Illinois Video Gaming Compliance Update for the Big Game

Keeping our locations compliant is our top priority here at Accel, so we wanted to send out a reminder before the Big Game. Allowing any unsanctioned or unlicensed betting or wagering to occur in your establishment is illegal. This includes, but is not limited to: 

• Illegal raffles, card games where there is “money on the table,” illegal sweepstakes, squares, jar games, cards, dice, pool based on the result of the game, etc. 

• Though fantasy sports wagering is not considered illegal by the IGB, provided your establishment is not participating in operation of league in any way (i.e. simply serving food and drink to group is permissible), betting on football squares or any such activity is still considered illegal gambling activity

If you conduct or allow this type of illegal gambling in your establishment, not only do you face potential criminal charges, you put your video gaming license at risk!  The IGB will conduct random stings in the days leading up to the Big Game, and they have revoked gaming licenses of locations who allow this type of illegal activity to occur. Keep in mind that the IGB will also be on the lookout for gambling and non-gambling violations, such as underage children in the video gaming area, permitting smoking in your establishment, serving minors, etc. The IGB will not be tolerant of any infractions, and any location found to be in violation risks substantial fines and/or having its gaming license revoked.

If you have any questions related to this compliance update, please reach out to your Relationship Manager.