Section 3000.550  Relocating Gaming Facilities

Any gaming operation may only be relocated after the following:

a)         The applicant or licensee must request in writing to relocate its gaming facility.  The request shall include:

1)         An address and description of where the proposed gaming facility or facilities will be relocated.

2)         Clear and legible diagrams of the interiors of the facility or facilities.  The diagrams must be representative and proportional, and include specific reference to the size of the gaming floor or areas through the use of detailed measurements.  Diagrams must clearly depict each entrance and exit.

3)         Plans for the surveillance and security systems for the facility or facilities.

4)         Such other or additional information and details as may be required or deemed necessary by the Board.

b)         The Administrator may grant leave to relocate gaming facilities.  If the Administrator declines to grant leave to relocate, the gaming facility may only be relocated by leave of the Board.  In determining whether to grant leave to relocate, the following factors, at a minimum, must be considered:

1)         Impact on the security and integrity of gaming;

2)         The locations enumerated in the Illinois Gambling Act;

3)         Impact on the health and safety of patrons or employees;

4)         Physical appearance and character of the facility;

5)         Logistics of the gaming operation; and

6)         Any other factor deemed by the Administrator or Board to be relevant to the goals of the Act.

c)         No gaming may commence at the relocated gaming facility until the Administrator has assessed the gaming operation and authorized a final practice session.  The gaming operation assessment shall be the same as Section 3000.230(e).

d)         Once the gaming operation assessment reveals that the proposed gaming facility meets the Board’s standards for gaming operations in the State, the Administrator may authorize a final practice session. The Administrator shall apply the same criteria under Section 3000.230 in determining whether to authorize a final practice session.

1)         If the final practice session is successful, the Administrator shall permit the gaming facility to be relocated.  A successful final practice session is one that ensures the effective and safe gaming while maintaining the integrity of the gaming operation after considering the items enumerated in subsection (c).

2)         A gaming operation may continue gaming at the location from which it seeks to relocate until the Administrator determines that the final practice session is successful.

(Source:  Added at 46 Ill. Reg. 5542, effective March 16, 2022)