The Illinois Gaming Board on Wednesday approved a proposed rule that would add video gaming to the agency's voluntary Self-Exclusion Program for problem gamblers, allowing enrollees to bar themselves from the state's network of roughly 50,000 video gaming terminals.
Under the rule, people in the program would exclude themselves through identity verification at video gaming redemption terminals. The rule also creates a framework for video gaming player accounts, cashless wagering and responsible gaming limits, the board said.
"Integrating Illinois video gaming into the existing Self-Exclusion Program is a gaming integrity and public health priority for the IGB," said IGB Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter. He said nothing like it has been implemented at the size and scale of the Illinois video gaming market, which the board calls the largest video gaming network of its kind in the world.
Fruchter said the rule would bring video gaming's problem gambling protections in line with those already in place for Illinois casinos and sports wagering, and "set clear guardrails as the video gaming industry moves toward digital payments."
The existing Self-Exclusion Program lets people with gambling disorders voluntarily exclude themselves from casinos, sports wagering and fantasy contests. In September, the board revised the program's rules to establish tiered enrollment durations, expand enrollment channels and create a voluntary 12-month Marketing Exclusion List for patrons leaving the program. The board also adopted a resolution directing staff to incorporate video gaming into the program.
Cashless wagering provisions
The proposed rule's cashless wagering provisions would let terminal operators choose to offer cashless play and player rewards through individual patron video gaming accounts. The accounts would be funded through approved payment methods and be subject to age and identity verification, privacy and security controls, and Know-Your-Customer and anti-money laundering requirements. Every account must also let patrons set their own responsible gaming limits.
The proposed rulemaking now goes to the General Assembly's Joint Committee on Administrative Rules for approval before taking effect. The board is encouraging stakeholders and interested parties to submit public comments.
Other board actions
The board approved a proposed amendment revising rules for employees in non-gaming jobs at Illinois casinos. In 2025, the General Assembly amended the Illinois Gambling Act to eliminate licensing requirements for non-gaming positions and establish casino Non-Gaming Occupational Identification Badges under IGB oversight. The amendments standardize terms and requirements and revise processes, application requirements and fees. Those amendments also go to JCAR.
The board accepted a request for initial consideration on the casino owners license renewal from HC Aurora, LLC, doing business as Hollywood Casino Aurora. The casino will appear before the board at its Dec. 10 meeting for final consideration.
The board also acted on regulatory matters, including casino approvals for two supplier license renewals, two Level 1 occupational licenses and 466 Level 2 occupational licenses, while denying two Level 2 occupational licenses. For video gaming, it approved four terminal operator licenses, 81 establishment licenses, 69 terminal handler licenses, two technicians, 39 sales agent and broker licenses and several renewals, while denying one sales agent and broker license and six establishment license applications. It also approved 234 Level 2 sports wagering occupational licenses.
The board said Illinois is home to 17 casinos, 14 active and approved sportsbooks and a network of nearly 9,000 licensed video gaming establishments. Its next meeting is set for Dec. 10, 2026.
Help for problem gambling
Anyone experiencing problems with gambling can contact the Illinois Gambling Helpline at AreYouReallyWinning.com, 1-800-GAMBLER, or by texting ILGAMB (833234). Suspected violations can be reported through the IGB's Prohibited Conduct Reporting Portal or by calling the IGB Hotline at (855) 494-0237. Meeting schedules, agendas and minutes are available on the IGB website at igb.illinois.gov.
Source: the original release