The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) has proposed new rules to include more than 50,000 video gaming terminals (VGTs) in the state’s self-exclusion program, aiming to strengthen protections for players at risk of gambling harm.
The self-exclusion program currently allows individuals to ban themselves from casinos, sportsbooks, and fantasy sports contests. The proposed expansion will enable players to enroll directly at VGT redemption terminals through identity verification, making responsible gambling tools more accessible at the point of play.
Illinois hosts the largest video gaming network of its kind worldwide, with 8,800 licensed locations and 50,141 VGTs statewide. In September alone, players wagered more than $2.9 billion on these terminals. By integrating VGTs into the self-exclusion program, the IGB seeks to align video gaming protections with those already established for casinos and sports betting.
The new rules also introduce a framework for video gaming player accounts, supporting cashless wagering and player rewards. These accounts will require age and identity verification and comply with privacy, security, Know-Your-Customer (KYC), and anti-money laundering (AML) standards. Players will be able to set their own responsible gambling limits within these accounts, providing greater control over their gambling activity.
“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. This initiative represents one of the largest efforts globally to bring video gaming terminals under a unified responsible gambling framework.
In addition to expanding self-exclusion to VGTs, the IGB recently updated the program to include tiered enrollment periods and a 12-month marketing exclusion list for patrons exiting the program. These measures aim to enhance player protections and reduce exposure to gambling marketing for those seeking to limit their gambling.
The proposed rulemaking will undergo review by the Illinois General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) before taking effect. Once approved, players will have improved tools to manage gambling risks and access support services.
Players in Illinois should monitor announcements on how to enroll in the expanded self-exclusion program and utilize new responsible gambling features as they become available.
This development aligns with broader responsible gambling trends, including regulatory actions and player advocacy worldwide. For example, Brazil recently banned fixed-odds sports betting ahead of elections to address gambling-related debt issues, as reported by GamblingNews.today Brazil and The Guardian. Additionally, some athletes are taking stands against gambling promotion, highlighting concerns about gambling harm, such as NBA player Victor Wembanyama’s refusal to partner with betting firms (The Guardian).
For further details on the Illinois Gaming Board’s proposal, visit the official announcement. To stay informed on responsible gambling initiatives and player protection measures, explore related coverage on GamblingNews.today Responsible Gambling and Player Protection.
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