SPRINGFIELD, IL (Chambana Today) – On Thursday, June 6, the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) rolled out a Request for Proposal (RFP) to manage the Video Gaming Terminal Central Communication System, approved several new rules, and tackled various regulatory matters during its regular meeting.
IGB Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter highlighted that the 2009 Video Gaming Act authorized the installation of Video Gaming Terminals (VGTs) in licensed retail establishments, truck stops, bars, restaurants, and veteran and fraternal establishments. The Act mandates that all VGTs be connected through a Central Communications System (CCS).
The CCS is crucial for monitoring VGT operations and recording accounting data, which is essential for the IGB’s regulatory oversight and gaming tax collection. With over 48,000 VGTs operating in more than 8,400 licensed establishments, Illinois boasts the largest video gaming network globally.
“As I have mentioned in previous meetings, the original 10-year CCS contract expired. The IGB has maintained the CCS—and thus the viability and operations of our video gaming network—through a bridge contract while developing new requirements and solicitation for the next CCS to meet the growing needs of the State and our video gaming industry,” said Administrator Fruchter. “The CCS is managed by a vendor selected in strict compliance with Illinois procurement law.”
The IGB and the State Procurement Office have published the RFP for a new CCS on the State of Illinois’s procurement e-bulletin portal. Submissions for this proposal are due by August 5, 2024.
In addition, the Board approved several new rules to modernize and streamline IGB processes, reflecting changes in gaming over the past decade. These include:
- Creating a No Action Letter process to allow Board staff to express its views on the interpretation of gaming laws and rules in response to licensee requests in certain situations.
- Revising the definition of “Video Gaming Terminal” in Video Gaming Rule 1800.110 to facilitate technology enhancements such as Ticket In -Ticket Out functionality, also known as TITO.
- Amending the rule governing casino chip specifications to allow for broader discretion in granting chip requests, enabling the Administrator to grant higher value chips.
During the meeting, the Board also renewed the licenses of seven casino sportsbooks and took various other regulatory actions, including:
For video gaming, the IGB approved licenses for:
- One terminal operator
- 82 video gaming locations
- 27 terminal handlers
The IGB denied video gaming licenses for:
- Four video gaming location applicants
Additionally, in video gaming, the IGB:
- Rescinded two location applicant denials and renewed their licenses
- Ordered one Terminal Operator to economically disassociate from an applicant
For casinos, the IGB approved:
- One casino Key Person applicant
- Four Level 1 licensees
- 100 Level 2 casino occupational licenses
- 136 Level 3 casino occupational licenses
For sports wagering, the IGB approved:
- Seven Master Sports Wagering license renewals
- 105 Level 2 sports wagering occupational licenses
- One Level 3 sports wagering occupational license
Additionally, the IGB:
- Denied three Level 2 applicants
- Issued two final Board Orders
The IGB will hold its next regular meeting on July 25, 2024. For agendas, minutes, meetings, and other information, visit the Illinois Gaming Board’s website.
Illinois is home to 15 casinos, 14 approved sportsbooks (13 of which are operating), and a network of more than 8,500 licensed video gaming establishments.
If you or a loved one has a gambling problem, visit the IGB website for information about the Self-Exclusion Program and the Are You Really Winning – Illinois Helpline for information about the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery Program. Problem gambling counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 800-GAMBLER (800-426-2537) or by texting GAMB to 833234.