Latest news with #IllinoisGamingBoard
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Judge halts Rockford's efforts to limit video gaming terminals
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — A circuit court judge has barred the City of Rockford from enforcing rules meant to slow the growth of gambling in the city. 17th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Fabiano issued the ruling in response to a lawsuit brought by Kelly Quinby, the proprietor of Spinning Slots, at 1625 Sandy Hollow Road, after the city refused to license a 6th video gaming terminal (VGT) at the location, despite allowances by the Illinois Gaming Board to do so. The state's 2009 Video Gaming Act allows any business licensed to serve liquor to install up to six slot machines. However, to slow the growth of gambling machines within the city, Aldermen passed an ordinance that would require venues to derive at least 50% of total revenue from food and alcohol sales. The ordinance was to help existing bars and restaurants that wanted to add gambling terminals as a source of extra income, and discourage independent operators from opening establishments where gambling was the primary source of revenue. According to the lawsuit, the city refused to license Spinning Slots' 6th gaming terminal, despite its authorization by the Illinois Gaming Board, and denied renewal of its liquor license because the establishment did not meet the 50% income threshold. On Thursday, the court ruled that the City lacked the authority to regulate video gaming establishments, as this power resides with the state. The ruling prevents the City from enforcing any local ordinances that limit the number of video game terminals in the city. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Yahoo
Illinois casinos required to offer human trafficking training
CHICAGO (WMBD) — New administrative rules made by the Illinois Gaming Board will require all casinos within the state to conduct mandatory human trafficking recognition training. The rules will also mandate the development and the documentation of human trafficking training and reporting procedures, as well as posting human trafficking awareness notices. Casino Rule 3000.175 is now effective, following the May 2 approval from the General Assembly's Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. The new rule includes the following requirements: All casino employees must complete annual human trafficking training with their initial training being completed within the first three months from the start of their employment. This training will include information on what makes an individual susceptible to human trafficking, the different types of human trafficking, red flags that indicate trafficking as well as agencies that provide services to victims of trafficking. Each gaming licensee must maintain records reflecting this requirement. Casinos must establish and implement employee procedures for documenting, reporting, and responding to suspected instances of human trafficking within gaming and non-gaming areas. Casinos must also provide copies of human trafficking curriculum and protocols to the IGB Administrator. Casinos must post human trafficking awareness notices with hotline telephone numbers and other important information including where to seek help or report instances of trafficking. Notices must be placed in bathrooms, near public entrances, and in other visible locations, consistent with notices developed by the Illinois Department of Human Services in compliance with the Human Trafficking Resource Center Notice Act (775 ILCS 50/10). The full rule is available here.1 'Human traffickers often target casinos and hospitality venues to conduct their illegal activities,' said Marcus Fruchter, the gaming board's administrator. 'By adopting mandatory human trafficking recognition training, establishing minimum requirements for that training and requiring casino operators to implement appropriate reporting and signage protocols, the IGB, while working in partnership with the Illinois State Police and other law enforcement agencies, is taking meaningful steps to combat these heinous crimes.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Yahoo
Illinois Gaming Board's new rules on human trafficking and casinos
CHICAGO, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV)— The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) has created new rules for casinos across Illinois to combat human trafficking. The new rules put into place will now require casinos statewide to conduct mandatory human trafficking recognition training, develop, document, and implement human trafficking training and reporting procedures. Once these procedures are put in place, they will provide a report to the IGB. The new rules will also require casinos to post human trafficking awareness notices. The notices will be posted in bathrooms, near public entrances, and in other visible locations. The notices will include hotline contact numbers and other important information like where to seek help or report instances of trafficking. 'Human traffickers often target casinos and hospitality venues to conduct their illegal activities,' said IGB Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter. 'By adopting mandatory human trafficking recognition training, establishing minimum requirements for that training, and requiring casino operators to implement appropriate reporting and signage protocols, the IGB, while working in partnership with the Illinois State Police (ISP) and other law enforcement agencies, is taking meaningful steps to combat these heinous crimes.' The new rules were implemented after approval from the General Assembly's Joint Committee on Administrative Rules on May 2. These rules will require employees of the casinos to take the training within three months of beginning employment. The training will cover topics such as things that might make an individual more susceptible, the different types, red flags to look for, and agencies to contact on human trafficking. 'Human trafficking is one of the most underreported and under-identified crimes,' said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. 'Because human trafficking can come in many forms and can happen almost anywhere, it is important to train people working in industries targeted by human traffickers to recognize the signs so they can report the crimes and help save lives.' The full wording of the new rules can be viewed here. While the Indiana Gaming Board has no such rules for its casinos, House Bill 1416 was just passed on May 6 requiring safety rest areas, gas stations, and welcome centers to display human trafficking awareness information, and permits massage establishments to display human trafficking awareness information. 'This bill is a great first step in curbing human trafficking in our state. … If having these posters on display in our gas stations and rest areas can save just one life, it's worth it,' said Rep. John Barlett (D-Indianapolis). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Daywatch: Gaming Board stops construction at Bally's Chicago casino site
Good morning, Chicago. The Illinois Gaming Board issued a stop work order yesterday at the planned Bally's Chicago casino site in River West after it was discovered that the construction project was using an unauthorized subcontracted waste hauler previously alleged to have had ties to organized crime. D&P Construction, a Melrose Park company which provided dumpsters used at the 30-acre site, was hired by the Chicago Community Builders Collective, a minority-led general contracting partnership constructing Bally's Chicago $1.7 billion permanent casino complex. 'Today we were informed by IGB that the contractors working on the Bally's Chicago site were utilizing an unapproved vendor and were issued a stop work notice,' a Bally's spokesperson said in a statement yesterday evening. 'We appreciate the diligence and action of IGB. This is the process at work. We look forward to working with the IGB to eliminate the possibility of it happening again.' Read the full story from the Tribune's Robert Channick. Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day, including a look yesterday's May Day rally, a deal over Chicago's Columbus statues and a homecoming for Chicago Sky players. Today's eNewspaper edition | Subscribe to more newsletters | Asking Eric | Horoscopes | Puzzles & Games | Today in History It's the latest move by Trump and his administration to utilize federal powers to control or hamstring institutions whose actions or viewpoints he disagrees with. Thousands gathered for a rally on May Day, a celebration with Chicago ties that commemorates the labor movement. The group marched to Grant Park in the afternoon, as hundreds of thousands turned out for rallies around the world, many united in anger over Trump's agenda, including aggressive tariffs and immigration crackdowns. This year's rally and march comes nearly 140 years after the Haymarket Affair and just over 100 days into Trump's second term. Related: Photos: Thousands march through downtown Chicago for May Day The Chicago Park District announced yesterday they reached a deal to end a lawsuit brought over the removal of Christopher Columbus statues from city parks during 2020 protests. A pair of Cook County Jail detainees are alleging sheriff's deputies encouraged a third inmate to tie them up and sexually assault them at knifepoint after one of them complained about forced sexual encounters with a guard in the jail complex. The alleged misconduct is outlined in a lawsuit filed yesterday, which contends the attack came after one of the inmates had made a prior complaint about a nonconsensual sex with a female correctional officer. A federal judge yesterday postponed the retrial of of ex-AT&T Illinois boss Paul La Schiazza on bribery counts related to former House Speaker Michael Madigan, allowing the new U.S. attorney in Chicago to consider next steps in the case and avoiding the possibility that Madigan would be sentenced in the same courthouse while La Schiazza's jury was deliberating. A Harvey alderwoman has been charged with misdemeanor offenses after being forcibly removed by police during Monday's City Council meeting, according to the city. The driver of a car that barreled through a building used for a popular after-school camp in central Illinois, killing three children and a teenager, was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol and may have had a medical emergency, police said yesterday. The biggest day of the Chicago White Sox season finally is at hand. After an 8-0 win over the Milwaukee Brewers yesterday, the Sox will debut their new Chicago Bulls-themed alternate uniforms, celebrating what the team's website described as two 'iconic' franchises. Like the vintage Reese's commercial in which someone accidentally gets peanut butter in his chocolate while another person gets chocolate in his peanut butter, this is a melding of two franchises that was bound to happen. The Chicago Cubs have touted a diverse offense that isn't reliant on home runs to win games. But long balls certainly help and were pivotal in the Cubs' 8-3 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates yesterday at PNC Park. The Chicago Sky's preseason opener in Baton Rouge, La., will offer a rare return to the past for three of their youngest stars. The game is part of a new WNBA series to bring preseason games to college markets of its top stars. This year's slate will include games hosted at Iowa, Oregon and Notre Dame to feature top alums such as Caitlin Clark, Sabrina Ionescu, Jewell Loyd, Arike Ogunbowale and Jackie Young. After Blue Island officials temporarily shut down Harry's Long Bar following a fight involving patrons outside the establishment, the owners are stepping up evening security measures. Also around the area this weekend, comedian Laura Peek is at Zanies and the farmers markets open for summer.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Attorney General warns about March Madness betting schemes
As the 2025 NCAA March Madness Tournament gets underway, Attorney General Kwame Raoul urged Illinoisians who are considering making a wager on basketball games to be fully informed about the risks of online and app-based sports betting before deciding whether to place a bet. March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, as well as the month designated for the NCAA Tournament for college men and women's basketball. Attorney General Raoul is encouraging fans who may be filling out Brackets and thinking about placing wagers on their favorite teams to be aware of the risks of unlicensed operators. 'March Madness is the most exciting time of year for college basketball fans. Whether you are rooting for your favorite team or getting behind this year's 'Cinderella' team, be sure to take steps to protect your money and personal information before placing wagers online or using sports betting apps,' Raoul said. 'Sports betting operators must be licensed by the Illinois Gaming Board in order to operate in the state of Illinois. Be sure you are not inadvertently using an unlicensed betting operator before putting your money on the line. The only feeling worse than having your Bracket busted in the first round is losing your money or personal information by using an unlicensed sports betting operator.' Certain sports betting apps and websites are allowed to operate within the state of Illinois; however, operators must be licensed by the Illinois Gaming Board and in compliance with state regulations. People can visit the Illinois Gaming Board's website and check its licensee list to find out if a sportsbook is authorized to operate in Illinois. 'The IGB is pleased to collaborate with Attorney General Raoul to remind Illinoisans who plan to wager on March Madness games to do so responsibly and safely, which includes avoiding unlicensed and illegal operators,' said Illinois Gaming Board Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter. 'Don't be fooled by unregulated sportsbooks whose offerings mimic legal betting products without any patron protections and regulatory safeguards. If you plan to bet, stay within your financial limits and only patronize approved, legal Illinois sports wagering, video gaming and casino operators.' The Illinois Gaming Board is cracking down on unlicensed betting operators, including those that offer casino-style gambling in addition to sports and fantasy betting. Last month, the Gaming Board issued cease and desist letters to Drafters Inc., doing business as Harp Media B.V., doing business as and SidePrize LLC, doing business as PrizePicks; and Talid Sports Inc, doing business as allegedly unlicensed sports wagering sites, warning them to cease unlicensed sports betting in Illinois. Separately, fantasy sports operator PrizePicks has agreed to cease offering single-player contests in Illinois, as the Legislature considers regulating fantasy sports wagering. In addition, Sleeper, another fantasy sports operator, confirmed it does not offer single-player contests in Illinois. Raoul also encouraged March Madness fans to consider the following tips before placing a bet: • Check to make sure the operator you are considering holds a valid Illinois license by using the Illinois Gaming Board's online licensee list. • Do your research. Check websites like the Better Business Bureau and search using the company's name and 'scam,' or read reviews on gambling forums. • Beware of suspicious texts/emails inviting you to participate in gambling, especially if sent from unfamiliar sources. Messages could be coming from scammers trying to steal your money and personal data. • Beware of fake websites. Scammers may use ads and sponsored links to trick you into visiting their websites, so double check to ensure you typed the name of the right website. • If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of suspicious bonuses or similar offers. • Read the fine print of promotional offers to make sure there are not hidden costs or obligations. Be aware that state law prohibits Illinois residents from betting on Illinois collegiate teams, regardless of whether wagers are placed using online or app-based sportsbooks or in person. Gambling inherently comes with risks, and gambling addiction affects Illinoisans from all walks of life. Illinois residents struggling with an addition to gambling can contact the Illinois Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER, or text 'ILGAMB' to 833234 for help and resources. Those struggling with a gambling problem can also sign up for the Illinois Gaming Board's Self-Exclusion Program to prevent themselves from being able to gamble at casinos, online and using app-based sportsbooks. If you believe you have been the victim of fraud, Raoul encourages you to file a complaint with the Attorney General's website or the Illinois Gaming Board. Consumers can also call one of the Attorney General's Consumer Fraud Hotlines at 800-386-5438 (Chicago) or 800-243-0618 (Springfield).
