Video Gaming Act will reduce corruption
The Video Gaming Act, on hold pending a court decision, will vastly improve the current video gaming system in Illinois. Currently, there are estimated to be as many as 60,000 unregulated video gaming devices in operation in the state. Many if not most of these devices are being used for illegal gambling. The proceeds are untaxed and frequently go into the pockets of individuals connected to organized crime.
The VGA will provide the Illinois Gaming Board the ability to ensure any video gaming that takes place in Illinois is legal, properly regulated and untainted by corruption. It will set clear standards that will help law enforcement officials crack down on illegal gambling and better track gaming revenues to ensure that those revenues are properly taxed to fund projects such as those in the Illinois Capital Bill.
The VGA sets regulations for limited locations, calls for a central monitoring system, requires mandatory background checks and mandates increased oversight. Compare that to the status quo described above. Under the act, gaming terminals are restricted to bars, restaurants, truck stops, off-track betting parlors and meeting places for fraternal and veterans’ organizations that have a liquor license. Video gaming terminals must be connected to a state-managed central system. All manufacturers, distributors, operators and establishments must be licensed by the IGB and submit to extensive background checks. The Act will provide law enforcement with the tools to eliminate “gray games” that currently operate across the state without oversight.
No matter where you stand on the complex issue of legal gaming, it is clear the Video Gaming Act is an improvement over the status quo and will assist the IGB in maintaining a better regulated gaming industry in the state of Illinois.
Walt Stowe
Former associate special agent
Chicago FBI Field Office