under the Riverboat Gambling Act (the Illinois Gaming Board may waive this restriction in certain circumstances); or
3. 100 feet of either a school or a place of worship under the Religious Corporation Act (the Illinois Gaming Board cannot waive this restriction in any circumstance).

The restrictions do NOT apply if an organization licensee, school, or place of worship moves within the restricted area after the Licensed Video Gaming Location obtained its video gaming license, OR a school or place of worship moves within the restricted area after the Licensed Video Gaming Location obtained its original liquor license.

In computing the distance between a proposed or existing Licensed Video Gaming Location to a preexisting facility, riverboat, school or place of worship, the measurement shall be taken in accordance with Rule 1800.820.

For purposes of these restrictions, "home dock" is interpreted to mean the casino building or vessel (i.e., the building or vessel housing the casino floor).

Waiver of Distance Restrictions: If your proposed Licensed Video Gaming Location is located within 1,000 feet of a facility operated by an organization licensee or the home dock of a riverboat and you would like to request a waiver of the distance restrictions in the Act, please request a waiver in writing, addressed to the Administrator of the IGB. The factors that will be considered by the Illinois Gaming Board in determining whether to grant a waiver are explained in Rule 830.

Must a Licensed Video Gaming Location applicant enter into a signed Use Agreement with a Terminal Operator before they can submit an application to the IGB?

No, a signed Use Agreement is not required for a potential Licensed Video Gaming Location to submit an application. However, 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 Licensed Video Gaming Location's establishment.

Use caution when entering into a Use Agreement with a Terminal Operator, especially if neither party has been licensed by the Illinois Gaming Board at the time of signing. Please note that pursuant to Rule 320(a), a valid Use Agreement is only between a licensed terminal operator and a licensed location.

If an entity doing business in Illinois for 48 months prior to July 13, 2009 forms a subsidiary its Illinois video gaming business, would the subsidiary meet the residency requirement because it had been doing state business for 48 months?

If an entity who meets the residency requirement forms a 100% wholly owned subsidiary to conduct its video gaming business in Illinois, that 100% wholly owned subsidiary meets the residency requirement.

Does a Licensed Distributor who is distributing VGTs also need a Supplier's license to supply replacement parts for the VGTs it distributes?

No. A Licensed Distributor is defined as "[a]n Individual, partnership, corporation or limited liability company licensed under the Act to buy, sell, lease or distribute Video Gaming Terminals or major components or parts of Video Gaming Terminals to or from Terminal Operators."

Can an individual who owns a bar also be licensed as a Terminal Operator?

Yes, as long as the bar in question is NOT a Licensed Video Gaming Location. An employee of a Terminal Operator who is NOT an owner, nor shares in the revenue of the Terminal Operator in any manner, may own a bar and that bar may participate in video gaming.

The Manuf./Distr./Supp. Apps. require shareholders of a public company to submit a Personal/Business Entity Disclosure Form. For institutional investors/advisors, how do we certify in an SEC (13-G) filing that the interest isn't to control the applicant?

A form for Institutional Investors is currently available on the IGB website.

The Manuf/Distr/Supp License Apps. and the Business Entity Disclosure Form require financial statements for a period ending one month prior to the date of application. Are the most recently filed SEC reports for a public company acceptable?

Yes. If reference is made to SEC reports, it is sufficient if the applicant identifies where those reports can be found on the internet. Please note: during the application process, you may be required to submit additional information as requested by the IGB.

Can a Video Gaming Licensee pledge its ownership interests without IGB approval?

Yes, a Video Gaming Licensee can pledge its ownership interests as long as it discloses the transaction to the IGB prior to the transaction taking place, and any enforcement of interests is subject to prior approval by the IGB.

Pursuant to Rule 930, do video gaming licensees need to register to provide financing for VGTs?

No.

Is compensating or paying a third party a percentage of revenue from a VGT(s) permitted?

Compensating any third party based on a percentage of revenue from a VGT is permitted, however, any third party compensated in such a manner is required to complete a Video Gaming Personal Disclosure Form or a Business Entity Disclosure Form. Financing the purchase of VGTs based on a percentage of revenue is not permitted.

Has the IGB developed standards to identify an illegal inducement by a Licensed Terminal Operator?

The IGB does not provide guidance in regards to illegal inducements at this time. Be sure to review Section 25(c) of the Video Gaming Act to avoid any violations.

Are licensees allowed to use player tracking systems or establish "Players' Clubs" or similar programs that provide rewards to customers for repeated play?

Tracking systems and Players' Clubs that connect in any way to the VGT may be authorized by the IGB in the future but are prohibited at this time. Terminal Operators and/or Licensed Video Gaming Locations are permitted to collect, on a voluntary basis, player contact information to be used in connection with promotional mailings, etc., and may utilize that contact information to conduct giveaways. However, pay particular attention to Section 25(c) of the Video Gaming Act to avoid any violations.

Will a Licensed Manufacturer, Licensed Terminal Operator or Licensed Location be permitted to attach an online monitoring system to the second port of a VGT?

Yes; however, the system will require approval by Gaming Laboratories International and the IGB.

May one Licensed Terminal Operator manage the Use Agreements (or other functions) of another Licensed Terminal Operator?

While a Licensed Terminal Operator may be allowed to delegate certain functions to another Licensed Terminal Operator, it may not delegate its obligations under the Act. Before the IGB will approve this type of arrangement, it will need to review any proposed management agreement.
 

What types of payout systems will be allowed by the IGB?

Rule 1410 addresses what types of payout devices are allowed by the IGB.

May a payout device also be an ATM?

Yes. Rule 1410 contemplates a payout device having ATM capabilities.

How must payout systems connect to the Central Communications System?

The Gaming Payout Device Requirements” are posted on the IGB website.

Does a company who manufactures a payout system need to be licensed?

No. A company that solely manufactures a payout system does not need to be licensed.

Does a company who distributes or supplies a payout system need to be licensed?

Yes. The company must be licensed as a Distributor or Supplier in order to sell, lease or distribute payout systems to Licensed Terminal Operators.

Does a lender for the purchase of payout systems need to register with the IGB?

Pursuant to Rule 910, if a lender intends to enforce a security interest in a payout device, it must register with the IGB. However, pursuant to Rule 930, registration to provide financing, only, is not required.

Must an individual be licensed in order to service or fill a payout device?

Yes. An individual must obtain a Technician or Terminal Handler License to service a payout device, including filling a payout device with cash.

Does a Licensee need to maintain a receipt ticket (voucher) once it has been redeemed for cash?

No. Neither the Licensed Terminal Operator nor the Licensed Location needs to keep receipt tickets once they have been redeemed for cash by a patron.

How does a patron redeem a voucher that was obtained from a Licensed Video Gaming Location that is now closed for business?

This process is handled pursuant to Rule 1420.

What type of notice does the IGB require in order to ship VGTs?

A licensee may only ship approved VGTs to another licensee. A Licensed Manufacturer may ship unapproved VGTs to itself, as long as the licensee maintains control and possession of the unapproved VGTs until such time when they are approved. The IGB requires 14 days notice of shipment of VGTs, software and payout devices.

Do the VGT shipment rules apply to payout devices and software?

Yes. Please use the same VGT shipment form for payout devices and software.

Can approved VGTs be shipped directly to a Licensed Location?

Approved VGTs may be shipped directly to a Licensed Location by a Distributor located in the State of Illinois.

Do licensees need to have secure storage for payout devices?

No.

Does every Licensed Terminal Operator need to have an approved storage facility?

If a Licensed Terminal Operator intends to take possession of VGTs at any time, it must have an approved storage facility.

Should an applicant use his/her middle name in the application?

Yes, please use your full legal name in the application.

How does an applicant change its email address?

1. Go to Application Status
   
2. Click Amend
   
3. Go to #1: Register
4. Enter your current password into the "Existing Password (Required)" field
5. Enter the correct email address into the "Update Email" field
6. Click Save
7. Go to #10: Submit Completed Application to IGB
8. Click the "Amend Application Previously Submitted to the IGB" button at the bottom of the screen

How does an applicant correct the name of its location (e.g. Add punctuation, correct spelling, etc.)?

1. Go to Application Status
2. Click Amend
3. Go to #1: Register
4. Enter your current password into the "Existing Password (Required)" field
5. Enter the correct Location name into the "Corrected Name of Location License Applicant" field
6. Click Save
7. Go to #10: Submit Completed Application to IGB
8. Click the "Amend Application Previously Submitted to the IGB" button at the bottom of the screen

Please note: This should only be used for minor corrections to your location name. If the company that owns the Location is changing or you are selling your location, please contact the IGB Licensing Unit for further instructions.

If an applicant accidently submits an application with the incorrect type of establishment, can it be amended?

Yes, contact the IGB Licensing Unit to correct this error.

If an applicant is selling its establishment, can it just amend its application?

No. Please contact the IGB Licensing Unit for further instructions.

If an establishment has closed, should it withdraw its application?

Yes, the applicant must send a letter to the IGB Administrator at the IGB Chicago Office requesting permission to withdraw the application for the establishment.

If applying for a Veterans or Fraternal Establishment License, does a flowchart need to be uploaded?

Yes. The flowchart must include the National Headquarters, the Local Branch and the Officers/Directors of the Local Branch.

What is the procedure when our Veteran/Fraternal/Not-for-Profit Corporation has their yearly election?

Please contact the Licensing Unit to inform them of the recent change of officers for your organization. The new officers will need to be added to the application and get fingerprinted as soon as possible.

What needs to be amended in the application when the officers of our Veteran/Fraternal/Not-for-Profit Corporation change?

Be mindful to save your information between each page!
 

1. Go to Application Status
2. Click Amend
3. On Page 2, Applicant Info: Upload a new flowchart illustrating the fully diluted ownership of the Applicant.
4. On Page 3, Business/Individual Interest: Change the officers of a Veterans or Fraternal Establishment.
5. On Page 5, Verification: Authorized agent will need to be amended if a previous officer signed them.
6. On Page 6, Release of All Claims: Authorized agent will need to be amended if a previous officer signed them.
7. On Page 7, Acknowledgment: Authorized agent will need to be amended if a previous officer signed them.
8. On Page 8, Release of Information: the Video Gaming Location Applicant Request to Release Information and the Authorization to Release Tax Information will need to be redone if a previous officer executed them or if they are over one year old. New officers will need to complete a Release of Information for Owners.
9. On Page 10, Disclosure of Records: #2 of the Disclosure of Records will need to be amended.
10. On Page 10: Submit Completed Application to IGB: Click the "Amend Application Previously Submitted to the IGB" button at the bottom of the screen.

How do I change the officers of a Veterans or Fraternal Establishment in an application?

DO NOT type over an existing officer's information.

1. Go to Application Status
2. Click Amend
3. Go to #3: Business/Individual Interest
4. Click the "Delete" link next to the individual you would like to remove. You will be directed to the Change Officer/Director/Board Member page.
5. Enter a reason for removing the individual.
6. Click the yellow "Remove (Person's Name)".
7. Return to #3: Business/Individual Interest to add your new officers to the application.
8. Go to #10: Submit Completed Application to IGB
9. Click the "Amend Application Previously Submitted to the IGB" button at the bottom of the screen

How do I change the Officers, Directors, or Video Gaming Manager associated with my establishment?

DO NOT type over an existing officer's information.
 

1. Go to Application Status
2. Click Amend
3. Go to #3: Business/Individual Interest
4. Click the "Delete" link next to the individual you would like to remove. You will be directed to the Change Officer/Director/Board Member page.
5. Enter a reason for removing the individual.
6. Click the yellow "Remove (Person's Name)".
7. Return to #3: Business/Individual Interest to add your new officers to the application.
8. Go to #10: Submit Completed Application to IGB
9. Click the "Amend Application Previously Submitted to the IGB" button at the bottom of the screen

Does an applicant have to add an Officer or Director with no Ownership Interest to the Application?

Yes. Go to #3: Business/Individual Interest; click Add Officer/Director/Board Member.

How can I amend a person's social security number?

You cannot amend a social security number once it is entered into the web application. Please contact Licensing to amend the number. Please do not delete the individual and re-enter him/her into the application, doing so will create errors and delay the processing of your application.

If an applicant renews its State of Illinois Liquor License, does it also need to be updated on the Video Gaming Application?

Yes, ASAP.

1. Go to Application Status
2. Click Amend
3. Go to #2: Applicant Info
4. Amend the Liquor License Number and Expiration date.
5. Click Save/
6. Go to #10: Submit Completed Application to IGB
7. Click the "Amend Application Previously Submitted to the IGB" button at the bottom of the screen

Does an applicant need to enter a local liquor license number in the Application?

Yes, the local liquor license is not a required field because not all municipalities issue liquor license numbers. If your establishment has a local liquor license number, you will need to enter the number, expiration date and issuing authority into the web application. If the local liquor license has an expiration date, but no number, type N/A into the local liquor license field and enter the expiration date and issuing authority.

How does an applicant remove an individual from an Application?

DO NOT type over an existing individual's information.

1. Go to Application Status
2. Click Amend
3. Go to #3: Business/Individual Interest
4. Click the "Delete" link next to the individual you would like to remove. You will be directed to the Change Officer/Director/Board Member page.
5. Enter a reason for removing the individual.
6. Click the yellow "Remove (Person's Name)".
7. Return to #3: Business/Individual Interest to add your new officers to the application.
8. Go to #10: Submit Completed Application to IGB
9. Click the "Amend Application Previously Submitted to the IGB" button at the bottom of the screen

Who can sign the Verification, Release of All Claims and Acknowledgment?

The Sole Proprietor; a Member or Manager of a Limited Liability Company; an Owner, Officer or Director of a Corporation; or an Officer or Director of a Veterans or Fraternal Organization may sign these forms.

Can the Video Gaming Manager sign the Applicant Release of Information and the Authorization to Release Tax Information?

No, unless the Video Gaming Manager is also the Sole Proprietor, a Member or Manager of a Limited Liability Company, an Owner, Officer or Director of a Corporation, or an Officer/Director of a Veterans or Fraternal Organization, he or she may not sign the Releases. This person must be an individual who can bind the Company/Organization and must indicate his/her official title below/adjacent to his/her signature.

I'm having trouble uploading documents. What can I do?

The maximum file size we can accept for the releases is 5MB. If your file size is larger than 5MB, you must reduce it before uploading.

1. Open the file in Adobe Reader.
2. Click print.
3. Select the printer dropdown.
4. Click "Adobe PDF"
5. Save with a different name somewhere you can find it.
6. Check the new file size. It should be small enough to upload.

Do Members with less than 5% Ownership Interest in a Limited Liability Company need to be fingerprinted and sign a release?

Yes, every member of a Limited Liability Company which owns the Applicant must sign a release and get fingerprinted if they are a Direct Owner of the Applicant.

When should I get fingerprinted?

Contact one of the three approved Fingerprint Vendors to get fingerprinted immediately after submitting your Location Application. Do not get fingerprinted prior to submitting your application. Your fingerprints may be discarded if the IGB receives a fingerprint response, but does not have the corresponding application.

I have applied for more than one location license, do I need to get fingerprinted again?

Fingerprint responses are good for a period of one year. If you are the owner of multiple locations, we may require you to get fingerprinted in correlation with the new location if your last fingerprint response was received by the Illinois Gaming Board more than one year prior. Please contact the Licensing unit if you are unsure of whether you will need to be re-printed.

Does an applicant need to disclose that it is currently on a payment plan for delinquent taxes?

Yes.

Where can I find my Illinois Business Authorization Certificate of Registration Location Code?

The Location Code is an eleven digit number on the top right corner of your Illinois Business Authorization Certificate of Registration. This certificate is issued through the Illinois Department of Revenue and should be displayed in your business where it can be easily viewed by the public.

I was licensed at the last IGB Board meeting. When will I receive my license?

The license will be emailed to the address provided in the application within one week of renewal. Check your spam folder if you did not receive your email. If you still cannot locate the email, log into the web application to verify the correct email address is entered. If the email address is incorrect, amend the application and contact the IGB Licensing Unit to resend the license.

Who needs to obtain a Technician license under the Video Gaming Act?

If an individual is a Licensed Terminal Operator, or is employed by a Licensed Terminal Operator, Licensed Distributor or Licensed Manufacturer, that individual may service, maintain or repair a VGT without obtaining a Technician license. Any other individual who services, maintains or repairs a VGT must obtain a Technician license under the Act. Licensed technicians and the specific employees referenced above can repair, service and maintain only outside the innermost locked area of a VGT which houses the electronic logic components that have the potential to significantly influence the operation of the VGT. Thus, such individuals can handle repairs and maintenance such as refilling printer paper, repairing bill validators, resetting tilted VGTs, repairing video displays, etc. Third party individuals under contract with a Licensed Terminal Operator, Licensed Manufacturer or Licensed Distributor will not be considered "employees" of the Licensee; and thus, will need to apply for a Technician license in order to service, maintain or repair a VGT.

The service, maintenance or repair of VGTs at Licensed Video Gaming Locations may only be performed by Licensed Technicians or Licensed Terminal Handlers.

Who needs to obtain a Terminal Handler license under the Video Gaming Act?

Any individual needing access to the inner workings of a VGT and/or needing to possess or control a VGT. "Inner workings" comprises the separately-locked logic area inside of a VGT which houses electronic components that have the potential to significantly influence the operation of the VGT, including: (1) the game's central processing unit(s), (2) communication controller electronics and components housing the communication storage device, and (3) the memory back-up device.

Can an individual be licensed as a Licensed Technician and a Licensed Terminal Handler?

Yes. An individual can obtain both licenses. Additionally, a Licensed Terminal Handler may perform all the duties of a Licensed Technician without having to separately obtain a Technician license. A Licensed Technician may not perform the duties of a Licensed Terminal Handler without obtaining a Terminal Handler license.

Must employees of a Licensed Manufacturer be licensed as Terminal Handlers to access the inner workings of a VGT during the manufacturing process at the Licensed Manufacturer's location?

No. Employees of a Licensed Manufacturer who manufacture VGTs at a Licensed Manufacturer's location are not required to obtain a Terminal Handler license. However, if the individual needs to go into the field (to a Licensed Location, for example) at any time to service the VGT, he or she will need to obtain a Terminal Handler license.

Does an employee of a Licensed Manufacturer, Licensed Distributor or Licensed Terminal Operator need to obtain a Terminal Handler license in order to install machines at a Licensed Location?

Yes, individuals who are employed by a Licensed Manufacturer, Licensed Distributor and/or Licensed Terminal Operator do need to obtain a Terminal Handler license in order to have possession or control of a VGT for the purpose of installation. For the purposes of dropping off a VGT at a Licensed Location, only, an employee of a Licensed Manufacturer, Licensed Distributor and/or Licensed Terminal Operator does not need to obtain a Terminal Handler license.

If a Licensed Terminal Operator hires third party collectors, must they obtain Terminal Handler licenses?

A third party collector would likely only need to obtain a Technician license. However, if a third party collector will access the inner workings of a VGT, he or she must obtain a Terminal Handler license.

What does a Licensed Video Gaming Location need to do in order to renew its license?

A Licensed Video Gaming Location will receive an email, sent to the address provided in its application, setting forth what needs to be done in order to request renewal of a license. All information in the application needs to be current, including but not limited to: ownership interest, liquor license numbers and expiration dates, email addresses, home addresses and telephone numbers. Please do not send payment for the renewal of your license until you receive your renewal email.

What does a Licensed Technician or Licensed Terminal Handler need to do in order to renew his/her license?

A Licensed Technician and/or Licensed Terminal Handler will receive an email, sent to the address provided on his/her application, setting forth what needs to be done in order to request renewal of a license. Please do not send payment for the renewal of your license until you receive this renewal email.

When will I receive the email to renew my license?

The renewal email will be sent to the email address provided in the application approximately one month prior to the expiration of your license. If you did not receive the email, check your spam folder. Contact the IGB Licensing Unit if you still cannot locate the email.

Can I pay my fee online?

Credit card payments can be made through E-Pay. E-Pay is a safe and secure electronic payment program that allows you to pay license fees 24 hours a day, seven days a week without leaving your home. In order to make a credit card payment, you must know your IGB license number. Credit card payments cannot be made over the phone. Do not send credit card information though the mail. Payments can still be made by personal check, business check, cashier's check or money order. These payments can be mailed to the IGB at the address listed on your invoice.

If a license is renewed, when can a Licensee expect to receive the renewed license?

If all requirements are met and the license is renewed, it will be emailed to the address provided in the application within one week of the IGB Board meeting date on which the license was renewed.

My license expiration date lists only the month and year. What date does my license expire?

The expiration date of your license is dependent on the IGB Board meeting date in the year of your renewal. Your license will expire on the IGB Board meeting date held in the month listed on your license certificate or badge in the year that your license expires. For example, if your license was issued in March of 2014 your license would expire on the date that the IGB Board meeting was held in March of 2015 (March 26, 2015). If no meeting is held during the month that your license is due to expire, the license will continue without interruption until the next IGB Board meeting is held. IGB Board meeting dates are posted on the IGB website.

Are VGTs allowed anywhere inside a Licensed Video Gaming Location?

VGTs must be located in an area restricted to persons 21 years of age and over, the entrance to which is within the view of at least one employee who is over 21 years of age. The placement of VGTs in Licensed Video Gaming Locations is subject to Rule 810. For all Locations that restrict admittance to patrons 21 years of age or older, a separate restricted area is not required. For all Locations that admit individuals under the age of 21, a physical barrier to the gaming area, including but not limited to a short partition, gate or rope is required. No barrier shall visually obscure the entrance to the gaming area from an employee of the Location who is over the age of 21.

May the entrance to the VGT area in a Licensed Video Gaming Location be monitored via closed circuit television?

The entrance to the VGT area of a Location must be within the view of at least one employee who is over 21 years of age. While a Location may utilize closed circuit television to monitor the entrance to the area in addition to an employee, it may not utilize closed circuit television in lieu of an employee.

Are there limits on the hours of operation of a VGT?

Yes. Pursuant to Sections 35(b)(2) and 55 of the Act, hours of operation of a VGT must coincide with the legal hours of operation for the consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premises. However, a Licensed Truck Stop Establishment that does not hold a liquor license may operate VGTs on a continuous basis.

Are multi-game VGTs permitted under the Video Gaming Act?

Yes, provided that the games have been tested and approved.

Will Licensed Manufacturers need secondary approval for their VGTs?

Yes. All VGTs must be (1) certified by Gaming Laboratories International pursuant to the IGB"s current Technical Standards for Video Gaming Terminals in Illinois, and (2) approved in writing by the IGB for use in Illinois.

Can I view the responses from the August 2021 Declaratory Ruling Procedure public comment submission period?

The The August 2021 Declaratory Ruling Procedure comment submissions have been compiled for public disclosure.

Where can I find the public commentary from the December 8, 2021 to January 14, 2022 public comment period regarding the Central Communication System ("CCS") RFP?

The The video gaming CCS RFP submissions to the public comment period have been compiled for public disclosure.