Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) adopted new proposed advertising and marketing rules for sports wagering, casino, and video gaming during its regularly scheduled meeting today. The board also addressed several other regulatory matters.

"As part of the IGB's ongoing work to reassess existing rules and measure the effectiveness of gaming expansion implementation, the IGB amended the current advertising and marketing rules for sports wagering to include additional safeguards and requirements and also make those rules applicable for the first time to casino gambling and video gaming," said IGB Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter. "The new rules adopted today will provide uniform advertising regulation and standards across all Illinois' gaming markets under IGB jurisdiction."

Administrator Fruchter reminded Illinoisans that September marks National Responsible Gambling Education Month, which aims to bring awareness to gaming literacy and consumer education. "Responsible gaming encourages players to maintain their gambling at a healthy level and minimize harm to themselves and the community. For its part, the IGB is committed to maintaining the safety of Illinois gaming, including working with Illinois operators, other government agencies, addiction specialists, and other stakeholders to encourage responsible gaming," he added.

Anyone who believes they or a loved one has a gambling problem should visit the IGB website for information about the Self-Exclusion Program or Are You Really Winning - Illinois Helpline (helplineil.org). Problem gambling counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 800-GAMBLER (800-426-2537) or by texting GAMB to 833234.

The IGB took several other regulatory actions including:

- Approved the renewal of a four-year Casino Owners License for Midwest Gaming and Entertainment d/b/a Rivers Casino.

- Issued two Level 1 licensees, 114 Level 2 casino occupational licenses, 123 Level 3 casino occupational licenses, and one supplier renewal.

- Approved 172 video gaming locations, 119 terminal handlers, six technicians.

- Denied video gaming licenses for one terminal operator and 14 video gaming location applicants.

- Ordered one Terminal Operator to economically disassociate from an applicant; seven location non-renewals; issued one Video Gaming Rule 320 Final Board Order.

- Approved one Master Sports Wagering license renewal along with 188 Level 2 and 3 sports wagering occupational licenses.

The next scheduled regular meeting of the IGB will be on October 24, 2024. For more information including agendas, minutes, recorded meetings, visit the Illinois Gaming Board's website.

Illinois hosts 15 casinos, 15 approved sportsbooks, and over 8,700 licensed video gaming establishments.