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- The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) unanimously approved a proposed rule extending the state’s voluntary Self-Exclusion Program to roughly 50,000 video gaming terminals (VGTs) across nearly 9,000 establishments.
- Under the framework—now headed to the legislature’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR)—machines would stop accepting cash directly, requiring players to purchase vouchers via identity-verified redemption kiosks or voluntary cashless accounts ahead of a projected 2027 rollout with LNW Gaming.
The Illinois Gaming Board unanimously approved a proposed rule on Oct. 22 to extend the state’s voluntary Self-Exclusion Program to video gaming terminals.
The proposal would cover roughly 50,000 terminals, filling a gap in a program that currently covers online casinos, sports wagering and fantasy contests. Players would face identity checks when purchasing wagering vouchers, whether they pay with cash or through an optional video gaming account.
The rule is not yet in effect. According to RG.org’s report, it now goes to the General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, or JCAR, for review and approval.
RG.org quoted IGB Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter as saying in the board’s news release:
“Integrating Illinois video gaming into the existing Self-Exclusion Program is a gaming integrity and public health priority for the IGB.”
Identity Checks Would Move to Voucher Purchases
Under the proposal, video gaming machines would no longer accept cash directly. Instead, players would purchase vouchers at a redemption terminal using cash or a video gaming account.
Both options would require identity verification to confirm that the player is at least 21 and is not on the self-exclusion list. Using an account would remain voluntary, and terminal operators could choose whether to offer cashless play and player rewards through individual accounts.
Operators offering accounts would have to provide several safeguards:
- Age and identity verification, plus privacy and security controls.
- Know-your-customer and anti-money laundering requirements.
- The ability for every account holder to set responsible gaming limits.
- Controls preventing self-excluded people from opening accounts or receiving promotional materials.
The proposal also leaves a policy question open: Fruchter said the board wants public discussion about how cashless wagering could affect spending. The source does not establish what that effect would be.
Technology Upgrades and Rule Review Remain Ahead
Connecting video gaming machines to the state’s self-exclusion list while protecting personal data has been the biggest implementation hurdle, according to RG.org. The IGB has contracted with LNW Gaming to upgrade the machines, and Fruchter said he was confident the work would be ready to deploy in 2027. That expectation is not a confirmed effective date.
The board is inviting public comments. RG.org reports that the review process typically takes six months to a year.
The proposal follows September changes establishing tiered self-exclusion enrollment durations, expanding enrollment channels and creating a voluntary 12-month Marketing Exclusion List for people leaving the program.
Illinois has nearly 9,000 licensed video gaming establishments. Video gaming generated more than $1 billion in state and local tax revenue last fiscal year, while players lost more than $3.3 billion.
Self-exclusion lists cover only state-regulated gambling.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Source: As reported by RG.
