Latest articles
Illinois Sweepstakes Gambling Manager Convicted of Wire Fraud & Bribery
A federal jury in Chicago has found James T. Weiss guilty on multiple counts of fraud, bribery, and making false statements to the FBI. Weiss is the manager of Collage LLC, a company manufacturing retail gaming devices, which it claims are a form of sweepstakes, legal under federal law. The charges against him stem from accusations that he […]
Illinois Passes Bill Allowing Casinos to Hire People with Felony Convictions
The Illinois House of Representatives passed a bill allowing casinos to hire people with felony convictions. If it becomes law, Senate Bill 1462, introduced by State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago), will significantly expand Illinois’ hospitality labor pool as new casinos prepare to open. After passing the Senate in March with a 44-12 vote, the bill […]
Illinois Gaming Board Grants a Mob-Related Man a Gaming License
Here’s a question for the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB). How can a man connected to organized crime be granted a gaming license? At first glance, there is nothing unusual about Jeffrey Bertucci, who operates six video gaming terminals (VGTs) in his Steak ‘N Egger franchise in Cicero, Ill. However, records show that in testimony, Bertucci […]
Illinois Sweepstakes Machines May Remain Unregulated Amid National Quagmire of Gray Machines
Illinois sweepstakes machines seem to be gray gaming devices by another name. The machines are often found in gas stations like slot-style skill game machines are in other states. Similarly, members of the Illinois General Assembly are attempting to outlaw the currently gray gaming machines, as other states have done. However, SB1504 may not meet […]
Bally’s Two Steps Closer to Realizing Its Chicago Casino Project
Bally’s upcoming Chicago casino resort is a major project, but the company has taken two significant steps forward. It has begun hiring for roughly 700 positions at its temporary location, which it expects to open in July. Meanwhile, Bally’s has reached a deal with the Chicago Tribune to vacate the printing facility currently occupying the […]
Illinois Sports Betting Suppliers Seek $10 Million Fee Reduction
If state lawmakers approve SB323 amending the Sports Wagering Act, Illinois sports betting suppliers may pay $10 million less in renewal fees during the next eight years, according to the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB). However, that’s money the state needs and that suppliers agreed to pay, said state representatives during an April 19 Illinois House […]
Gonzalez Promises to Keep Illinois Online Casino Legalization Top of Mind
Illinois online casino gambling may not become legal in 2023, but state Rep. Edgar Gonzalez Jr. plans to keep it on the minds of his fellow lawmakers. Gonzalez, D-Chicago, spoke to Bonus about iGaming and why it matters to his state. On March 10, the bills Gonzalez and state Sen. Cristina Castro, D-Elgin, sponsored took […]
Illinois Online Casino Bills See Unfortunate Committee Re-Routing
Illinois online casino bills HB2239 and SB1656 took unfortunate turns on March 10 into committees where they may die due to inaction. However, hope for the Internet Gaming Act (IGA) to become law may not completely disappear until May 19, when the Illinois General Assembly adjourns. On Friday, HB2239 was re-routed from the House Gaming Committee […]
Illinois Online Casino Bill Sees Movement in House
The House version of the Illinois online casino bill, HB2239, entered a second committee on Feb. 28. That’s its first movement since being introduced on Feb. 8 and bodes well for the Internet Gaming Act (IGA) getting a hearing there soon. The House Gaming Committee, where the Illinois online casino bill now resides, hosts 10 […]
Bally’s Obtains Temporary Location Approval, Ejects Chicago Tribune From Future Casino Site
Bally’s Corporation has instructed the Chicago Tribune newsroom and printing plant to relocate within two years to make room for its upcoming Freedom Center casino. The move comes amid a dispute between the companies over a lease extension on the property. Meanwhile, Bally’s has received final approval for its temporary location while construction is underway […]
