IGB Approves Modernization Measures to Expand the Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program

The adopted enhancements will strengthen problem gambling protections and include a commitment to integrate video gaming into the IGB's Self-Exclusion Program

CHICAGO-The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) took meaningful steps to advance ongoing work to modernize and enhance the agency's voluntary Self-Exclusion Program (SEP) through implementation of problem gambling initiatives that are data-driven and research-supported. Today's actions include the adoption of three amendments to the existing SEP and a resolution charting the path forward to integrate Illinois video gaming into the SEP.

The SEP was among the first voluntary exclusion programs in the United States when the IGB established it in 2002. Gambling in Illinois has significantly expanded in the ensuing years, particularly after enactment of the landmark 2019 gaming expansion law. Over the same period, clinical understanding of gambling disorders also evolved along with new strategies for voluntary exclusion programs.

"Modernization and expansion of the SEP must keep pace with the evolution of Illinois gaming in a thoughtful and intentional manner," said IGB Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter. "The IGB is committed to ensuring that the SEP continues to evolve, expands coverage, serves the needs of program participants, and best supports people in their treatment and recovery journeys without barriers and stigma."

The IGB engaged with outside researchers and experts to help develop the following three measures the Board adopted today to amend existing SEP administrative rules by:

• Establishing tiered enrollment periods of six months, 1 year, three years, five years, and indefinite duration to replace the existing lifetime ban with a five-year minimum exclusion period. This change is intended to reduce the friction and potential disincentives the current term duration imposes at the point of enrollment, align the program's enrollment period options with those available in peer gaming jurisdictions, and respect the principles of agency and autonomy in a person's recovery journey.

• Authorizing expanded enrollment channels to reduce barriers to SEP enrollment and participation. Currently, SEP enrollment requires a person to appear in-person at one of approximately 41 IGB-sanctioned enrollment sites - including the 17 Illinois casinos. Implementing remote enrollment processes that are appropriate for Illinois will require further steps and technical development. The proposed amendment adopted today provides the necessary authority for the IGB to deploy additional enrollment channels, such as a notarized mail alternative, treatment provider referral, or an online portal, at the appropriate time following additional review and stakeholder engagement.

• Creating a new voluntary Marketing Exclusion List that would extend the current prohibition on targeted marketing to self-excluded persons for a default period of 12 months beyond the end of the elected exclusion term. The Marketing Exclusion List would restrict the marketing a licensee may direct at a former self-excluded person. It does not restrict what that person may choose to receive and expressly provides that a person on the Marketing Exclusion List may participate in promotions and other activities made available by the licensee to patrons.

These amendments will be submitted to the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) for the public rulemaking process before the amended rules can take effect. The IGB encourages all stakeholders and interested parties to submit public comments.

Additionally, the IGB voted to adopt a Board resolution affirming that it is the public policy of the IGB to incorporate video gaming into the Self-Exclusion Program. Presently, the SEP covers only casino gambling and sports wagering and does not include the Illinois video gaming industry - which is the largest distributed video gaming network of its kind in the world.

"Expanding coverage of the Self-Exclusion Program to include video gaming is an important IGB priority and responsible gambling policy objective," said IGB Administrator Marcus Fruchter.

With adoption of today's resolution, the IGB endorsed a method for video gaming integration into the SEP to be accomplished through identity card readers installed on the video gaming redemption terminals already present in licensed video gaming establishments and using ticket-in-ticket-out (TITO) technology. Once fully implemented, video gaming terminals (VGTs) will no longer accept or store cash directly and, instead, patrons will use TITO at the redemption device to both initiate play and redeem winnings. No changes took effect today. The next steps in the SEP-video gaming integration process include promulgation of technical standards, introduction of proposed implementing rules that will be subject to the JCAR rulemaking process, and stakeholder engagement. The IGB will have further announcements about this important initiative at future Board meetings.

In other measures, the IGB adopted new rules to implement the recent amendments to the Sports Wagering Act that established IGB regulatory oversight of fantasy contests. Fantasy contests are legally distinct from sports gambling under Illinois law. The proposed rules take these differences into account and seek to ensure the credibility and integrity of fantasy contests in a manner that is consistent with the IGB's existing regulatory structure. The proposed fantasy contest rules incorporate, by reference, many of the applicable procedures and requirements found in the Sports Wagering Rules and impose specific duties and consumer protection measures appropriate for fantasy contest operators. Notably, fantasy contests will be integrated into the Self-Exclusion Program and will have a 21+ minimum age requirement. The proposed rules will next proceed through the JCAR public rulemaking process.

In addition, the IGB renewed the casino owners license of HC Joliet, LLC d/b/a Hollywood Casino Joliet for a period of four years to expire in 2030. The casino, which was located for more than three decades on the Des Plaines River, opened its new land-based casino on August 10, 2025, near the interchange of Interstate 80 and Interstate 55.

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

Issued casino approvals for:

• 1 casino owner renewal
• 6 casino supplier license renewals
• 2 key persons
• 8 Level 1 occupational licenses
• 401 Level 2 occupational licenses
• Denied 3 Level 2 occupational licenses

Issued video gaming approvals for:

• 1 terminal operator license
• 29 video gaming establishment licenses
• 16 terminal handler licenses
• 18 sales agent and broker licenses
• 4 manufacturer license renewals
• 6 distributor license renewals
• 3 supplier license renewals
• 10 terminal operator renewals
• Rescinded an order of Economic Disassociation
• Denied 6 video gaming establishment applicants
• Adopted one Administrative Law Judge's Recommended Ruling

Issued sports wagering approvals for:

• 1 supplier license renewal
• 1 key person
• 250 Level 2 sports wagering occupational licenses