What to Expect When You’re Expecting…an IGB Inspection

One very important step in the process of getting video gaming terminals (VGTs) in Illinois is having an Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) agent inspect your location’s gaming area and make sure all necessary paperwork is completed. Accel outlines what happens before, during and after this inspection and what you’ll need to do to prepare (with our help) before an appointment is even scheduled.

There’s no need to stress about the IGB inspection. Your Accel Relationship Manager (RM) will of course help you along the way.  However, there are some things you can do to prepare and make the process a lot easier on everyone involved.

Three Steps to Get to an Inspection:

1.  Submit an Illinois Video Gaming Application. 

• Your Accel RM can help with this, or you can hire your own attorney to assist you.

2.  Get Fingerprinted by the IGB.

• Wait until you submit your application to be fingerprinted and follow the directions from the Illinois Gaming Board – there is such a thing as doing this step too early or doing it incorrectly!

3.  Prep for Inspection.

• After your application is submitted, and while you are waiting for your inspection to be scheduled, check with your local municipality and inquire about any additional gaming license applications or fees, and any other regulations or restrictions to consider that are specific to your municipality.
• Ensure all licenses/permits/certifications that are required to be hung are in plain sight and easy to access.
• Ensure all information (complete address, DBA name, legal name, ownership information) is correct and consistent across the board – the Illinois Secretary of State, your Illinois Business Authorization Certificate with the Illinois Department of Revenue, your State liquor license with the Illinois Liquor Control Commission, your local liquor license, etc.

You’ve made it – it’s IGB Inspection Time!   

An Illinois Gaming Board agent will contact you directly (at the phone number provided on your application) to schedule an on-site appointment to do the following steps, including but not limited to:

• Inspect the proposed gaming area where Accel will set up the VGTs
• Ensure line of sight to the gaming area by an employee 21 or older
• Check for any illegal activity taking place at your location (other forms of gambling, etc.)
• Discuss your (or other owner’s/video gaming manager’s) criminal history (if applicable)
• Photograph all persons disclosed on application
• Collect copies of documents listed below (you must have copies of these on hand at the inspection):
  • Copy of Driver’s License/State-Issued ID (for everyone who is on the application)
  • Copy of Local Liquor License
  • Copy of State Liquor License
  • Copy of signed Terminal Use Agreement (TUA)
  • Copy of Department of Justice confirmation (or email confirmation that registration form was sent)
  • Copy of Lease for property and/or property tax bill for premises
  • Copy of Illinois Business Authorization Certificate
  • Information on any prior liquor license violations and documentation of the disposition of those violations
  • If applicable, copy of Articles of Incorporation and supporting documentation listing officers, owners, shareholders, directors, etc.
  • Individual(s) should also be able to discuss ANY prior arrest or criminal charges                                       (misdemeanor and higher) and the disposition for each charge (dismissed, convicted, etc.)
  • Sworn Truck Stop Affidavit (for Truck Stops only)

As you can see, there are a lot of steps and boxes to check before VGTs can be turned on in a location – but it’s usually a quick process and can be very smooth if you’re properly prepared. Your RM will work with you to make sure the applications are filled out correctly and you’ve completed the necessary steps to ensure a successful IGB inspection.