Public Accountability Report

Mission and Organization

The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) consists of five members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. The IGB administers a regulatory and tax collection system for all legalized gaming in Illinois. The IGB also has comprehensive law enforcement responsibilities associated with legalized gaming in Illinois. It is through strict regulatory oversight that the maximum amounts of revenue possible are realized as the integrity of gaming is preserved, and public confidence and trust in the credibility and integrity of the gambling operations and regulatory processes are maintained.

The IGB’s staff conducts audit, legal, enforcement, investigative, operational, and financial analysis activities to ensure the integrity of gaming in Illinois as mandated by the Illinois Gambling Act (IGA) (230 ILCS 10), Video Gaming Act (VGA) (230 ILCS 40), and the Sports Wagering Act (SWA) (230 ILCS 45). The IGB assures the integrity of gaming through the strict regulatory oversight and licensure of all gaming operations and personnel.

Casino Gambling

The IGA was enacted in February 1990, making Illinois the second state in the nation to legalize riverboat gambling. The IGA authorizes riverboat and casino gambling operations and gaming operations pursuant to an organization gaming license. The IGB provides regulatory and criminal law enforcement oversight for the existing 10 casinos. Each casino gaming operation is authorized to offer up to 4,000, 2,000, or 1,200 gaming positions (depending on the licensee), consisting of a mix of electronic gaming devices and table games. In 1999, the IGA was amended to permit all gaming operations to permanently moor at dock sites, without conducting cruises on any waterway. Patrons visiting the casinos must be 21 years of age to be admitted to the gambling areas of each operation. The IGA requires that all wagering in the casinos be cashless.

Video Gaming

In addition, the IGB is responsible for implementation and administration of the VGA, which allows for video gaming terminals (VGTs) to be placed in certain liquor establishments, truck stops, and fraternal/veterans clubs throughout the state. Once fully implemented, the IGB anticipates issuing more than 50,000 licenses for manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, terminal operators, technicians, handlers, licensed establishments, and VGTs for video gaming. The Video Gaming Act authorizes the installation of up to six VGTs in licensed establishments where liquor is served for consumption on the premises, as well as in licensed fraternal establishments, licensed veterans establishments, and licensed truck stops as defined in the legislation. A licensed large truck stop establishment may operate up to 10 VGTs on its premises at any time. Besides the very large number of machines that must be monitored, additional factors that add to the Board’s regulatory challenge are the diffuse placement of the VGTs in locations throughout the state and the multiple layers of licenses involved.

Sports Wagering

Lastly, the IGB is responsible for implementation and administration of the SWA, which allows the Illinois Gaming Board to regulate the conduct of sports wagering. The Board shall levy and collect all fees, surcharges, civil penalties, and monthly taxes on adjusted gross sports wagering receipts imposed by this Act and deposit all moneys into the Sports Wagering Fund, except as otherwise provided under this Act.