IGB Approves Proposed Rule to Integrate Video Gaming into the Self-Exclusion Program

Rule would allow problem gamblers to voluntarily exclude themselves from video gaming through first of its kind initiative

CHICAGO-The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) today approved a proposed rule that adds video gaming to the agency's voluntary Self-Exclusion Program (SEP) for Problem Gamblers. The rule will allow people who enroll in the program to exclude themselves from the State's network of roughly 50,000 video gaming terminals through identity verification at video gaming redemption terminals while creating a framework for video gaming player accounts, cashless wagering, and responsible gaming limits.

"Integrating Illinois video gaming into the existing Self-Exclusion Program is a gaming integrity and public health priority for the IGB," said IGB Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter. "Nothing like this has been implemented at the size and scale of the Illinois video gaming market, which is the largest video gaming network of its kind in the world. The proposed rule will bring video gaming's problem gambling protections in line with those already in place for Illinois casinos and sports wagering and set clear guardrails as the video gaming industry moves toward digital payments."

This proposed rule is part of the IGB's larger, ongoing process discussed at last month's meeting to modernize and further strengthen the SEP, a program that allows people with gambling disorders to voluntarily exclude themselves from casinos, sports wagering, and fantasy contests.

In September, the IGB took two important actions to enhance the existing SEP. First, the IGB revised SEP rules to establish tiered enrollment durations, expand program enrollment channels, and establish a voluntary 12-month Marketing Exclusion List for patrons leaving the Self-Exclusion Program. Second, the IGB adopted a resolution affirming that it is the public policy of the IGB to incorporate video gaming into the SEP and directing IGB staff to take all necessary steps to do so, including the submission of proposed rulemaking - which the IGB accomplished today.

Additionally, the proposed rule's new cashless wagering provisions would allow terminal operators to elect to offer cashless play and player rewards through individual patron video gaming accounts. The accounts would be funded through approved payment methods and be subject to age and identity verifications, privacy and security controls, and Know-Your- Customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) requirements. Every video gaming player account must also allow patrons to set their own responsible gaming limits.

Following today's adoption by the IGB, the proposed rulemaking will go to the General

Assembly's Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) for the approval process before

taking effect. The IGB encourages all stakeholders and interested parties to submit public comments.

In other matters, the IGB approved a proposed amendment to revise existing rules for employees working in non-gaming jobs in Illinois casinos. In 2025, the General Assembly amended the Illinois Gambling Act to eliminate licensing requirements for non-gaming positions and establish casino Non-Gaming Occupational Identification Badges subject to IGB oversight for employees in those roles. The IGB implemented a process for non-gaming identification badges, and the proposed amendments the IGB adopted today further standardize and clarify terms and requirements, and revise processes, application requirements and fees for occupational licenses and non-gaming occupational identification badges.

The amendments will be submitted to JCAR for the rulemaking process for approval before the amended rules take effect. The IGB encourages all stakeholders and interested parties to submit public comments.

In addition, the IGB accepted the Request for Initial Consideration for the renewal of a casino owners license from HC Aurora, LLC d/b/a Hollywood Casino Aurora. Accordingly, Hollywood Casino Aurora will appear before the IGB at the December 10, 2026 meeting for final IGB consideration and determination of its license renewal request.

At the meeting, the IGB also acted on other regulatory matters including:

Issued casino approvals for:

• 2 casino supplier license renewals
• 2 Level 1 occupational licenses
• 466 Level 2 occupational licenses
• Denied 2 Level 2 occupational licenses

Issued video gaming approvals for:

• 4 terminal operator licenses
• 81 video gaming establishment licenses
• 69 terminal handler licenses
• 2 technicians
• 39 sales agent and broker licenses
• 1 manufacturer license renewal
• 1 distributor license renewal
• 4 terminal operator renewals
• Denied 1 sales agent and broker license
• Denied 6 video gaming location establishment license applications

Issued sports wagering approvals for: