HB2311eng 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HB2311 Engrossed LRB098 10639 AMC 40923 b

AN ACT concerning gaming.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Video Gaming Act is amended by changing Sections 5, 20, 25, 30, 35, 45, 55, 58, and 60 as follows:

(230 ILCS 40/5)

Sec. 5. Definitions. As used in this Act:

"Board" means the Illinois Gaming Board.

"Credit" means one, 5, 10, or 25 cents either won or purchased by a player.

"Distributor" means an individual, partnership, corporation, or limited liability company licensed under this Act to buy, sell, lease, or distribute video gaming terminals or major components or parts of video gaming terminals to or from terminal operators.

"Terminal operator" means an individual, partnership, corporation, or limited liability company that is licensed under this Act and that owns, services, and maintains video gaming terminals for placement in licensed establishments, licensed truck stop establishments, licensed social clubs, licensed fraternal establishments, or licensed veterans establishments.

"Licensed technician" means an individual who is licensed under this Act to repair, service, and maintain video gaming terminals.

"Licensed terminal handler" means a person, including but not limited to an employee or independent contractor working for a manufacturer, distributor, supplier, technician, or terminal operator, who is licensed under this Act to possess or control a video gaming terminal or to have access to the inner workings of a video gaming terminal. A licensed terminal handler does not include an individual, partnership, corporation, or limited liability company defined as a manufacturer, distributor, supplier, technician, or terminal operator under this Act.

"Manufacturer" means an individual, partnership, corporation, or limited liability company that is licensed under this Act and that manufactures or assembles video gaming terminals.

"Supplier" means an individual, partnership, corporation, or limited liability company that is licensed under this Act to supply major components or parts to video gaming terminals to licensed terminal operators.

"Net terminal income" means money put into a video gaming terminal minus credits paid out to players.

"Video gaming terminal" means any electronic video game machine that, upon insertion of cash, is available to play or simulate the play of a video game, including but not limited to video poker, line up, and blackjack, as authorized by the Board utilizing a video display and microprocessors in which the player may receive free games or credits that can be redeemed for cash. The term does not include a machine that directly dispenses coins, cash, or tokens or is for amusement purposes only.

"Licensed establishment" means any licensed retail establishment where alcoholic liquor is drawn, poured, mixed, or otherwise served for consumption on the premises and includes any such establishment that has a contractual relationship with an inter-track wagering location licensee licensed under the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975, provided any contractual relationship shall not include any transfer or offer of revenue from the operation of video gaming under this Act to any licensee licensed under the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975. Provided, however, that the licensed establishment that has such a contractual relationship with an inter-track wagering location licensee may not, itself, be (i) an inter-track wagering location licensee, (ii) the corporate parent or subsidiary of any licensee licensed under the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975, or (iii) the corporate subsidiary of a corporation that is also the corporate parent or subsidiary of any licensee licensed under the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975. "Licensed establishment" does not include a facility operated by an organization licensee, an inter-track wagering licensee, or an inter-track wagering location licensee licensed under the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975 or a riverboat licensed under the Riverboat Gambling Act, except as provided in this paragraph.

"Licensed fraternal establishment" means the location where a qualified fraternal organization that derives its charter from a national fraternal organization regularly meets.

"Licensed veterans establishment" means the location where a qualified veterans organization that derives its charter from a national veterans organization regularly meets.

"Licensed truck stop establishment" means a facility (i) that is at least a 3-acre facility with a convenience store, (ii) with separate diesel islands for fueling commercial motor vehicles, (iii) that sells at retail more than 10,000 gallons of diesel or biodiesel fuel per month, and (iv) with parking spaces for commercial motor vehicles. "Commercial motor vehicles" has the same meaning as defined in Section 18b-101 of the Illinois Vehicle Code. The requirement of item (iii) of this paragraph may be met by showing that estimated future sales or past sales average at least 10,000 gallons per month.

"Licensed social club" means a nonprofit location, operating in accordance with and under the tax-exempt status of subdivision 501(c)(4), 501(c)(7), or 501(c)(8) of the Internal Revenue Code, where alcoholic liquor is drawn, poured, mixed, or otherwise served for consumption on the premises.

(Source: P.A. 96-34, eff. 7-13-09; 96-37, eff. 7-13-09; 96-1410, eff. 7-30-10; 96-1479, eff. 8-23-10; 97-333, eff. 8-12-11.)

(230 ILCS 40/20)

Sec. 20. Direct dispensing of receipt tickets only. A video gaming terminal may not directly dispense coins, cash, tokens, or any other article of exchange or value except for receipt tickets. Tickets shall be dispensed by pressing the ticket dispensing button on the video gaming terminal at the end of one's turn or play. The ticket shall indicate the total amount of credits and the cash award, the time of day in a 24-hour format showing hours and minutes, the date, the terminal serial number, the sequential number of the ticket, and an encrypted validation number from which the validity of the prize may be determined. The player shall turn in this ticket to the appropriate person at the licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed social club, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment to receive the cash award. The cost of the credit shall be one cent, 5 cents, 10 cents, or 25 cents, and the maximum wager played per hand shall not exceed $2. No cash award for the maximum wager on any individual hand shall exceed $500.

(Source: P.A. 96-34, eff. 7-13-09; 96-1410, eff. 7-30-10.)

(230 ILCS 40/25)

Sec. 25. Restriction of licensees.

(a) Manufacturer. A person may not be licensed as a manufacturer of a video gaming terminal in Illinois unless the person has a valid manufacturer's license issued under this Act. A manufacturer may only sell video gaming terminals for use in Illinois to persons having a valid distributor's license.

(b) Distributor. A person may not sell, distribute, or lease or market a video gaming terminal in Illinois unless the person has a valid distributor's license issued under this Act. A distributor may only sell video gaming terminals for use in Illinois to persons having a valid distributor's or terminal operator's license.

(c) Terminal operator. A person may not own, maintain, or place a video gaming terminal unless he has a valid terminal operator's license issued under this Act. A terminal operator may only place video gaming terminals for use in Illinois in licensed establishments, licensed truck stop establishments, licensed social clubs, licensed fraternal establishments, and licensed veterans establishments. No terminal operator may give anything of value, including, but not limited to, a loan or financing arrangement, to a licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed social club, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment as any incentive or inducement to locate video terminals in that establishment. Of the after-tax profits from a video gaming terminal, 50% shall be paid to the terminal operator and 50% shall be paid to the licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed social club, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment, notwithstanding any agreement to the contrary. A video terminal operator that violates one or more requirements of this subsection is guilty of a Class 4 felony and is subject to termination of his or her license by the Board.

(d) Licensed technician. A person may not service, maintain, or repair a video gaming terminal in this State unless he or she (1) has a valid technician's license issued under this Act, (2) is a terminal operator, or (3) is employed by a terminal operator, distributor, or manufacturer.

(d-5) Licensed terminal handler. No person, including, but not limited to, an employee or independent contractor working for a manufacturer, distributor, supplier, technician, or terminal operator licensed pursuant to this Act, shall have possession or control of a video gaming terminal, or access to the inner workings of a video gaming terminal, unless that person possesses a valid terminal handler's license issued under this Act.

(e) Licensed establishment. No video gaming terminal may be placed in any licensed establishment, licensed veterans establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed social club, or licensed fraternal establishment unless the owner or agent of the owner of the licensed establishment, licensed veterans establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed social club, or licensed fraternal establishment has entered into a written use agreement with the terminal operator for placement of the terminals. A copy of the use agreement shall be on file in the terminal operator's place of business and available for inspection by individuals authorized by the Board. A licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed social club, licensed veterans establishment, or licensed fraternal establishment may operate up to 5 video gaming terminals on its premises at any time.

(f) (Blank).

(g) Financial interest restrictions. As used in this Act, "substantial interest" in a partnership, a corporation, an organization, an association, a business, or a limited liability company means:

(A) When, with respect to a sole proprietorship, an individual or his or her spouse owns, operates, manages, or conducts, directly or indirectly, the organization, association, or business, or any part thereof; or

(B) When, with respect to a partnership, the individual or his or her spouse shares in any of the profits, or potential profits, of the partnership activities; or

(C) When, with respect to a corporation, an individual or his or her spouse is an officer or director, or the individual or his or her spouse is a holder, directly or beneficially, of 5% or more of any class of stock of the corporation; or

(D) When, with respect to an organization not covered in (A), (B) or (C) above, an individual or his or her spouse is an officer or manages the business affairs, or the individual or his or her spouse is the owner of or otherwise controls 10% or more of the assets of the organization; or

(E) When an individual or his or her spouse furnishes 5% or more of the capital, whether in cash, goods, or services, for the operation of any business, association, or organization during any calendar year; or

(F) When, with respect to a limited liability company, an individual or his or her spouse is a member, or the individual or his or her spouse is a holder, directly or beneficially, of 5% or more of the membership interest of the limited liability company.

For purposes of this subsection (g), "individual" includes all individuals or their spouses whose combined interest would qualify as a substantial interest under this subsection (g) and whose activities with respect to an organization, association, or business are so closely aligned or coordinated as to constitute the activities of a single entity.

(h) Location restriction. A licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed social club, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment that is (i) located within 1,000 feet of a facility operated by an organization licensee or an inter-track wagering licensee licensed under the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975 or the home dock of a riverboat licensed under the Riverboat Gambling Act or (ii) located within 100 feet of a school or a place of worship under the Religious Corporation Act, is ineligible to operate a video gaming terminal. The location restrictions in this subsection (h) do not apply if a facility operated by an organization licensee, an inter-track wagering licensee, or an inter-track wagering location licensee, a school, or a place of worship moves to or is established within the restricted area after a licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed social club, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment becomes licensed under this Act. For the purpose of this subsection, "school" means an elementary or secondary public school, or an elementary or secondary private school registered with or recognized by the State Board of Education.

Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection (h), the Board may waive the requirement that a licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed social club, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment not be located within 1,000 feet from a facility operated by an organization licensee, an inter-track wagering licensee, or an inter-track wagering location licensee licensed under the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975 or the home dock of a riverboat licensed under the Riverboat Gambling Act. The Board shall not grant such waiver if there is any common ownership or control, shared business activity, or contractual arrangement of any type between the establishment and the organization licensee, inter-track wagering licensee, inter-track wagering location licensee, or owners licensee of a riverboat. The Board shall adopt rules to implement the provisions of this paragraph.

(i) Undue economic concentration. In addition to considering all other requirements under this Act, in deciding whether to approve the operation of video gaming terminals by a terminal operator in a location, the Board shall consider the impact of any economic concentration of such operation of video gaming terminals. The Board shall not allow a terminal operator to operate video gaming terminals if the Board determines such operation will result in undue economic concentration. For purposes of this Section, "undue economic concentration" means that a terminal operator would have such actual or potential influence over video gaming terminals in Illinois as to:

(1) substantially impede or suppress competition among terminal operators;

(2) adversely impact the economic stability of the video gaming industry in Illinois; or

(3) negatively impact the purposes of the Video Gaming Act.

The Board shall adopt rules concerning undue economic concentration with respect to the operation of video gaming terminals in Illinois. The rules shall include, but not be limited to, (i) limitations on the number of video gaming terminals operated by any terminal operator within a defined geographic radius and (ii) guidelines on the discontinuation of operation of any such video gaming terminals the Board determines will cause undue economic concentration.

(j) The provisions of the Illinois Antitrust Act are fully and equally applicable to the activities of any licensee under this Act.

(Source: P.A. 96-34, eff. 7-13-09; 96-37, eff. 7-13-09; 96-38, eff. 7-13-09; 96-1000, eff. 7-2-10; 96-1410, eff. 7-30-10; 96-1479, eff. 8-23-10; 97-333, eff. 8-12-11.)

(230 ILCS 40/30)

Sec. 30. Multiple types of licenses prohibited. A video gaming terminal manufacturer may not be licensed as a video gaming terminal operator or own, manage, or control a licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed social club, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment, and shall be licensed to sell only to persons having a valid distributor's license or, if the manufacturer also holds a valid distributor's license, to sell, distribute, lease, or market to persons having a valid terminal operator's license. A video gaming terminal distributor may not be licensed as a video gaming terminal operator or own, manage, or control a licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed social club, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment, and shall only contract with a licensed terminal operator. A video gaming terminal operator may not be licensed as a video gaming terminal manufacturer or distributor or own, manage, or control a licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed social club, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment, and shall be licensed only to contract with licensed distributors and licensed establishments, licensed truck stop establishments, licensed social clubs, licensed fraternal establishments, and licensed veterans establishments. An owner or manager of a licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed social club, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment may not be licensed as a video gaming terminal manufacturer, distributor, or operator, and shall only contract with a licensed operator to place and service this equipment.

(Source: P.A. 96-34, eff. 7-13-09; 96-1410, eff. 7-30-10.)

(230 ILCS 40/35)

Sec. 35. Display of license; confiscation; violation as felony.

(a) Each video gaming terminal shall be licensed by the Board before placement or operation on the premises of a licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed social club, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment. The license of each video gaming terminal shall be maintained at the location where the video gaming terminal is operated. Failure to do so is a petty offense with a fine not to exceed $100. Any licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed social club, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment used for the conduct of gambling games in violation of this Act shall be considered a gambling place in violation of Section 28-3 of the Criminal Code of 2012. Every gambling device found in a licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed social club, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment operating gambling games in violation of this Act shall be subject to seizure, confiscation, and destruction as provided in Section 28-5 of the Criminal Code of 2012. Any license issued under the Liquor Control Act of 1934 to any owner or operator of a licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed social club, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment that operates or permits the operation of a video gaming terminal within its establishment in violation of this Act shall be immediately revoked. No person may own, operate, have in his or her possession or custody or under his or her control, or permit to be kept in any place under his or her possession or control, any device that awards credits and contains a circuit, meter, or switch capable of removing and recording the removal of credits when the award of credits is dependent upon chance. A violation of this Section is a Class 4 felony. All devices that are owned, operated, or possessed in violation of this Section are hereby declared to be public nuisances and shall be subject to seizure, confiscation, and destruction as provided in Section 28-5 of the Criminal Code of 2012. The provisions of this Section do not apply to devices or electronic video game terminals licensed pursuant to this Act. A video gaming terminal operated for amusement only and bearing a valid amusement tax sticker shall not be subject to this Section until 30 days after the Board establishes that the central communications system is functional.

(b) (1) The odds of winning each video game shall be posted on or near each video gaming terminal. The manner in which the odds are calculated and how they are posted shall be determined by the Board by rule.

(2) No video gaming terminal licensed under this Act may be played except during the legal hours of operation allowed for the consumption of alcoholic beverages at the licensed establishment, licensed social club, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment. A licensed establishment, licensed social club, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment that violates this subsection is subject to termination of its license by the Board.

(Source: P.A. 96-34, eff. 7-13-09; 96-37, eff. 7-13-09; 96-1410, eff. 7-30-10; 97-1150, eff. 1-25-13.)

(230 ILCS 40/45)

Sec. 45. Issuance of license.

(a) The burden is upon each applicant to demonstrate his suitability for licensure. Each video gaming terminal manufacturer, distributor, supplier, operator, handler, licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed social club, licensed fraternal establishment, and licensed veterans establishment shall be licensed by the Board. The Board may issue or deny a license under this Act to any person pursuant to the same criteria set forth in Section 9 of the Riverboat Gambling Act.

(a-5) The Board shall not grant a license to a person who has facilitated, enabled, or participated in the use of coin-operated devices for gambling purposes or who is under the significant influence or control of such a person. For the purposes of this Act, "facilitated, enabled, or participated in the use of coin-operated amusement devices for gambling purposes" means that the person has been convicted of any violation of Article 28 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012. If there is pending legal action against a person for any such violation, then the Board shall delay the licensure of that person until the legal action is resolved.

(b) Each person seeking and possessing a license as a video gaming terminal manufacturer, distributor, supplier, operator, handler, licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed social club, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment shall submit to a background investigation conducted by the Board with the assistance of the State Police or other law enforcement. The background investigation shall include any or all of the following as the Board deems appropriate or as provided by rule for each category of licensure: (i) each beneficiary of a trust, (ii) each partner of a partnership, (iii) each member of a limited liability company, (iv) and each director and officer of a publicly or non-publicly held corporation, (v) each stockholder of a non-publicly held corporation, (vi) each stockholder of 5% or more of a publicly held corporation, or (vii) each stockholder and all stockholders of 5% or more in a parent or subsidiary corporation of a video gaming terminal manufacturer, distributor, supplier, operator, or licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment.

(c) Each person seeking and possessing a license as a video gaming terminal manufacturer, distributor, supplier, operator, handler, licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed social club, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment shall disclose the identity of every person, association, trust, corporation, or limited liability company having a greater than 1% direct or indirect pecuniary interest in the video gaming terminal operation for which the license is sought. If the disclosed entity is a trust, the application shall disclose the names and addresses of the beneficiaries; if a corporation, the names and addresses of all stockholders and directors; if a limited liability company, the names and addresses of all members; or if a partnership, the names and addresses of all partners, both general and limited.

(d) No person may be licensed as a video gaming terminal manufacturer, distributor, supplier, operator, handler, licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed social club, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment if that person has been found by the Board to:

(1) have a background, including a criminal record, reputation, habits, social or business associations, or prior activities that pose a threat to the public interests of the State or to the security and integrity of video gaming;

(2) create or enhance the dangers of unsuitable, unfair, or illegal practices, methods, and activities in the conduct of video gaming; or

(3) present questionable business practices and financial arrangements incidental to the conduct of video gaming activities.

(e) Any applicant for any license under this Act has the burden of proving his or her qualifications to the satisfaction of the Board. The Board may adopt rules to establish additional qualifications and requirements to preserve the integrity and security of video gaming in this State.

(f) A non-refundable application fee shall be paid at the time an application for a license is filed with the Board in the following amounts:

(1) Manufacturer..........................$5,000

(2) Distributor...........................$5,000

(3) Terminal operator.....................$5,000

(4) Supplier..............................$2,500

(5) Technician..............................$100

(6) Terminal Handler..............................$50

(g) The Board shall establish an annual fee for each license not to exceed the following:

(1) Manufacturer.........................$10,000

(2) Distributor..........................$10,000

(3) Terminal operator.....................$5,000

(4) Supplier..............................$2,000

(5) Technician..............................$100

(6) Licensed establishment, licensed truck stop

establishment, licensed social club, licensed

fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans

establishment...................................$100

(7) Video gaming terminal...................$100

(8) Terminal Handler..............................$50

(Source: P.A. 96-34, eff. 7-13-09; 96-37, eff. 7-13-09; 96-38, eff. 7-13-09; 96-1000, eff. 7-2-10; 96-1410, eff. 7-30-10; 97-1150, eff. 1-25-13.)

(230 ILCS 40/55)

Sec. 55. Precondition for licensed location. In all cases of application for a licensed location, to operate a video gaming terminal, each licensed establishment, licensed social club, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment shall possess a valid liquor license issued by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission in effect at the time of application and at all times thereafter during which a video gaming terminal is made available to the public for play at that location. Video gaming terminals in a licensed location shall be operated only during the same hours of operation generally permitted to holders of a license under the Liquor Control Act of 1934 within the unit of local government in which they are located. A licensed truck stop establishment that does not hold a liquor license may operate video gaming terminals on a continuous basis. A licensed fraternal establishment or licensed veterans establishment that does not hold a liquor license may operate video gaming terminals if (i) the establishment is located in a county with a population between 6,500 and 7,000, based on the 2000 U.S. Census, (ii) the county prohibits by ordinance the sale of alcohol, and (iii) the establishment is in a portion of the county where the sale of alcohol is prohibited. A licensed fraternal establishment or licensed veterans establishment that does not hold a liquor license may operate video gaming terminals if (i) the establishment is located in a municipality within a county with a population between 8,500 and 9,000 based on the 2000 U.S. Census and (ii) the municipality or county prohibits or limits the sale of alcohol by ordinance in a way that prohibits the establishment from selling alcohol.

(Source: P.A. 96-34, eff. 7-13-09; 96-1410, eff. 7-30-10; 97-594, eff. 8-26-11.)

(230 ILCS 40/58)

Sec. 58. Location of terminals. Video gaming terminals must be located in an area restricted to persons over 21 years of age the entrance to which is within the view of at least one employee, who is over 21 years of age, of the establishment in which they are located. The placement of video gaming terminals in licensed establishments, licensed truck stop establishments, licensed social clubs, licensed fraternal establishments, and licensed veterans establishments shall be subject to the rules promulgated by the Board pursuant to the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act.

(Source: P.A. 96-34, eff. 7-13-09; 96-37, eff. 7-13-09.)

(230 ILCS 40/60)

Sec. 60. Imposition and distribution of tax.

(a) A tax of 30% is imposed on net terminal income and shall be collected by the Board.

(b) Of the tax collected under this Section, five-sixths shall be deposited into the Capital Projects Fund and one-sixth shall be deposited into the Local Government Video Gaming Distributive Fund.

(c) Revenues generated from the play of video gaming terminals shall be deposited by the terminal operator, who is responsible for tax payments, in a specially created, separate bank account maintained by the video gaming terminal operator to allow for electronic fund transfers of moneys for tax payment.

(d) Each licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed social club, licensed fraternal establishment, and licensed veterans establishment shall maintain an adequate video gaming fund, with the amount to be determined by the Board.

(e) The State's percentage of net terminal income shall be reported and remitted to the Board within 15 days after the 15th day of each month and within 15 days after the end of each month by the video terminal operator. A video terminal operator who falsely reports or fails to report the amount due required by this Section is guilty of a Class 4 felony and is subject to termination of his or her license by the Board. Each video terminal operator shall keep a record of net terminal income in such form as the Board may require. All payments not remitted when due shall be paid together with a penalty assessment on the unpaid balance at a rate of 1.5% per month.

(Source: P.A. 96-34, eff. 7-13-09; 96-37, eff. 7-13-09.)

Section 10. The Criminal Code of 2012 is amended by changing Sections 28-1 and 28-1.1 as follows:

(720 ILCS 5/28-1) (from Ch. 38, par. 28-1)

Sec. 28-1. Gambling.

(a) A person commits gambling when he or she:

(1) knowingly plays a game of chance or skill for money or other thing of value, unless excepted in subsection (b) of this Section;

(2) knowingly makes a wager upon the result of any game, contest, or any political nomination, appointment or election;

(3) knowingly operates, keeps, owns, uses, purchases, exhibits, rents, sells, bargains for the sale or lease of, manufactures or distributes any gambling device;

(4) contracts to have or give himself or herself or another the option to buy or sell, or contracts to buy or sell, at a future time, any grain or other commodity whatsoever, or any stock or security of any company, where it is at the time of making such contract intended by both parties thereto that the contract to buy or sell, or the option, whenever exercised, or the contract resulting therefrom, shall be settled, not by the receipt or delivery of such property, but by the payment only of differences in prices thereof; however, the issuance, purchase, sale, exercise, endorsement or guarantee, by or through a person registered with the Secretary of State pursuant to Section 8 of the Illinois Securities Law of 1953, or by or through a person exempt from such registration under said Section 8, of a put, call, or other option to buy or sell securities which have been registered with the Secretary of State or which are exempt from such registration under Section 3 of the Illinois Securities Law of 1953 is not gambling within the meaning of this paragraph (4);

(5) knowingly owns or possesses any book, instrument or apparatus by means of which bets or wagers have been, or are, recorded or registered, or knowingly possesses any money which he has received in the course of a bet or wager;

(6) knowingly sells pools upon the result of any game or contest of skill or chance, political nomination, appointment or election;

(7) knowingly sets up or promotes any lottery or sells, offers to sell or transfers any ticket or share for any lottery;

(8) knowingly sets up or promotes any policy game or sells, offers to sell or knowingly possesses or transfers any policy ticket, slip, record, document or other similar device;

(9) knowingly drafts, prints or publishes any lottery ticket or share, or any policy ticket, slip, record, document or similar device, except for such activity related to lotteries, bingo games and raffles authorized by and conducted in accordance with the laws of Illinois or any other state or foreign government;

(10) knowingly advertises any lottery or policy game, except for such activity related to lotteries, bingo games and raffles authorized by and conducted in accordance with the laws of Illinois or any other state;

(11) knowingly transmits information as to wagers, betting odds, or changes in betting odds by telephone, telegraph, radio, semaphore or similar means; or knowingly installs or maintains equipment for the transmission or receipt of such information; except that nothing in this subdivision (11) prohibits transmission or receipt of such information for use in news reporting of sporting events or contests; or

(12) knowingly establishes, maintains, or operates an Internet site that permits a person to play a game of chance or skill for money or other thing of value by means of the Internet or to make a wager upon the result of any game, contest, political nomination, appointment, or election by means of the Internet. This item (12) does not apply to activities referenced in items (6) and (6.1) of subsection (b) of this Section.

(b) Participants in any of the following activities shall not be convicted of gambling:

(1) Agreements to compensate for loss caused by the happening of chance including without limitation contracts of indemnity or guaranty and life or health or accident insurance.

(2) Offers of prizes, award or compensation to the actual contestants in any bona fide contest for the determination of skill, speed, strength or endurance or to the owners of animals or vehicles entered in such contest.

(3) Pari-mutuel betting as authorized by the law of this State.

(4) Manufacture of gambling devices, including the acquisition of essential parts therefor and the assembly thereof, for transportation in interstate or foreign commerce to any place outside this State when such transportation is not prohibited by any applicable Federal law; or the manufacture, distribution, or possession of video gaming terminals, as defined in the Video Gaming Act, by manufacturers, distributors, and terminal operators licensed to do so under the Video Gaming Act.

(5) The game commonly known as "bingo", when conducted in accordance with the Bingo License and Tax Act.

(6) Lotteries when conducted by the State of Illinois in accordance with the Illinois Lottery Law. This exemption includes any activity conducted by the Department of Revenue to sell lottery tickets pursuant to the provisions of the Illinois Lottery Law and its rules.

(6.1) The purchase of lottery tickets through the Internet for a lottery conducted by the State of Illinois under the program established in Section 7.12 of the Illinois Lottery Law.

(7) Possession of an antique slot machine that is neither used nor intended to be used in the operation or promotion of any unlawful gambling activity or enterprise. For the purpose of this subparagraph (b)(7), an antique slot machine is one manufactured 25 years ago or earlier.

(8) Raffles when conducted in accordance with the Raffles Act.

(9) Charitable games when conducted in accordance with the Charitable Games Act.

(10) Pull tabs and jar games when conducted under the Illinois Pull Tabs and Jar Games Act.

(11) Gambling games conducted on riverboats when authorized by the Riverboat Gambling Act.

(12) Video gaming terminal games at a licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed social club, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment when conducted in accordance with the Video Gaming Act.

(13) Games of skill or chance where money or other things of value can be won but no payment or purchase is required to participate.

(c) Sentence.

Gambling is a Class A misdemeanor. A second or subsequent conviction under subsections (a)(3) through (a)(12), is a Class 4 felony.

(d) Circumstantial evidence.

In prosecutions under this Section circumstantial evidence shall have the same validity and weight as in any criminal prosecution.

(Source: P.A. 96-34, eff. 7-13-09; 96-37, eff. 7-13-09; 96-1203, eff. 7-22-10; 97-1108, eff. 1-1-13.)

(720 ILCS 5/28-1.1) (from Ch. 38, par. 28-1.1)

Sec. 28-1.1. Syndicated gambling.

(a) Declaration of Purpose. Recognizing the close relationship between professional gambling and other organized crime, it is declared to be the policy of the legislature to restrain persons from engaging in the business of gambling for profit in this State. This Section shall be liberally construed and administered with a view to carrying out this policy.

(b) A person commits syndicated gambling when he or she operates a "policy game" or engages in the business of bookmaking.

(c) A person "operates a policy game" when he or she knowingly uses any premises or property for the purpose of receiving or knowingly does receive from what is commonly called "policy":

(1) money from a person other than the bettor or player whose bets or plays are represented by the money; or

(2) written "policy game" records, made or used over any period of time, from a person other than the bettor or player whose bets or plays are represented by the written record.

(d) A person engages in bookmaking when he or she knowingly receives or accepts more than five bets or wagers upon the result of any trials or contests of skill, speed or power of endurance or upon any lot, chance, casualty, unknown or contingent event whatsoever, which bets or wagers shall be of such size that the total of the amounts of money paid or promised to be paid to the bookmaker on account thereof shall exceed $2,000. Bookmaking is the receiving or accepting of bets or wagers regardless of the form or manner in which the bookmaker records them.

(e) Participants in any of the following activities shall not be convicted of syndicated gambling:

(1) Agreements to compensate for loss caused by the happening of chance including without limitation contracts of indemnity or guaranty and life or health or accident insurance;

(2) Offers of prizes, award or compensation to the actual contestants in any bona fide contest for the determination of skill, speed, strength or endurance or to the owners of animals or vehicles entered in the contest;

(3) Pari-mutuel betting as authorized by law of this State;

(4) Manufacture of gambling devices, including the acquisition of essential parts therefor and the assembly thereof, for transportation in interstate or foreign commerce to any place outside this State when the transportation is not prohibited by any applicable Federal law;

(5) Raffles when conducted in accordance with the Raffles Act;

(6) Gambling games conducted on riverboats when authorized by the Riverboat Gambling Act; and

(7) Video gaming terminal games at a licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed social club, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment when conducted in accordance with the Video Gaming Act.

(f) Sentence. Syndicated gambling is a Class 3 felony.

(Source: P.A. 96-34, eff. 7-13-09; 97-1108, eff. 1-1-13.)

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.