The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) has proposed new rules to bring more than 50,000 video gaming terminals (VGTs) under the state’s self-exclusion program, aiming to strengthen protections for players at risk of gambling harm.
Currently, Illinois players can exclude themselves from casinos, sportsbooks, and fantasy sports contests, but video gaming terminals—found in 8,800 licensed locations statewide—have not been included in the self-exclusion program. The proposed rules would allow individuals to enroll in the self-exclusion program directly at VGT redemption terminals through identity verification, making it easier for players to control their gambling activity.
This expansion covers the largest video gaming network of its kind globally, with over 50,000 terminals and more than $2.9 billion wagered in September alone. Bringing VGTs into the self-exclusion framework aligns their protections with those already in place for other gambling formats in Illinois.
In addition to self-exclusion, the new rules introduce a framework for video gaming player accounts, enabling cashless wagering and player rewards. These accounts will require age and identity verification and include privacy and security measures compliant with Know-Your-Customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) standards. Players will also be able to set their own responsible gambling limits within these accounts, offering personalized control over their play.
“Integrating Illinois video gaming into the existing self-exclusion program is a gaming integrity and public health priority for the IGB,“ said Marcus Fruchter, IGB administrator. “Every video gaming player account must also allow patrons to set their own responsible gaming limits,“ he added, highlighting the focus on player safety.
The proposed rules follow recent enhancements to the self-exclusion program, including tiered enrollment periods and a 12-month marketing exclusion list for those who exit the program. After approval by the IGB, the rules will undergo review by the Illinois General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) before taking effect.
For players, these changes mean greater access to self-exclusion tools across more gambling formats and improved options to manage spending and exposure to gambling-related harm. The introduction of cashless wagering accounts may also provide safer, more transparent ways to fund play, with built-in controls to support responsible gambling.
Illinois players interested in self-exclusion or learning more about the program can visit the Illinois Gaming Board website. This development also ties into broader responsible gambling efforts, such as the upcoming Illegal Gambling Awareness Week, which aims to educate consumers about gambling risks and protections.
These measures reflect a growing effort to enhance player safety and transparency in gambling markets, particularly as digital and cashless options expand. The Illinois move complements other responsible gambling initiatives seen across the USA and aligns with regulatory efforts to improve player protection standards nationwide.
Source: CDC Gaming.
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