IL VIDEO GAMING 101 (History)

HISTORY OF THE ILLINOIS VIDEO GAMING ACT

History of the Illinois Video Gaming Act

Illinois Video Gaming 101 History of the Illinois Video Gaming Act 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, authorizing the placement of up to five Video Gaming Terminals (VGTs) in licensed Retail Establishments, Truck Stops, Veteran and Fraternal Establishments. The VGTs are all connected to and monitored by a Central Communications System.


The Illinois Gaming Board is a five-member board, appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. The Board administers a regulatory and tax collection system for riverboat casino gambling and video gaming in Illinois.

The Board assures the integrity of riverboat gambling and video gaming through regulatory oversight of casino and video gaming operations; the licensing of suppliers to casinos and employees of casinos; and the licensing of video gaming manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, terminal operators, locations and individuals who service the VGTs.

Learn more about the Illinois Gaming Board by visiting the website at https://igb.illinois.gov