Unregulated gaming devices that look and work almost exactly like video gaming terminals are shooting up in places across the state. Unlike the video gaming terminals (“VGTs”) the state has regulated and taxed since 2012, so-called “ Sweepstakes Machines ” don’t pay similar taxes or fees to state or government . Plus, the state doesn’t conduct background checks of sweepstakes machine operators or the companies that install them, love it requires for legal video gaming industry licenses.
The Illinois Gaming Board has maintained for years that “sweepstakes machine” are illegal,yet efforts to clamp down on them have encountered legal roadblocks. The murky laws have allowed more and more businesses to supply the machines to their customers, officials said, even in some seemingly unlikely places.
The foggy status has led to competing legislation for and against allowing Sweepstakes Machines in Springfield. A state House panel in May narrowly rejected a bill that might have clearly legalized them. the difficulty is currently still within the spotlight in Springfield.
A number of communities are addressing things head on by adopting local legislation to ban these machines within their municipalities. If you’re conscious of such legislation barring the devices in your community,
Following the lead of the many of its Northwest suburban neighbors like Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect and Wheeling, Rolling Meadows is about to ban electronic Sweepstakes Machines , which officials say resemble video gambling.
Without discussion, aldermen in the week unanimously moved forward an ordinance that might ban the sweepstakes kiosks within city limits, where they’ve already begun to crop up . A final, presentation vote is scheduled for Nov. 26.
The city council overturned its long-standing ban on video gambling terminals last year, but city officials say the virtually identical Sweepstakes Machines can operate with little to no regulation — in need of placing a citywide ban on them.
Video gambling machines, on the opposite hand, require special licenses from the town and state, and that they must be placed in a neighborhood put aside for adults which will be monitored by an employee, officials say.
Customers can play Sweepstakes Machines for free of charge or using cash, but rather than paying out cash, the machines dispense coupons or gift cards which will be redeemed for products, cash or chances to win prizes with the acquisition of a product or service.
The Illinois Gaming Board considers the Sweepstakes Machines “illegal gambling devices,” though state law doesn’t specifically prohibit them.
Sweepstakes Machines look and performance tons like video gambling machines. At the machines within the BP on Harlem Avenue in Forest Park, users can play games for free of charge initially if they supply their name, address , and date of birth. If they need to continue playing after their free credits are spent , they will put money into the machine. The games simulate slot machines, featuring cherries, lemons, sevens, and gold bars. The player can press a button to “spin” and hope the sport ends on a winning combination. Once finished, users can live , which allows them to print a receipt to bring back the cashier. At the BP on Harlem, the receipt are often redeemed for cash.