Illinois is a state in the Midwestern and GreatLakes Regions of the United States. Under current Illinois law,licensed establishments are allowed to operate up to six video gamingterminals (VGTs) per location. The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) overseesthe licensing, regulation and tax collection of the video gaming industry.
House Bill 260 reads that 'The crime of possession of a gambling device does not apply to a slot machine manufactured before 1960, with the intention that the slot machine be used only for the personal and private use of the owner or for public display as a historical artifact in a manner that the slot machine is not accessible to the public.'.
Not every municipality allows video gaming in Illinois. Onthe IGB website,you can find a breakdown of each municipality in the State and if they allowvideo gaming. In 2018, the average monthof video gambling in Illinois generated $123,381,510 in total revenue.
Slot machine ownership laws vary from state to state, in general, most of the states allow individual to own a slot machine if the slot machine meets one of the following three kinds, Antique slot machines: Slot machines that are at least 25 years old, provided that the seller explicitly states the age of the machine in the document. Finally, the answer is yes you can own and buy a slot machine in Illinois if you obtain a license to operate it and use it. You can buy old slot machine online from eBay and other sites that sell refurbished slot machines in Illinois. For new slot machines, you can contact the gaming companies or casinos that sell such machines. States Where Owning Slots Is Illegal In 9 different U.S. States, it is illegal to own slot machines. Many of the states listed are anti-gambling bastions. Hawaii is one of two states which ban all forms of gambling, along with Utah. It is illegal to own a slot machine privately in the state of Tennessee. Barn Farm Tennessee Slot Machine Casino Gambling in 2020 Gaming Control Board in Tennessee.
Gambling in Illinois
The Riverboat Gambling Act was enacted in February 1990,making Illinois the second state in the nation to legalize riverboat gambling.In September 1991, the first riverboat casino began operation in Alton.Currently, there are ten casinos operating throughout the State of Illinois.
The Video Gaming Act was enacted in July 2009, authorizingthe placement of up to five Video Gaming Terminals (VGTs) in licensed RetailEstablishments, Truck Stops, Veteran and Fraternal Establishments. The VGTs areall connected to and monitored by a Central Communications System.
Governor Pritzker signed the Illinois Gambling Act into lawon June 28, 2019. The Act makes significant changes to gaming law in Illinois.The Illinois Gaming Board is working through these changes and onimplementation of the Act. We will share information on the IGB website as theinformation becomes available. Please check back regularly for updates.
The Illinois Gaming Board is a five-member board, appointedby the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. Through the Administrator andstaff, the Board administers a regulatory and tax collection system forriverboat casino gambling and video gaming in Illinois.
The Board assures the integrity of gambling and gaming inIllinois through regulatory oversight of riverboat and casino gambling, videogaming, and sports wagering in the State.
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Before you think of slot machines in Illinois remember the following:
- Illinois Gaming Board(IGB) – The IGB is the state agency that regulates both casino gaming and videogaming in Illinois. The Board itself is a five-member board, appointed by theGovernor and confirmed by the Senate. They have a large staff consisting ofinvestigators, enforcement agents, financial and licensing staff, as well asattorneys. The IGB investigates and issues licenses to persons and entitiesinvolved in gaming and regulates all day-to-day gaming activities.
- Terminal Operator (TO) – The TO is the licensedentity that owns, services, and maintains VGTs for placement in Licensed VideoGaming Locations (licensed Retail Establishments, Truck Stops, Veteran andFraternal Establishments). In the State of Illinois, to operate video slots,you need to have a signed contract with a Terminal Operator.
- Central Communications System (CCS) – The CCS isdesigned to provide real-time communication to and from every licensed VGT inthe State.
Therefore if you want to buy slot machines in Illinois for commercialpurpose then
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Make sure your Illinois business is operating in amunicipality that allows video gaming. The IGB's website providesa list of where video gaming is permitted.
Make sure the type of business you own (or plan to open) isone of the types of locations allowed to apply for a video gaming license.
By law, there are four categories of video gamingestablishments that the IGB can license: retail, fraternal,veterans and truck stops. However, a wide variety of businesses makeup the category of licensed retail establishments, including some that areknown as 'non-traditional.' Unless you qualify as a truck stop, you must have(or obtain) an on-premises Illinois liquor license and serve alcohol at yourlocation.
Finally, fill out the application for your gaming license! There are 10 parts to the application that your Terminal Operator can help you with.
There are certain things you need to be aware of whendesigning space for your VGTs, and a few of them are required by law.
- Signage (required)
- Dedicated electrical (required, and mostTerminal Operators will provide or help provide)
- Stanchions to separate the gaming area (requiredif patrons under 21 allowed in your location)
- A clear line of sight to the entrance to thevideo gaming area by employees of your location who are 21 years of age orolder
Also look for spacers between machines, if space allows forthem. Even better if they provide a space for patrons to charge their phone! Binfor cash out vouchers near the NRT or ATM Terminal Operators can provideguidance when creating your gaming room
Getting a license to own a slot machine in Illinois
The process for getting licensed as an Illinois Video GamingEstablishment can be a long process, in part depending on your ownershipstructure. With any licensing process, it's difficult to determine the exactamount of time it will take to complete. You should not expect to have VGTsimmediately after applying. In most cases, you can expect the process to takeabout 2-3 months.
To prevent delays in the process you can work with yourTerminal Operator to make sure all paperwork is completed correctly
- Check that all licenses required for a videogaming license are up-to-date (state liquor license, local liquor license,etc.)
- Ensure all required signage is in place
- Pay all fees (IGB license fee and any requiredMunicipal fees)
Can I own and buy aslot machine in Illinois?
Finally, the answer is yes you can own and buy a slot machine in Illinois if you obtain a license to operate it and use it. You can buy old slot machine online from eBay and other sites that sell refurbished slot machines in Illinois. For new slot machines, you can contact the gaming companies or casinos that sell such machines.
I am not authorized to Practice Law in the State of California: However. many states have an exemption for the possession of residential (non-gaming) display of antique slot machines. The term 'antique' usually means 25 years or older. I have copied the applicable California Penal Code Section:
330.7. (a) It shall be a defense to any prosecution under this
chapter relating to slot machines, as defined in subdivision (d) of
Section 330b, if the defendant shows that the slot machine is an
antique slot machine and was not operated for gambling purposes while
in the defendant's possession. For the purposes of this section, the
term 'antique slot machine' means a slot machine that is over 25
years of age.
(b) Notwithstanding Section 335a, whenever the defense provided by
subdivision (a) is offered, no slot machine seized from a defendant
shall be destroyed or otherwise altered until after a final court
determination that the defense is not applicable. If the defense is
applicable, the machine shall be returned pursuant to provisions of
law providing for the return of property.
(c) It is the purpose of this section to protect the collection
and restoration of antique slot machines not presently utilized for
gambling purposes because of their aesthetic interest and importance
in California history.
