Illinois Moves to Extend Gambling Self-Exclusion to 50,000 Video Gaming Machines

CHICAGO, Ill. – Illinois regulators have proposed extending gambling self-exclusion protections to approximately 50,000 video gaming terminals across the state. The changes would require identity verification before play and introduce new payment procedures intended to prevent excluded individuals from accessing the machines.

The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) unanimously approved the proposed rules on October 22, addressing a longstanding gap in the state’s voluntary self-exclusion system. The measures must undergo further regulatory review and public consultation before they can take effect.

Illinois Proposes ID Checks for 50,000 Gaming Terminals

Illinois operates one of the world’s largest networks of distributed video gambling machines, with terminals installed in bars, restaurants, gas stations and other licensed establishments. However, these machines remain outside the state’s existing self-exclusion program, which covers casinos and sports wagering.

Under the proposal, players would need to verify their identity before purchasing vouchers to use video gaming terminals. The process would confirm that customers are at least 21 years old and are not registered on the state’s self-exclusion list.

Video gambling machines would no longer accept cash directly. Instead, players would purchase vouchers through separate redemption devices, using either cash or digital payments where available.

Importantly, cash payments would remain an option. Customers would not be required to open a digital gaming account, although everyone purchasing vouchers would undergo identity verification.

The Illinois Gaming Board previously identified extending its voluntary self-exclusion program to video gaming as a priority for responsible gambling. In September, regulators approved a resolution establishing their intention to close the coverage gap.

Gaming Board Administrator Marcus Fruchter described the latest proposal as “another critical step forward” in that effort. He said the agency would continue working with industry stakeholders as it develops the technical and regulatory arrangements needed for implementation.

Cashless Wagering Raises Player Protection Questions

The proposed rules would also permit operators to introduce digital gaming accounts and player rewards programs. Businesses offering accounts would be required to provide responsible gambling tools and support, including options for customers to establish gambling limits.

Operators would also need to prevent people on the self-exclusion list from opening accounts and prohibit promotional communications directed at excluded individuals. The additional account controls could support customer monitoring and anti-money laundering procedures.

However, the introduction of cashless gambling has raised concerns about its potential effect on spending. Removing the need to handle physical cash could make it easier for customers to purchase additional gambling credits.

A six-month study by casino technology supplier Acres Manufacturing found that customers using cashless systems purchased 92% more gambling credits per session than those using cash. The company also reported that cashless players were more likely to add further funds during a session.

Those findings come from a supplier’s case study and do not establish that similar effects would occur across Illinois. Fruchter acknowledged that potential spending risks would be among the issues considered during the rulemaking process.

The financial stakes are considerable. Illinois video gambling generated more than $1 billion in state and local tax revenue during the previous fiscal year, while gamblers lost more than $3.3 billion on the machines, according to figures reported by Capitol News Illinois.

New Rules Face Review Before Potential 2027 Implementation

The Gaming Board’s proposals now face the state’s administrative rulemaking process, including review by the General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. The process typically takes between six months and a year and provides opportunities for public comment.

Implementation would also require technological upgrades across Illinois’ extensive network of video gaming terminals. The regulator has contracted with gaming technology company LNW Gaming to upgrade the system and enable machines to connect with the state’s exclusion database.

Fruchter said he was confident the necessary technology could be ready for deployment in 2027. However, no definitive implementation date has been established, and the proposed requirements remain subject to regulatory approval.

The proposal follows self-exclusion modernization measures announced in September, when the Gaming Board adopted a resolution supporting the integration of video gaming terminals into the program. The October 22 decision advances that objective through proposed identity verification and payment requirements.

If approved, the new video gaming rules would extend exclusion protections to thousands of additional gambling locations while changing how customers pay to play. Regulators will now assess the practical implications for operators, data privacy and responsible gambling before determining the final framework.

RELATED TOPICS: Responsible Gambling