TLDR The Illinois Gaming Board has proposed adding 50,141 video gaming terminals to the state’s self-exclusion program. People could enroll through identity checks at video gaming redemption terminals. The rule also sets up cashless player accounts with KYC and anti-money laundering checks. Illinois has 8,800 licensed video gaming locations, with more than $2.9 billion wagered in September. The proposal now goes to a state legislative committee for approval before it can take effect.
The Illinois Gaming Board has proposed new rules that would bring video gaming terminals into the state’s self-exclusion program. The plan covers 50,141 machines across Illinois.
Self-exclusion lets people with gambling problems ban themselves from betting. Right now, the Illinois program covers casinos, sportsbooks and fantasy sports contests.
The board approved the proposed rule on Thursday. It still needs another round of approval before it can take effect.
How the Self-Exclusion Plan Would Work
Under the proposal, people could sign up for self-exclusion at the redemption terminals linked to video gaming machines. They would enroll by verifying their identity at those terminals.
“Integrating Illinois video gaming into the existing self-exclusion program is a gaming integrity and public health priority for the IGB,” said Marcus Fruchter, the board’s administrator.
Fruchter said nothing like this has been done at the size and scale of the Illinois video gaming market. He described it as the largest video gaming network of its kind in the world.
The state has 8,800 licensed locations with video gaming terminals. Players wagered more than $2.9 billion on the machines in September, according to the board.
Fruchter said the rule would bring video gaming’s problem gambling protections in line with those already used for casinos and sports betting. He added that it would “set clear guardrails as the video gaming industry moves toward