The Illinois Video Gaming Act became law on July 13, 2009, regulating the use of video gaming terminals (VGTs or slot machines) in licensed establishments in Illinois. The legislation initially allowed for up to five VGTs per licensed establishment. In June 2019, Illinois lawmakers passed sweeping legislation.
The Basics
What is adding VGTs to my establishment going to cost me?
There is no upfront cost to submitting an application to the IGB. Once you have been approved by the IGB, the yearly cost will be $100 to maintain a valid establishment license. In addition to the IGB fee you may also be required by the city you are located in to pay a yearly “sticker fee” for each VGT. This rate varies by city, please contact IGS for the exact cost for the city you are located in.
Why should I add video gaming to my establishment?
The average IGS client will generate $116,235 per year. Adding video gaming can help assist you in meeting your financial goals. This income has allowed many of our clients to make additional investments in their locations, further enhancing their overall establishment.
How long is the application process? Is there a way to expedite the process?
On average the process takes three to four months from application submittal to licensure. There is no way to expedite the licensing process, although some terminal operators may claim that they can- this is false.
How do you assist during the application process?
IGS has experienced staff that will walk you through the entire application process. We are able to assist in applying for a local or state liquor license, gathering and notarizing the forms needed for the IGB application and submitting the IGB application on your behalf.
The first step after submitting your application is to get fingerprinted, this includes any owner with 5% or more of ownership, any officers and the video gaming manager. The IGB will then process your application and have a field agent conduct a site visit. IGS personnel will ensure you know who needs to be fingerprinted and the closest location to accomplish this.
Once my application is submitted to the IGB, how long does it take for machines to be active in my establishment?
Once an application is submitted the IGB, it may take as little as 30 days to approve your application. Once approved, machines will be moved into the establishment expeditiously, typically within 1-5 days. Once machines are in your establishment, IGS submits documentation to establish an appointment with the IGB to activate machines – this appointment is granted within 14 days of the request. This appointment date is set by regulatory protocol and outside of the terminal operator’s control. On the date of the appointment, your machines will “go live” allowing them to be played.
You will be required to renew your license annually with the IGB.
What is the maximum number of machines you are allowed in your establishment?
Per the IGB, each licensed establishment is allowed to have up to six VGTs.
What are the requirements to become a licensed establishment?
You will be required to have a valid local and state liquor license before you are eligible to submit your application to the IGB. If you are applying to become a licensed truck stop establishment there are additional requirements.
When and how do I get paid from having gaming machines at my establishment?
IGS will electronically transfer the funds to your bank account weekly.
Depending on the available space of the establishments and the number of machines, the overall gaming area that recommended is 140 square footage. The gaming area will include the VGTs, chairs and tables and the payout device. IGS suggests the machines to be properly spaced for comfort and privacy and will develop a custom layout for your establishment.
IGS takes great pride in properly integrating video gaming to fit into your establishment. By creating a private gaming area, not only are you providing privacy to your gaming patrons, but also providing a barrier from your establishment to separate the gaming from your existing customers.
That is entirely up to you. Many of our clients choose not to add additional staff. Others, in effort to focus on exceptional customer service, have added additional staff. Employees responsible for serving or overseeing the gaming area must be over the age of 21.
What are the most important attributes for a successful establishment?
Although there are a number of attributes to a successful gaming establishment, the most important are cleanliness, customer service, layout, design, hours of operation and machine mix.
You are required to have an on-premise liquor license, which allows you to pour beer, wine or liquor to be served at the establishment.
The majority of counties and municipalities in the state of Illinois do allow video gaming. To see if your municipality allows video gaming, please call IGS at 312.544.9856. Power supply in old slot machines.
Will my employees have to redeem winning tickets for cash?
No, your employees will not need to redeem any tickets or handle any cash. IGS utilizes a kiosk payout device which is accessible by each video gaming patron.
Can one terminal operator offer me more than others financially?
No. The IGB has a very clear and defined no inducement policy. The revenue split is written in Illinois law and mandates 28% to the state, 5% to the municipality, 33.5% to the establishment and 33.5% to the terminal operator. Furthermore, it is a direct violation of the inducement policy to accept anything of value in exchange for signing with a terminal operator.
Are there requirements to become a licensed truck stop establishment?
Are there limits on the hours of operation of VGTs?
Hours of operation of VGTs must coincide with the legal hours of operation for the consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premises. However, a licensed truck stop establishment that does not hold a liquor license may operate VGTs on a continuous basis.
Service & Support
Yes, IGS service reaches throughout the entire state of Illinois.
What happens if one of my machines is down or is broken? What is the response time?
Even with proper maintenance, a machine in your facility will occasionally need repair. In these cases, you are asked to contact IGS through our technical support line. Our dispatcher will contact you, assess the problem, and offer technical assistance. In most cases, the repair and/or question can be handled remotely – the Dispatcher can access your machines remotely and restore the machine into operation. Other times, a technician will be sent to your establishment and the repair will take place.
Do you provide marketing and advertising support?
Yes, we work with you to develop strategic marketing plans. In accordance with IGB regulation, we can participate in financial co-op programs. IGS offers graphic design assistance on all marketing items, ensuring brand consistency. Think of us as your one stop ad agency!
Will I have a point of contact if I ever needed non-technical support?
Yes, you will have a dedicated Account Manager who will work closely with you.
Do you provide staff training once machines are installed and active?
Once machines are active, your IGS Account Manager will conduct on-site training with you and your employees. This training will cover the most commonly encountered questions from players and extensive training on how to serve gaming customers. IGS has developed key tactics in customer service to foster loyalty and repeat business and has developed a comprehensive training manual for our clients to refer back to. As staff changes we will retrain as necessary.
How is the cash in the VGTs and payout device managed and handled?
IGS is partnered with Thillens who provides an armored car and secure cashing carrying services.
What is the process for installing and activating machines?
Performance & Profit
IGS provides a client portal for in-depth reports and analyses.
IGS establishments earn an average of $116,235 per year, which is two times the sate average!
What makes IGS different from other terminal operators?
With more than 25 years of experience running high performing gaming establishments much like your own, we know the needs of the establishment and the gaming guest better than anyone. We translate this knowledge into action plans for our clients helping them outperform in their respective markets. IGS clients earn nearly two times more than clients of other terminal operators.
Glossary Terms
Gaming machines similar to slot machines. Each VGT offers different games depending on manufacturer and type including video poker and line games.
NTI is defined as the difference between cash wagered on each machine less the cash won on each machine. This amount is then split in accordance with the Video Gaming Act between the state, city/county, Establishment and Terminal Operator.
Money that is placed into each VGT by players.
The Illinois Gaming Board is responsible for regulating the gaming industry in Illinois.
M3t is the manufacturer of the payout device used by IGS as well as the back-end data analytics system. The M3t kiosk serves as an ATM, bill breaker, VGT ticket redemption machine and will serve as the Player Rewards portal in the future.
A game manufacturer used by IGS offering slot titles such as Blazing 7’s Hot Shot, Mega Spins, Hot Rocks, and American Original.
A game manufacturer used by IGS offering slot titles such as Big City 5’s, Smash the Pig, The Big Easy, and The Wildlife.
A game manufacturer used by IGS offering slot titles such as Diamond’s O’Dublin, Invaders from the Planet Moolah, and Count Money.
A game manufacturer used by IGS offering slot titles such as Kitty Glitter, Golden Goddess, Black Widow, and Stinkin’ Rich. Amazon slot machine gifts.
The time spent playing games has always been enjoyable. Many people love to avoid the reality of daily life and get lost in the virtual world. Due to this reason, the video game industry has hit the maximum increase. There are lots of adventure type video games that have a high rate of sales. However, in the last few years, the online gambling industry has become very popular more than ever. Online casino games turned into a massive priority for many people, regardless of the age factor. Many players started to enjoy multiple gambling games, including sweepstakes slots, slot machine games, card games, online roulette, etc. Gamers love the adrenaline of risking their money on various slot games and make a good amount of profits out of this. Therefore, it is not an astounding situation that the online casino industry is acquiring such fame.
Why Do People Prefer to Play Sweepstakes Slots?
Slot games are a perfect idea for the people who desire to have great fun and gain some money. These online games are simple to play, and they don’t entail a lot of skill. All people, regardless of their knowledge about gambling, can get success at playing these games. Because of that, nearly eighty percent of casino profits, in both local and online ones, come from slots. Multiple bonuses, progressive jackpots are the other main reasons why people prefer sweepstakes slots. Online interactive slots are top-tier at present, and gamers can choose games based on various categories, including famous artists and movies.
How did Sweepstakes Slots Come Into Scene?
The principles of the sweepstakes games almost didn’t change since they were created for the first time (in the late 1800s). At first, these games were used in markets, to distribute candy or gum. Afterward, the characteristics of the game changed, and casinos started to use sweepstakes machines. At most times, women were playing these gaming machines. While their husbands were gambling at casinos, they were getting busy with these simple tactic games. Because of their tactic-free features, sweepstakes games became more and more well-liked, and everybody started to play sweepstakes slots. There are more than one million slot machines in the US without counting online casino platforms. Yet, they are still restricted by laws; therefore, they are not accessible in each region. Unlike traditional casinos, online casinos are the victor of this battle, because they are legally certified.
Although their house edges more than other gambling table games, slots are the most popular because of their excitement and fun. Since the start, inferno slot machines were designed to draw the attention of many people. As technology developed, designers moved to video games and used neon lights. Newly designed slots games came with high-quality graphics, well-chosen sound effects, and engaging storylines. Excellent quality and high reliability are two main words that speak for this business area, and for this reason, people always keep coming back. Moreover, online slots don’t demand a lot of deposit, even sometimes just a small quantity of coins is adequate.
How Do Sweepstakes Machines Work?
The mechanism of the sweepstakes machines is not as complicated as it seems. Though technology improved, the principles of the machines are all the same. The core of all slot games is the random number generator (RNG). In the old times, RNG was activated by metal reels and stopped by metal stops. It used to stop when the gamer was pressing the start button. Today, instead of metal reels and stops, the computer manages the whole process. The random number generator operates based on a mathematical algorithm. This algorithm chooses between hundreds of combinations. No one can break or scam this system. Yet, if you want to increase your winning luck, you should check another essential feature: the RTP rate. Knowing the return to player percentage will allow you to know how much money you can win or lose after one round.
Don’t forget to pay attention to volatility too. If you want to win fast but less cash, you have to play games with low volatility. However, if you prefer internet sweepstakes cafe slots with high volatility, you have to deposit more money and wait patiently. These types of games won’t reward you as fast as you think, but if you win the amount of money will be huge.
Various Symbols of Online Slots
As there are thousands of different online slot games in the gambling industry, they differ from each other for their features. So, most casino games include distinct gaming elements and symbols. However, the main rules stay the same.
For instance, the bonus symbols of the games come in the forms of Wilds and Scatters. The Wild symbols of the game mostly can substitute all other symbols and increases the chances of winning. The Scatter icons are like the keys to the gates of lots of bonus opportunities.
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Various Bonuses in the Slots Games
Many slots are designed due to the movies or other famous stories. Therefore, the characters of the games perfectly relate to the storyline. They are the main symbols of the game. Thus, in advance to start any game, search for the function of these characters, and learn how to activate them in the game. Occasionally, there is a need for certain moves to trigger the main characters. But, the Scatter symbol keeps being the best bonus choice for every ambitious gamer.
While playing slots, players will see multiple bonus rounds and free spins. They can also win built-in bonus games which are very easy to play. These games will gain gamers other more spins or extra credits. Free spins appear very frequently with their simple combinations. Besides that, several online casino websites reward users with free spins for their daily login or any other things. Any professional gambler will advise you to pay more attention to these kinds of bonuses and use them all cleverly. As the online slots are the games of pure chance, keep in mind that if you gain extra-rounds, your winning chance increases too.
How to Make Winnings at Online Slots?
If you are looking for some sweepstakes slots tips on how to make winnings, then you are in the right place. There is a lot of advice related to winning tips on the internet. Some of that advice is really useful; however, some of them are useless. When it comes to a decision, it is hard to split the wheat from the trash. Therefore, we will introduce you to a few vital tips that will change your luck:
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- Choose sweepstakes slots with the highest return to players rate.
- Pay attention to the volatility of the games.
- Try to make larger bets.
- Take the benefit of free spins.
- Always examine the pay tables.
- Practice by playing free versions of games.
Conclusion
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To sum up, none of the sweepstakes slots are challenging to play and available to everybody. Many of the slots provide impressive features such as fascinating animations, beautiful soundtracks, and various bonus games. If you take off all these ornate features, all slots work the same. In all types of slot machines, the random number generator decides on the fate of the players. It adjusts how much you win, or you don’t win at all. Even if you don’t win any reward, it is still worth the fun spending time. Eye-catchy design, intuitive interface, the joy of risking, vibrant animations will let you get lost in the magnificent beauty of the visual world.