Understanding the Illinois Slot Machine Industry
The Illinois Video Gaming Act became law on July 13, 2009, regulating the use of video gaming terminals (VGTs or slot machines) in licensed establishments in Illinois. The regulations of the Illinois gaming industry have changed significantly as the market continues to grow. Licensed video gaming establishments are now allowed six slot machines per location – and specially-licensed large truck stops can have up to ten slot machines!
What Kinds of Licensed Video Gaming LocationsOperate in Illinois?
If you've ever wondered what it takes to start a slot machine business, you've probably asked yourself what types of businesses can legally have gaming. Here’s an overview of the four types of licensed establishments legally allowed to operate in the state of Illinois, as laid out in the Video Gaming Act.
1. The Basic “Licensed Establishment”
This is defined as any retail establishment “where alcoholic liquor is drawn, poured, mixed, or otherwise served for consumption on the premises.” Essentially, this refers to gaming parlors, bars and restaurants that serve any kind of alcoholic beverages to patrons to consume on site at the location. Sometimes, locations will have a “combined” liquor license, which means they allow consumption on the premises, but also allow “to go” purchases of alcohol. As video gaming has gained popularity, we have seen a variety of establishments obtain a liquor license in order to qualify for video gaming that you would not normally think of as the types of establishments to serve alcohol for consumption on site, such as gas stations and smaller eateries.
2. The “Licensed Fraternal Establishment”
Defined in the Video Gaming Act as “a location where a fraternal organization that derives its charter from its national parent organization regularly meets.” This can refer to your local lodge of the Elks, Lions and other nationwide civic organizations that may or may not be named after large mammals.
3. The “Licensed Veterans Establishment”
This refers to any site “where a qualified veteran’s organization that holds a charter from its national parent organization regularly meets.” Veterans of Foreign Wars halls and American Legion posts, in other words.
4. The “Licensed Truck Stop Establishment”
There are a few interesting legal requirements here: For truck stops to be licensed video gaming establishments, they have to sit on three acres or more of land, include a convenience store and have separate diesel fueling islands for 18-wheelers and other commercial vehicles (along with dedicated parking for those vehicles). They also have to sell more than 10,000 gallons of diesel or biodiesel fuel per month at retail costs. Find out more about the legal requirements surrounding licensed truck stop establishments.
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Are you looking to start a slot machine business?
How to Get an Illinois Video Gaming License
Looking to open a video gaming business or add slot machines to your existing business? There are a few steps you will need to complete first.