On July 13, 2009 Governor Pat Quinn signed the Video Gaming Act (Public Acts 096-0034, 096-0037 and 096-0038) making video gaming terminals legal in Illinois. The Act allows for video gaming terminals to be placed in certain liquor establishments, truck stops and fraternal/veterans clubs throughout the state.
The Illinois Gaming Board (the IGB or Board) has the responsibility of implementing and regulating video gaming in Illinois. Initially, the Board must promulgate administrative rules. The rules will provide guidance on matters such as, but not limited to, standards, testing requirements, application procedures and hearings. There will be a hearing for the public to comment on the proposed rules on a date to be determined.
In addition to rulemaking, the Board must secure a central communications system. The system will be linked to every licensed video gaming terminal in Illinois. On July 28, 2009, the Board issued a Request For Information (RFI) relative to central communications systems. Responses are due by August 24, 2009. At some point, thereafter, the Board will issue a Request For Proposal (RFP) for a central communications system. The RFI can be viewed at the State of Illinois, Central Management System’s web-site, www.cms.il.gov.