By Bob Paterson Yes, video gambling is legal in Illinois when it takes place through licensed video gaming terminals at authorized locations. Illinois regulates these machines under the Video Gaming Act. Legal terminals can be found at qualifying bars, restaurants, truck stops, veterans organizations, and fraternal establishments that have obtained the necessary licenses. Players must be at least 21 years old. Unlicensed gambling machines and video gaming in municipalities that have prohibited the activity are treated differently under Illinois law.
What Does Illinois Law Say About Video Gambling?
Illinois video gambling is primarily governed by the Video Gaming Act, 230 ILCS 40.
The law created a regulated system for video gaming terminals, commonly called VGTs. These electronic machines allow players to wager money on authorized games and receive cash prizes based on the outcome.
A machine must be licensed by the Illinois Gaming Board before it can legally be placed and operated at an authorized location. Terminal operators, distributors, manufacturers, and the businesses hosting the machines are also subject to licensing requirements.
Therefore, the legality of a video gambling machine depends heavily on whether it is operating within Illinois’s licensed video gaming system.
Where Is Video Gambling Legal in Illinois?
Licensed video gaming terminals may generally be placed in qualifying:
- Licensed establishments such as certain bars and restaurants
- Truck stop establishments
- Large truck stop establishments
- Veterans establishments
- Fraternal establishments
Ordinary licensed establishments, truck stops, veterans organizations, and fraternal establishments may generally operate up to six video gaming terminals at one time. A qualifying large truck stop may operate up to 10 terminals.
Most bars, restaurants, and similar licensed establishments must also maintain the appropriate liquor license to qualify as a video gaming location. Different rules apply to qualifying truck stops and certain veterans or fraternal organizations.
A business cannot legally install gambling machines simply because its owner wants to offer video gaming to customers.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Play Video Gambling in Illinois?
A person must be at least 21 years old to play a licensed video gaming terminal in Illinois.
Section 40 of the Video Gaming Act prohibits a licensed establishment from causing or permitting anyone under 21 to use or play a video gaming terminal.
A business that knowingly allows someone under 21 to play can commit a business offense and face a fine of up to $5,000.
Illinois also requires gaming terminals in many licensed locations to be placed in an area restricted to people 21 and older. The entrance to the gaming area must generally remain within view of an employee who is at least 21.
Therefore, someone who is 18, 19, or 20 cannot legally gamble on Illinois VGTs even when that person may otherwise lawfully enter the establishment.
Can Illinois Cities Ban Video Gambling?
Yes, Illinois law allows local governments to prohibit video gaming.
A municipality may enact an ordinance banning video gaming within its corporate boundaries. A county board may similarly prohibit video gaming in unincorporated portions of the county.
As a result, video gaming may be widely available in one Illinois community but prohibited in another nearby municipality.
The Illinois Gaming Board maintains information identifying municipalities that allow or prohibit video gaming. Local restrictions therefore need to be considered in addition to statewide law.
There are limited statutory exceptions involving certain qualifying veterans and fraternal organizations.
How Much Can You Bet on Illinois Video Gaming Machines?
Illinois sets limits on wagers and prizes from licensed video gaming terminals.
Under the current Video Gaming Act, the maximum wager per hand is $4.
The maximum cash award on an individual hand at the maximum wager generally cannot exceed $1,199. A jackpot or progressive cash award may reach up to $10,000 under the current statute.
Licensed terminals do not directly dispense cash. Instead, they generally issue a ticket showing the player’s credits and cash award. The ticket can then be redeemed according to the procedures at the licensed establishment.
Illinois lawmakers introduced proposals in 2026 that would change some payout rules, but those proposals have not become law, so the existing statutory limits remain applicable.
Are Unlicensed Video Gambling Machines Legal?
Unlicensed gambling machines are not automatically legal merely because they resemble licensed Illinois VGTs.
Every video gaming terminal operated under the Video Gaming Act must be licensed by the Illinois Gaming Board.
If an establishment conducts gambling games in violation of the Act, Illinois law can treat the premises as a gambling place under the Criminal Code. Gambling devices being operated illegally may also be subject to seizure, confiscation, and destruction.
Operators can face additional licensing and criminal consequences depending on the violation.
Players should therefore distinguish machines connected to Illinois’s regulated VGT network from unlicensed cash-paying machines operating outside the state system.
Is Online Video Gambling Legal in Illinois?
Illinois’s Video Gaming Act should not be confused with authorization for online casino gambling.
The Act regulates physical video gaming terminals located inside licensed establishments. It does not create a general right for Illinois residents to play real-money online slots, video poker, or other casino games through any website they choose.
Illinois separately permits regulated online sports betting, but statewide real-money online casino gaming has not been generally authorized in the same way.
Therefore, the fact that video gambling machines are legal at a licensed Illinois bar or truck stop does not make an online casino offering similar games automatically legal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can you legally play video poker machines in Illinois?
Yes, video poker and similar games may be offered through properly licensed Illinois video gaming terminals at authorized establishments. The player must be at least 21 years old.
Q2. Can any bar in Illinois install gambling machines?
No, a bar or restaurant must meet Illinois licensing requirements, operate in a location where video gaming is allowed, and use terminals supplied and operated through appropriately licensed entities.
Q3. How many video gaming machines can an Illinois business have?
Most licensed establishments may operate up to six video gaming terminals. Qualifying large truck stop establishments may operate up to 10 terminals.
Q4. Are video gambling machines legal everywhere in Illinois?
No, municipalities and counties have authority to prohibit video gaming in their jurisdictions. A machine must also be licensed and located at an establishment authorized under the Illinois Video Gaming Act.