Illinois Gaming Board met Sept. 15.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
The Illinois Gaming Board convened for a Regular Meeting at 9:00 A.M. On August 19, 2022, Governor JB Pritzker issued a statewide disaster proclamation in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Pursuant to Section 7(e) of the Open Meetings Act, the Board determined it was not practical or prudent, nor was it feasible, to hold an in-person meeting due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the Board held the meeting through electronic means. The meeting was accessible on the morning of September 15, 2022, via livestream at: https://multimedia.illinois.gov/igb/igb-live.html.
A roll call was taken. The following Board members were present: Chairman Charles Schmadeke, Member Anthony Garcia, and Member Dionne Hayden. Three members of the Board being present, a quorum was satisfied.
At approximately 9:01 A.M., Member Garcia moved to go into closed session pursuant to Section 2(c), paragraphs (1), (11), (21) and (36) of the Open Meetings Act and Section 6(d) of the Illinois Gambling Act to discuss items on the closed session agenda relating to the employment and performance of a specific employee, pending litigation, the review of closed session minutes of the Regular Board Meetings, and to deliberate on decisions of the Illinois Gaming Board in which there is discussed personal, commercial, financial, or other information obtained from any source that is privileged, proprietary, confidential, or a trade secret; or information specifically exempted from the disclosure by federal or State law. Member Hayden seconded the motion. The Board approved the motion unanimously by voice vote. Thereafter, the Board held its closed session meeting through electronic means, the minutes of which are separately recorded. The Board’s closed session meeting was not accessible via livestream at https://multimedia.illinois.gov/igb/igb-live.html.
At approximately 10:00 A.M., the Board reconvened its Regular Meeting of Thursday, September 15, 2022, pursuant to the Illinois Open Meetings Act, 5 ILCS 120/1 et seq. The meeting was held through electronic means. The meeting was accessible on the morning of September 15, 2022, via livestream at: https://multimedia.illinois.gov/igb/igb-live.html..
Another roll call was taken. The following Board members were present: Chairman Charles Schmadeke, Member Anthony Garcia, and Member Dionne Hayden. Three members of the Board being present, a quorum was satisfied.
APPROVAL OF OPEN SESSION MINUTES
The Board voted unanimously to approve the open session minutes from its Regular Meeting held on July 28, 2022.
BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
None.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Administrator Fruchter began his comments by noting that September is responsible gaming education month. He noted that the topic is important to the IGB and all gaming stakeholders and that the IGB is committed to this endeavor on a year-round basis.
The Administrator provided an update on the status of the casino to be located in Chicago. He noted that the application was submitted to the IGB in August and IGB staff is in the process of reviewing the application materials.
The Administrator mentioned that it has been 10 years since the first VGT became operational in Illinois. At present, Illinois’ distributed gaming market is the largest in the world and continues to evolve and grow. Administrator Fruchter indicated the IGB would continue to engage with its partners to ensure that the industry enjoys future success and experiences improvements.
Administrator Fruchter reminded the audience that the sales agent licensing rule was published for first notice in the Illinois Register on February 2, 2022. He invited all stakeholders to comment on this important rule proposal by October 21, 2002. The Administrator noted that the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (“JCAR”) recently approved the amendment to Rule 320. The further noted that the updated Rule 320, which impacts Use Agreements, becomes effective on October 1, 2022.
The Administrator noted that there are currently 8,076 Licensed Establishments operating an aggregate of 43,938 VGTs. In addition, there are 5,182 Establishments operating more than 5 VGTs. In July, VGTs generated Net Terminal Income (“NTI”) of $225,823,365, which yielded a total tax of $76,774,436. The State received $65,484,080 and municipalities received $11,290,355. In August, VGTs generated NTI of $226,949,470, yielding a total tax of $77,163,169. The State received $65,819,577, while locals earned $11,343,591. In July, Illinois’ casinos had Adjusted Gross Receipts (“AGR”) of $122,866,218, generating a State tax of $29,687,218 and a local tax of $6,985,185. In August, Illinois’ casinos had AGR of $117,326,539, generating a State tax of $29,417,448 and a local tax of $6,657,306. In July, sports wagering generated AGR of $46,080,136, yielding a State tax of $6,912,020 and a Cook County tax of $480,897.
PUBLIC COMMENTARY
The Board entertained comments from Thomas A. Thanas, Executive Director of the Illinois Casino Gaming Association.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
The Board voted unanimously to approve the dissemination of the minutes of the closed sessions held by the Board on February 4, 2021; March 10, 2021; April 21, 2021; July 14, 2021; September 9, 2021; October 13, 2021; October 20, 2021; October 28, 2021; November 18, 2021 and December 8, 2021 as those minutes no longer require confidential treatment.
CASINO
OWNERS LICENSEE ITEMS
The Board voted unanimously to approve Midwest Gaming & Entertainment, LLC d/b/a Rivers Casino’s Rule 605 Request regarding Pai Gow Tiles.
SUPPLIER LICENSEE ITEMS
Key Person Approval
The Board voted unanimously to find Constance P. James, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer & Corporate Secretary suitable as a key person for SG Gaming, Inc. d/b/a Scientific Games Corporation.
License Renewals – Administrator Delegation
Pursuant to the authority delegated by the Board on June 11, 2020, the Administrator renewed the Casino Supplier license of DiTronics Financial Services LLC, for a period of four years, retroactive to August 2022 and expiring August 2026. Furthermore, the Administrator found the following individuals and trust still suitable as key persons of Ditronics Financial Services LLC:
1. George James Vasilakos
2. George Steven Vasilakos
3. Virginia Fetyko Vasilakos
4. George J. and Virginia F. Vasilakos Family Trust UDT 11/24/97
Pursuant to the authority delegated by the Board on June 11, 2020, the Administrator renewed the Casino Supplier license of GLP Capital, L.P., for a period of four years expiring in September 2026. Furthermore, the Administrator found the following individual and business entity still suitable as key persons of GLP Capital, L.P.:
1. Peter Carlino
2. Gaming & Leisure Properties, Inc.
Pursuant to the authority delegated by the Board on June 11, 2020, the Administrator renewed the Casino Supplier license of Interblock USA L.C., for a period of four years expiring in September 2026. Furthermore, the Administrator found the following individual and business entity still suitable as key persons of Interblock USA L.C.:
1. John Connelly
2. Interblock d.o.o.
OCCUPATIONAL LICENSEE ITEMS
Level 2 and Level 3 License Applications – Approvals
The Board voted unanimously to adopt the staff’s recommendation to approve 61 Level 2 and 90 Level 3 occupational license applicants. Furthermore, the Board voted unanimously to issue Notices of Denial to:
1. Brian Qjere Bacon (22K084802)
2. Angie Diane Swanson (21C109063)
Occupational License Renewals – Administrator Delegation
Pursuant to the authority delegated by the Board on June 11, 2020, the Administrator renewed the Level 1, 2, and 3 licenses of individuals who were licensed or renewed in August or September 2021who have properly updated their applications and complied with the requirements of the Illinois Gambling Act and the Board's Rules.
SPORTS WAGERING
SWA Level 2 & 3 Applications - Approvals
The Board voted unanimously to adopt the staff’s recommendation to approve 119 Level 2 sports wagering occupational licenses and to issue a Notice of Denial to: Samuel Jon Epsteen (22DKS0009102).
Level 1, 2, and 3 License Renewals – Administrator Delegation
Pursuant to the authority delegated by the Board on June 11, 2020, the Administrator renewed the Level 1, 2, and 3 Sports Wagering licenses of the individuals who were licensed or renewed in August or September 2021 who have properly updated their applications and complied with the requirements of the Sports Wagering Act and the Board’s Rules.
VIDEO GAMING
VG Manufacturer, Distributor and Supplier License Renewals – Administrator Delegation
Pursuant to the authority delegated by the Board on June 11, 2020, the Administrator renewed the Video Gaming Manufacturer license of Inspired Gaming (UK) Limited for a period of four years, expiring September 2026.
The Administrator renewed the Video Gaming Distributor licenses of American Vending Sales, Inc., and H. Betti Industries, Inc. for a period of four years, retroactive to August 2022, and expiring August 2026 and renewed the Manufacturer license of Inspired Gaming (USA) Inc. for a period of four years, expiring September 2026.
The Administrator renewed the Video Gaming Manufacturer and Distributor licenses of Aristocrat Technologies, Inc., for a period of four years, retroactive to August 2022 and expiring August 2026. Furthermore, as a result of the license harmonization legislation, the Administrator renewed the Casino Supplier license of Aristocrat Technologies, Inc., for a period of four years, expiring August 2026 and found the following individuals and business entity still suitable as key persons of Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.:
1. Hector Leonardo Fernandez
2. Aristocrat International Pty Ltd.
3. Aristocrat Leisure, Limited
The Administrator renewed the Video Gaming Supplier license of JCM American Corporation for a period of four years, retroactive to August 2022, and expiring August 2026. Furthermore, as a result of the license harmonization legislation, the Administrator renewed the Casino Supplier license of JCM American Corporation, for a period of four years, expiring August 2026 and found the following individuals, business entities and trust still suitable as key persons of JCM American Corporation:
1. Takatomo Imai
2. Koichiro Kamihigashi
3. Yojiro Kamihigashi
4. Japan Cash Machine Co. Ltd.
5. Johto Investment and Development Inc.
The Administrator renewed the Video Gaming Manufacturer and Distributor licenses of Konami Gaming, Inc., for a period of four years, retroactive to August 2022 and expiring August 2026. Furthermore, as a result of the license harmonization legislation, the Administrator renewed the Casino Supplier license of Konami Gaming, Inc., for a period of four years, expiring August 2026 and found the following individuals still suitable as key persons of Konami Gaming, Inc.:
1. Kagemasa Kozuki
2. Thomas Jingoli
3. Kimihiko Higashio
4. Stephen Sutherland
5. Konami Corporation of America
6. Konami Holdings Corporation
The Administrator renewed the Video Gaming Manufacturer, Distributor and Supplier licenses of SG Gaming, Inc. for a period of four years, retroactive to August 2022 and expiring August 2026. Furthermore, as a result of the license harmonization legislation, the Administrator renewed the Casino Supplier license of SG Gaming, Inc. for a period of four years, expiring August 2026 and found the following individual and business entity still suitable as key persons of SG Gaming, Inc.:
1. Matthew Wilson
2. Light & Wonder, Inc. (f/k/a Scientific Games Corporation)
The Administrator renewed the Video Gaming Manufacturer and Distributor licenses of IGT, for a period of four years, retroactive to August 2022 and expiring August 2026. Furthermore, as a result of the license harmonization legislation, I am renewing the Casino and Sports Wagering Supplier licenses of IGT for a period of four years, expiring August 2026 and found the following individuals and business entities still suitable as key persons of IGT:
For Casino:
1. Renato Ascoli
2. International Game Technology
3. International Game Technology PLC
4. De Agostini S.p.A.
5. B&D Holding S.p.A.
For Sports Wagering:
1. Marco Drago
2. International Game Technology
3. International Game Technology PLC
4. De Agostini S.p.A.
5. B&D Holding S.p.A.
6. Blu Acquario Prima, S.p.A.
Terminal Operator License Renewals – Administrator Delegation
Pursuant to the authority delegated by the Board on June 11, 2020, Administrator Fruchter renewed the following Video Gaming Terminal Operator licenses, for a period of 4 years, retroactive to August 2022 and expiring in August 2026:
1. A1_Keshav Krupa LLC (180600419)
2. Action Video Gaming, LLC (180604549)
3. Donico Gaming, LLC (100600378
4. Game On Entertainment, LLC (160604317)
5. Winner's Choice Gaming, LLC (190600236)
The Administrator renewed the following Video Gaming Terminal Operator licenses, for a period of 4 years, expiring in September 2026:
1. A & A Gaming Inc. (200600696)
2. Aces Up Gaming LLC (180601388)
TECHNICIANS & TERMINAL HANDLERS
Initial Licenses – Approvals and Denials
The Board voted unanimously to adopt the staff’s recommendation to approve 12 Terminal Handler licenses and 1 Technician license for a period of two years, expiring in September 2024, subject to licensee’s payment of the applicable licensing fee on or before October 31, 2022, and to issue a Notice of Denial to: Benjamin Lee Barker (200501406).
VG Terminal Handler Non-Renewals
The Board voted unanimously to adopt the staff’s recommendation to issue a Notice of Non-Renewal to Vismay Chandravadan Chudasama (190502155).
The Board voted unanimously to adopt the staff’s recommendation to issue a Notice of Non-Renewal to Jaylin Anttwon Williams (210500901).
The Board voted unanimously to adopt the staff’s recommendation to issue a Notice of Non-Renewal to Billy Ray Dubson (140503101).
VG Technicians and Terminal Handler License Renewals – Administrator Delegation
Pursuant to the authority delegated by the Board on June 11, 2020, the Administrator renewed the licenses of Technicians and Terminal Handlers who were licensed or renewed in August or September 2021, for a period of two years expiring in August or September 2024 who properly updated their applications and complied with the requirements of the Video Gaming Act and the Board's Rules.
VIDEO GAMING ESTABLISHMENT APPLICANT ITEMS
Initial Licenses - Approvals & Denials
The Board voted unanimously to adopt the staff’s recommendation to approve 145 Video Gaming Establishment License applications for a period of two years, expiring in September 2024, subject to licensee’s payment of the applicable licensing fee on or before October 31, 2022, and to issue Notices of Denial to the following applicants:
1. Brooklyn Adult Center Inc. d/b/a Pleasure Palace (220700083)
2. MNP Wheeling Inc. d/b/a Meat & Potato Urban Kitchen (210700654)
3. Taxco City Corp. d/b/a Taxco Restaurant (210701969)
4. HP DJ Operating, LLC d/b/a Benny’s Cornet Market – Davis Junction (221001039)
5. Deuce's Wild Hospitality Group, LLC d/b/a Rosa's Slots (210703123)
VG Location Establishment Denials – Administrator Delegation
Pursuant to the authority delegated by the Board on June 11, 2020, to deny applications where staff’s investigation determines that applicant is prohibited by statute or rule from holding the applied-for license, the Administrator denied the following Video Gaming Location Establishment license applications as each is ineligible under the VGA and Rules:
1. Alicia Yeverino d/b/a Gyro House (210702253)
2. Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores, Inc. d/b/a Love's Travel Stop #834 (211003137 )
3. ROSE'S BAR LLC d/b/a ROSES BAR LLC (210702522)
4. Son Goku Restaurants LLC d/b/a Son Goku Restaurant LLC (210702436)
VG Location Establishment Rescissions
The Board voted unanimously to adopt the staff’s recommendation to rescind the denial of Jum Group LLC d/b/a Jum Group LLC (210700353) and grant it a VG Location Establishment license.
The Board voted unanimously to adopt the staff’s recommendation to rescind the license non-renewal of Sammy Jo, Inc. d/b/a Sammy’s Slots (150703785) and renew its VG Location Establishment license.
The Board voted unanimously to adopt the staff’s recommendation to rescind the license non-renewal of MACON PETROLEUM INC. d/b/a P & V Quick Stop (141002666) and renew its VG Truck Stop Establishment license.
VG Location Establishment Renewals – Administrator Delegation
Pursuant to the authority delegated by the Board on June 11, 2020, the Administrator renewed the Video Gaming Location Establishment licenses that were licensed or renewed in August or September 2021 for a period of two years, expiring in August or September 2024, who have properly updated their applications and complied with the requirements of the Video Gaming Act and the Board’s Rules.
ADJOURN
The Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting.
https://www.igb.illinois.gov/FilesBoardMeeting/20220915OpenMeetingMinutes.pdf
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