Illinois regulators move to bring video gambling under self-exclusion program

Problem gamblers seeking to avoid the temptation to gamble can ban themselves from most of the state’s gambling offerings, from casinos to online sportsbooks to the Lottery. But the state’s voluntary self-exclusion program does not extend to Illinois’ extensive network of video gambling terminals — the largest in the world — that can be found in gas stations, bars, hair salons and hotel lobbies across the state. Regulators are looking to change that.

The Illinois Gaming Board proposed new rules Thursday to bring the state’s video gambling terminals under the program that allows problem gamblers to self-ban by requiring identity verification before players can purchase vouchers at video gambling locations. The new rules would also create new options for cashless wagering and player rewards programs. Gaming Board Administrator Marcus Fruchter said the move was “another critical step forward” in the agency’s goal to bring video gambling under the program’s umbrella.

“We are decidedly on the right path and will continue driving forward, but we will do so in a focused, collaborative, intentional, and efficient manner as we advance this critical initiative,” Fruchter said. The Gaming Board identified closing the coverage gap for video gambling as a “public health priority,” and passed a resolution expressing its commitment to doing so during its September meeting. The board unanimously approved the proposed rules, sending them to the General Assembly’s rulemaking committee for review, a process that usually takes between six months to a year and gives opportunities for public comment.

ID verification The new rules would shift the way gamblers pay to play on video gambling machines, which would no longer accept cash directly. Instead, players would purchase vouchers from a payout device, either with cash or with digital payments through a video gaming account. Both options would require identity verification to confirm players are at least 21 years old and not on the self-exclusion list.

Using a video gaming account would be voluntary, and players could still use cash to purchase vouchers from the redemption terminal after identity verification. Video gambling operators that offer accounts would be required to give players tools to set responsible gambling limits, actively keep self-excluded gamblers from opening accounts and refrain from sending promotional mater…