Illinois proposes ID checks for video gambling machines
Machines would stop taking cash directly, and every voucher purchase would verify age and self-exclusion status.
Key Takeaways
- The Illinois Gaming Board unanimously approved proposed rules on Thursday that would extend self-exclusion to about 50,000 video gambling machines in bars, petrol stations and other businesses.
- Machines would no longer accept cash directly: players would have to buy vouchers at payout terminals with cash or digital payments through a video gaming account.
- The proposal goes to the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, a review that typically takes six months to a year, and LNW Gaming is contracted to build the upgrades, which Administrator Marcus Fruchter expects ready next year.
U.S.- The Illinois Gaming Board has proposed the introduction of mandatory identity checks before players can buy credits for video gambling terminals. It’s also proposed extending the state’s voluntary self-exclusion programme to around 50,000 machines in bars, petrol stations and other businesses. The proposal, unanimously approved by the board on Thursday, now goes to the General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules for review, a process that typically takes six months to a year and includes a public comment period.
Under the proposed rules, video gambling machines would no longer accept cash directly. Instead, players would buy vouchers at payout terminals using cash or digital payments through a video gaming account. Both methods would require identity verification to confirm that customers are at least 21 and are not registered on the self-exclusion list.
Opening a video gaming account would remain optional. Operators offering accounts would have to provide tools for setting responsible gambling limits, prevent excluded individuals from opening accounts and stop sending promotional materials to those on the list. They could also offer rewards programmes to players who have not self-excluded. The changes would introduce additional payment options and allow operators to apply player controls and anti-money laundering measures, Gaming Board Administrator Marcus Fruchter said. The board has also identified the expansion of self-exclusion coverage as a public health priority.
The Gaming Board has contracted LNW Gaming, a supplier of slot machines and table games, to carry out upgrades to connect the self-exclusion database. Fruchter said he was confident the work would be ready for deployment next year.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- How many machines would self-exclusion cover? About 50,000 video gambling machines in bars, petrol stations and other businesses across Illinois.
- Are video gaming accounts mandatory? No. They would remain optional, but operators offering them would have to provide responsible gambling limit tools, block excluded people from opening accounts and stop sending them promotions.
- When could the rules take effect? They must first pass review by the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, which typically takes six months to a year and includes public comment. Fruchter said he is confident the technical work will be ready for deployment next year.
