Online Gambling License in Illinois

The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) is the regulatory and law enforcement body in charge of all state-licensed casino gambling, video gaming, and sports wagering. The board is in charge of riverboat casinos, video gaming regulations, and taxation.

The agency has five board members appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. Their goal is to make money for the state and the local communities that host casinos while preserving the safety and integrity of gaming in Illinois. The IGB maintains over 25 offices across Illinois, including two headquarters in Chicago and Springfield. There are over 8,700 video gaming establishments with licenses and fifteen authorized sportsbooks in Illinois.

Types of Gambling Regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board

The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) regulates a variety of gambling activities in the state of Illinois. These include:

Video Gaming

The Illinois Gaming Board was established to oversee the enforcement of the Illinois Video Gaming Act, which permits the use of Illinois slot machines in liquor-pouring establishments and truck stops. Up to 6 slot machines may be used by businesses, including bars and restaurants, for video gambling purposes. Additionally, the Illinois Video Gaming Act permits the use of up to 10 Illinois slot machines in large truck stops.

The Act’s administration and enforcement, including the creation and management of video gambling terminals (also known as “VGTs”), are under the purview of the Illinois gambling board. These VGTs are essentially the same cutting-edge video poker, blackjack, and slot machines that can be found in riverboat casinos in Illinois, Atlantic City, and Las Vegas.

There can be no more than 5 VGTs in a single establishment. The most you can bet on any given hand is $2. The maximum amount paid out on any given hand cannot be more than $500.

Sports Betting

The law has enabled operators to apply for licenses to offer sports betting services in the state. Nine online sportsbooks are available in the state, and there are several locations where you can bet in person.

Illinois legalized sports betting in June 2019. Sports betting officially launched in the state in March 2020, allowing fans of the Chicago Bears, Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, and Blackhawks to bet on their hometown teams. Bettors can wager on all major professional sports but cannot bet on in-state college teams as of July 1, 2024. College betting is limited to spreads, money lines, and totals.

Anyone who is 21 or older can legally place bets in Illinois. Retail locations that are allowed to offer sports betting in Illinois include casinos, racetracks, and larger sports venues.

Riverboat Casinos and Horse Racing

After enacting the Riverboat Gambling Act in February 1990, Illinois became the second state to legalize riverboat gaming. The Act allows the Illinois Gaming Board to license up to 10 riverboat casinos and lays out a basic licensing and tax structure.

A casino operator may have up to 1,200 gaming positions across 2 riverboats. All wagering on the riverboats must be cashless; customers may use tokens, chips, or electronic cards. Additionally, horse racing, including thoroughbred and harness racing, is legal in Illinois.

There are racetracks and off-track betting sites throughout the state. Illinois allows online and phone betting on horse races along with traditional simulcasting. The Illinois Racing Board is responsible for the enforcement of the Illinois Horse Racing Act.

Illinois Gaming Board Regulatory Framework

The Illinois Gaming Board civilian and sworn personnel perform regulatory oversight, licensing, investigative, and tax collection functions. The staff investigates applicants by analyzing legal and criminal issues to ensure the integrity and safety of gaming in Illinois. The IGB also administers the voluntary Self-Exclusion Program for problem gamblers. One of the key requirements from the Illinois Gaming Board is the gaming license background check. They will observe key details, including:

●             Complete audits of both business owners and the video gaming manager at the Illinois video gaming establishment.

●             Public records of any felonies or crimes, including misdemeanors, unsettled debts, and domestic issues.

The application process also requires submitting several documents, including your establishment’s lease or deed, some financial statements, tax information, and ownership details. Establishments must pay a $100 fee to the board upon application and then $100 yearly after licensure.

FAQs about the Illinois Gaming Board