Archived Information

Brass Ring Gaming has followed the process of Illinois Gaming and proposal of Illinois VGT's into the market since inception, and we have created this website as a tool to help you understand the process and gain more knowledge in it.

This archive page, is all the previous timeline process that are available to you to fill you in on everything Illinois VGT! Keep watch on the NEWS page and check back here for references on anything that may be talked about

Emergency Rules

OPT OUT Communities

Central Server Contract Cancellation

VGT Law as Illinois Governor Pat Quinn Signed into Law July 30, 2009

VGT Trailer Bill

Here is the update from the meeting today October 25th from the Illinois Gaming Board regarding some of the Emergency Rules....
"The first comment(s) were in regard to the "Institutional Investor" definition.  Comments were received to broaden the definition to include non US exchanges and to include investors who held over  $100 million investment in a company.  The staff said that section 8 of the definition allows the IGB, in its discretion,  to determine if an entity qualifies as an Institutional Investor on a case by case basis and thus no specific revision of the definition is needed.
 
Rule 520(c)(1) currently states that to qualify as an Institutional Investor and not undergo a more extensive background investigation the investor must not own 20% or more of any class of publicly traded securities issued by the applicant, licensee or its parent company.  Comments were received to change 20% to a greater percentage amount.  The IGB staff said it was recommending no change in its rule.
 
In that same subsection, comments were received to allow for the Institutional Investor requirements to also apply to privately held companies.  The IGB staff said it would not change the rule stating that investment in private entities were subject to full investigation.
 
Rule 520(f) regarding the procedure for the withdrawal of applications will also not be changed.  The IGB received comment about having to get approval to withdraw.  The IGB has this rule on the riverboat side as well and is not recommending any change.
 
There was a discussion regarding Rules 910 and 920 regarding security interests. Staff said it will revise these sections to clarify that prior approval is not required to hold a security interest but the Administrator must be notified of the security interest.  Staff also said that registered lenders will not be licensed so they cannot possess VGT's and they will have to have some arrangement relating to the repossession of any VGT. 
 
In relation to the above discussion, Rule 930 requires registration but not licensing.  So, the staff again stressed that the finance entity will not be permitted to possess VGT's.
 
Rule 1020 addresses the transportation of VGT's into the State.  Staff revised the rule to make it clear that VGT's cannot be shipped direct to a location.  In 1020(b) the IGB is not revising this section so both the manufacturer and the distributor must ensure that notice of the shipment is provided to the IGB.  As for the timing of the notice, the IGB received comments to shorten the 14 day shipment notice requirement.  The IGB is not changing this requirement but will clarify that it is 14 calendar days.  The IGB wants the serial numbers included in the shipment notice. 
 
Also, in this same Rule the IGB received comment about what the term "secured shipment" means.  The IGB will not define any further rather it intends to review each notice and determine if the shipping method identified is satisfactory.  Finally, the IGB received comments regarding the requirement that each VGT be inspected by a Board agent and perhaps provide a timeframe for such inspection.  The IGB said there will be no change to the rule as currently drafted.
 
The IGB recieved comments to Rule 1030 regarding receipt of VGT's in the State and after reviewing comments the IGB will not revise this rule.
 
Rule 1040 adresses the transport of games within the State.  Comments were received as to whether a technician could transport a game between locations.  The staff said, no.  Staff reiterated that manufacturers, distributors, handlers and operators must have approval before transporting.
 
There will also be no changes to Rule 1050 regarding transport of games out of the State.  The IGB want notice prior to shipping out of the State and does not want to set any particular timeframe for the notice and approval.  There is currently a requirement that there be a statement by the purchaser under penalty of perjury that the VGTs shall be used only for lawful purposes.  Since this is always a requirement as a matter of law, that the games be used legally, the IGB will remove this language.
 
Rule 1070 addresses the disposal of VGT's.  The IGB will be providing a form to be completed for the disposal of games.  The also said that they want an IGB agent present for the disposal of game(s).
 
The IGB then approved this set of rules as revised for second notice filing and the rules will now be reviewed by the (legislative) Joint Committee on Administrative Rules ("JCAR").

IGB is scheduled to meet on October 25th for a special meeting on the Emergency Rules Put into place. We will keep you updated as information becomes available. Read the EMERGENCY RULES HERE

04/19/2012- Brass Ring Gaming is APPROVED as a TERMINAL OPERATOR in the State Of Illinois, contact us today for your gaming needs!

04/13/2012- TODAY MARKS THE DAY OF RELEASE OF THE LOCATION APPLICATIONS! Sci Games has set a timeline of AUGUST 1st as a GO LIVE Date, so we are getting very close. LOCATION APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN RELEASED CLICK HERE TO APPLY!!

02/16/2012- A few more Terminal Operators are licensed, one is tabled one is denied.

01/28/2012- What is an INDUCEMENT? THE IGB has released this to help explain it.

01/18/2012- A selected few OPERATORS were Licensed today, Check the INTERACTIVE MAP FOR WHO IT IS!

01/03/2012- Scientific Games has SIGNED the Contract for the Central Server! http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/03/idUS94015+03-Jan-2012+PRN20120103

12/15/2011-Thursday's IGB Meeting was anticipated to be a very big milestone in possibly awarding licenses to a handful of OPERATORS however

The first thing announced at the meeting was that consideration of all terminal operators was going to be "Tabled."  There was no further discussion of that matter. 

Spielo was approved as a manufacturer.

Next on the agenda was Coastal Amusement Distributor.  The Administrator stated that the staff investigation had determined that the company had been denied in the past in 2 other jurisdictions and staff also determined that the owners had questionable associations.  Thus the staff recommendation was for denial.  The IGB voted 4-0 to deny (only 4 members were present today).  The meeting was then adjourned.

11/25/11- After much anticipation, the state of Illinois awarded the Central Communications System to Scientific Games on Tuesday, November 22. This is one of the most exciting events that has happened in our industry since the Illinois Supreme Court overturned the Wirtz case back in July. The other bidders for the Central System now have a week to dispute the state's decision. Our hope is that there will be no dispute or if there is a dispute that it will be quickly dismissed. Following the dispute period, the state will have up to 30-days to complete a contract with Scientific Games. We should have a much better sense of the VGT market "go live" timeline once the dispute period is completed and the contract is signed. 

11/04/2011- Current IGB Meeting Schedules

Thursday, November 10th - Closed and Open

Monday, November 28th - Closed and Open Video Gaming

Thursday, December 15th - Video Gaming & Riverboat Gambling Open & Closed sessions

10/25/2011- Watch Gov Quinns. Press Release on Gaming today Here

http://www.youtube.com/user/ILStatehouseNews#p/a/u/0/xdjwVkl2dcY

10/25/2011-

 New Illinois Gaming Board Appointments

Judge Aaron Jaffe of Evanston has served as chairman of the Illinois Gaming Board since 2005. Under Jaffe’s leadership, the board has increased openness and transparency in the gaming industry, most notably revoking the 10th casino gaming license in order to rebid the license through a fair and open process. Jaffe has consistently led efforts to hold entities that violate gaming regulations accountable. He sat on the Circuit Court of Cook County for 30 years and served 14 years in the Illinois House of Representatives.

Maribeth Vander Weele of Chicago is the owner and founder of the Vander Weele Group, which provides investigative, security and integrity program services to the public and private sectors. She is also a certified Illinois inspector general with a strong financial and oversight background that includes service on the audit committee for Chicago Public Schools.

Lee Gould of Chicago has more than 30 years of experience as an accountant, auditor and tax preparer. Gould specializes in forensic accounting investigations, locating unreported or hidden assets and identifying misappropriations. Gould holds a degree in accounting from UIUC and a J.D. from the Loyola University of Chicago School of Law.

Michael Holewinski of Chicago is the president of Ace Industries and is a former Illinois state representative. He sits on the board of directors for the Illinois Manufacturer’s Association and previously chaired the Chicago Mayor’s Task Force on Youth Crime Prevention. He holds a J.D. from the John Marshall Law School.

Z (Zaldwaynaka) Scott of Chicago was Illinois’ first executive inspector general and previously worked as a criminal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago. She is currently a partner at Kaye Scholer and a commissioner for the Chicago Housing Authority.

9/27/2011

09/24/2001- VGT (Video Gaming Technologies) has been awarded a License by the IGB for Manufacturer and Distributor.

09/19/2011-

  • During the ILBA tradeshow last week, Mark Ostrowski from the Illinois Gaming Board spoke. Here are some notes from the panel.
    • IGB has been dealing with a number of setbacks aside from Video Gaming like the rebuild of Empress and Casino Queen from fire, the flooding of Harrah’s, Delaware North’s merger with an East Coast company and the construction of the Rivers casino. We’ve been dealing with gaming in “our free time.”

    • Two thirds of the IGB are composed of police.  You will have to obey our requests unlike liquor commissioners.

      Question & Answer

      Q: What are the timelines for server? Going live with games?

      A: Hope to have the server decided by year end, still going through RFP. Expect a live date in 3rd Quarter.

      Q: Have the games been approved?

      A: We are in the process but first approving manufacturers.  Games must go through GLI.

      Q: Will location apps be online?

      A: Plan to have applications online in the ‘near future.’

      Q: How will machines be turned on at the location?

      A: They will likely be turned on through the central system.

    8/09/2011 **** LICENSES HAVE BEEN ISSUED!!! The following is a result of the IGB meeting on August 9th 2011. Finally, and a long time in coming, the following companies were approved for manufacturer and/or distributor licenses:  Aristocrat Technologies; American Vending Sales; Bally; Elite Casino Products; IGT; Incredible Technologies; JCM; Moss Gaming; MTD Gaming ; WMS; Happ; and AG&E

    8/05/2011- Illinois Gaming Board is meeting August 9th for issuance of licensing...click here for the agenda! Its moving forward!

    07/11/2011

    Today the Illinois Supreme Court issued their decision on the Capital Bill case and they overturned the appellate court decision. The bill can now move forward and thousands of jobs can be created and several infrastructure jobs can be started to help rebuild Illinois.

     

    This also means that the Illinois Video Gaming Terminal industry can move forward. After Governor Quinn signed the Video Gaming Act nearly 2 years ago, every level of the VGT industry has been investing time and resources into the creation of this marketplace.

    READ THE COURT OPINION HERE

    5-31-2011- As many of you have probably read, the Legislature passed an expansive gaming bill. Once the bill reaches the Governor's desk, he has 60 days within which to sign or veto. If he does nothing the bill becomes law in any event. So, by the end of July it is anticipated that this new legislation will be the law.

    There are certain provisions in the new legislation that amend the video gaming act. But, the Supreme Court must still pass on the constitutionality of the capital bill (of which the original video gaming legislation is a part of) before these new provisions are effective.

    The new provisions address provisional licensing for establishments ONLY. It does not apply to applicants for any other type of license. The current process still is in place. The legislation provides that within 60 days of the effective date of the Act, the IGB will make the applications for all types of establishments available. The IGB will issue a provisional license if the establishment applicant meets the following criteria: no felony conviction; current on all state and federal taxes; applicant has submitted an application for licensure; applicant has a valid liquor license and has never had its liquor license revoked (or has a valid charitable games license or lottery license); no misdemeanor gambling conviction; and provides results of a state and federal background check performed by the IL State police.

    The IGB shall issue a provisional license to an establishment within 60 days after the application has been received by the IGB and a determination that the above criteria are satisfied. A provisional license is valid until the IGB approves or denies the application; the provisional license is terminated for a violation of the Act; or one calendar year has passed since the provisional was issued. If the IGB has not acted on an establishment application within 60 days after the expiration of a provisional license, then the applicant may apply for renewal.

    All requests for a provisional licensure have a $100 fee. If the IGB has not acted on a request for a provisional license within 60 days after receipt of the request, then the request is deemed approved.

    This is a 500 page piece of legislation so there are many "tie ins" with other sections

     

    5-17-2011- Oral Arguments heard today on the Wirtz Case, as details become available, we will publish them.

    4-21-2011- The Illinois Supreme Court will be hearing Oral Arguments in the WIRTZ case on May 17th, click here for the PDF of the File

    3-22-2011 , for up to the minute, and the most talked about information having to do with anything Illinois Video Gaming Industry visit and join this group on Linkedin

     

    2/22/2011-Stay is Granted, Read it here!

    1-29-2011-The STATE of Illinois MOTION TO "STAY" can be found HERE

    Appellate Court Throws Out Capital Bill Funding; Video Gambling Machines Among Voided Sources

    Governor's Statement

    http://www.illinois.gov/PressReleases/ShowPressRelease.cfm?SubjectID=3&RecNum=9187

    Most Recent Statement

    Here is the quote out of Speaker Madigan's Office:
     
     
     

    Steve Brown, spokesman for House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago), said the authors of the law are familiar with single-subject issues and believe it satisfies the constitutional standard.

    “There is some expectation this decision will be set aside when it goes before the Supreme Court,” said Brown. “If there is some need for additional action by the legislature, given the broad bi-partisan statewide support of the capital program, I don’t know of anyone who is saying it would be difficult in the unlikely case that would be necessary.

    “This isn’t out first rodeo, people know about single subject, they drafted the bill so it would be consistent with the constitution and they expect the Supreme Court to agree,” Brown said. “If for some reason some portion needs to be re-enacted, given the bipartisan nature of (support), I don’t know anyone who would suggest there’d be difficulty there

    01/24/2011-State Representative Lou Lang has reintroduced Gaming Expansion bills. They are House Bills 36, 37 and 38

    It is rumored that Applicants for Distributors and Operators will be discussed on the January Agenda for the Illinois Gaming Board, as it is confirmed we will bring you an update..

    The Illinois Gaming Board again has been reported that they are doing random site inspections in various areas across Illinois. We would urge you to consider if your location is 100% ready for this inspection before agreeing to it. Though nothing has been set in stone, you may have only one chance to have an inspection so please make sure you are 100% ready before committing to it.

    ARCHIVED INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND HERE... Archived information is a TIMELINE of all the process of Illinois VGT and Illinois Gaming, including downloadable PDF's links and more, click the ARCHIVE Link to view that page (as it was just filling up the CURRENT NEWS page, way too much!)

    On July 13, 2009 the state of Illinois legalized the use of Video Gaming Terminals (VGTs) at licensed liquor locations including bars, restaurants, truck stops, and fraternal and veterans' organizations.

    Video Gaming Act Summary

     

     

    • 9/29/2010- For a list of the OPT OUT Communities for Video Gaming, Click Here
     
    9/10/2010- The IGB (Illinois Gaming Board) has cancelled the contract for the Central Server System, based upon not having all the figures and doing enough research. They are RE-OPENING the bidding process and starting all over... This will, no doubt, delay the process of the server being ready and getting locations going with the new gambling system.
     
    8/23/2010 Illinois General Assy PASSES SB0744 ALLOWING Off Track Betting Establishments to participate in Illinois Gaming

    7/30/ 2010, Governor Quinn SIGNED The Trailer Bill HB4927...for more information contact us directly!

    NOTE** To View and Download the CURRENT LAW as it reads right now, download it here!

    5/10/2010 *** The Amended Trailer House Bill HB4927 has passed the House and is onto the Senate, this eliminates the July 31st date everyone is so concerned with among a few other changes...*** DOWNLOAD IT HERE