Statutes > Illinois Statutes > CHAPTER 230 GAMING > 230 ILCS 10/ Riverboat Gambling Act.

230 ILCS 10/ Riverboat Gambling Act.

    (230 ILCS 10/1) (from Ch. 120, par. 2401)
    Sec. 1. Short title. This Act shall be known and may be cited as the Riverboat Gambling Act.
(Source: P.A. 86‑1029.)

    (230 ILCS 10/2) (from Ch. 120, par. 2402)
    Sec. 2. Legislative Intent.
    (a) This Act is intended to benefit the people of the State of Illinois by assisting economic development and promoting Illinois tourism and by increasing the amount of revenues available to the State to assist and support education.
    (b) While authorization of riverboat gambling will enhance investment, development and tourism in Illinois, it is recognized that it will do so successfully only if public confidence and trust in the credibility and integrity of the gambling operations and the regulatory process is maintained. Therefore, regulatory provisions of this Act are designed to strictly regulate the facilities, persons, associations and practices related to gambling operations pursuant to the police powers of the State, including comprehensive law enforcement supervision.
    (c) The Illinois Gaming Board established under this Act should, as soon as possible, inform each applicant for an owners license of the Board's intent to grant or deny a license.
(Source: P.A. 93‑28, eff. 6‑20‑03.)

    (230 ILCS 10/3) (from Ch. 120, par. 2403)
    Sec. 3. Riverboat Gambling Authorized.
    (a) Riverboat gambling operations and the system of wagering incorporated therein, as defined in this Act, are hereby authorized to the extent that they are carried out in accordance with the provisions of this Act.
    (b) This Act does not apply to the pari‑mutuel system of wagering used or intended to be used in connection with the horse‑race meetings as authorized under the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975, lottery games authorized under the Illinois Lottery Law, bingo authorized under the Bingo License and Tax Act, charitable games authorized under the Charitable Games Act or pull tabs and jar games conducted under the Illinois Pull Tabs and Jar Games Act.
    (c) Riverboat gambling conducted pursuant to this Act may be authorized upon any water within the State of Illinois or any water other than Lake Michigan which constitutes a boundary of the State of Illinois. A licensee may conduct riverboat gambling authorized under this Act regardless of whether it conducts excursion cruises. A licensee may permit the continuous ingress and egress of passengers for the purpose of gambling.
(Source: P.A. 91‑40, eff. 6‑25‑99.)

    (230 ILCS 10/4)(from Ch. 120, par. 2404)
    Sec. 4. Definitions. As used in this Act:
    (a) "Board" means the Illinois Gaming Board.
    (b) "Occupational license" means a license issued by the Board to a person or entity to perform an occupation which the Board has identified as requiring a license to engage in riverboat gambling in Illinois.
    (c) "Gambling game" includes, but is not limited to, baccarat, twenty‑one, poker, craps, slot machine, video game of chance, roulette wheel, klondike table, punchboard, faro layout, keno layout, numbers ticket, push card, jar ticket, or pull tab which is authorized by the Board as a wagering device under this Act.
    (d) "Riverboat" means a self‑propelled excursion boat, a permanently moored barge, or permanently moored barges that are permanently fixed together to operate as one vessel, on which lawful gambling is authorized and licensed as provided in this Act.
    (e) "Managers license" means a license issued by the Board to a person or entity to manage gambling operations conducted by the State pursuant to Section 7.3.
    (f) "Dock" means the location where a riverboat moors for the purpose of embarking passengers for and disembarking passengers from the riverboat.
    (g) "Gross receipts" means the total amount of money exchanged for the purchase of chips, tokens or electronic cards by riverboat patrons.
    (h) "Adjusted gross receipts" means the gross receipts less winnings paid to wagerers.
    (i) "Cheat" means to alter the selection of criteria which determine the result of a gambling game or the amount or frequency of payment in a gambling game.
    (j) (Blank).
    (k) "Gambling operation" means the conduct of authorized gambling games upon a riverboat.
    (l) "License bid" means the lump sum amount of money that an applicant bids and agrees to pay the State in return for an owners license that is re‑issued on or after July 1, 2003.
    (m) The terms "minority person", "female", and "person with a disability" shall have the same meaning as defined in Section 2 of the Business Enterprise for Minorities, Females, and Persons with Disabilities Act.
(Source: P.A. 95‑331, eff. 8‑21‑07; 96‑1392, eff. 1‑1‑11.)

    (230 ILCS 10/5)(from Ch. 120, par. 2405)
    Sec. 5. Gaming Board.
    (a) (1) There is hereby established the Illinois Gaming Board, which shall have the powers and duties specified in this Act, and all other powers necessary and proper to fully and effectively execute this Act for the purpose of administering, regulating, and enforcing the system of riverboat gambling established by this Act. Its jurisdiction shall extend under this Act to every person, association, corporation, partnership and trust involved in riverboat gambling operations in the State of Illinois.
    (2) The Board shall consist of 5 members to be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate, one of whom shall be designated by the Governor to be chairman. Each member shall have a reasonable knowledge of the practice, procedure and principles of gambling operations. Each member shall either be a resident of Illinois or shall certify that he will become a resident of Illinois before taking office. At least one member shall be experienced in law enforcement and criminal investigation, at least one member shall be a certified public accountant experienced in accounting and auditing, and at least one member shall be a lawyer licensed to practice law in Illinois.
    (3) The terms of office of the Board members shall be 3 years, except that the terms of office of the initial Board members appointed pursuant to this Act will commence from the effective date of this Act and run as follows: one for a term ending July 1, 1991, 2 for a term ending July 1, 1992, and 2 for a term ending July 1, 1993. Upon the expiration of the foregoing terms, the successors of such members shall serve a term for 3 years and until their successors are appointed and qualified for like terms. Vacancies in the Board shall be filled for the unexpired term in like manner as original appointments. Each member of the Board shall be eligible for reappointment at the discretion of the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.
    (4) Each member of the Board shall receive $300 for each day the Board meets and for each day the member conducts any hearing pursuant to this Act. Each member of the Board shall also be reimbursed for all actual and necessary expenses and disbursements incurred in the execution of official duties.
    (5) No person shall be appointed a member of the Board or continue to be a member of the Board who is, or whose spouse, child or parent is, a member of the board of directors of, or a person financially interested in, any gambling operation subject to the jurisdiction of this Board, or any race track, race meeting, racing association or the operations thereof subject to the jurisdiction of the Illinois Racing Board. No Board member shall hold any other public office. No person shall be a member of the Board who is not of good moral character or who has been convicted of, or is under indictment for, a felony under the laws of Illinois or any other state, or the United States.
    (5.5) No member of the Board shall engage in any political activity. For the purposes of this Section, "political" means any activity in support of or in connection with any campaign for federal, State, or local elective office or any political organization, but does not include activities (i) relating to the support or opposition of any executive, legislative, or administrative action (as those terms are defined in Section 2 of the Lobbyist Registration Act), (ii) relating to collective bargaining, or (iii) that are otherwise in furtherance of the person's official State duties or governmental and public service functions.
    (6) Any member of the Board may be removed by the Governor for neglect of duty, misfeasance, malfeasance, or nonfeasance in office or for engaging in any political activity.
    (7) Before entering upon the discharge of the duties of his office, each member of the Board shall take an oath that he will faithfully execute the duties of his office according to the laws of the State and the rules and regulations adopted therewith and shall give bond to the State of Illinois, approved by the Governor, in the sum of $25,000. Every such bond, when duly executed and approved, shall be recorded in the office of the Secretary of State. Whenever the Governor determines that the bond of any member of the Board has become or is likely to become invalid or insufficient, he shall require such member forthwith to renew his bond, which is to be approved by the Governor. Any member of the Board who fails to take oath and give bond within 30 days from the date of his appointment, or who fails to renew his bond within 30 days after it is demanded by the Governor, shall be guilty of neglect of duty and may be removed by the Governor. The cost of any bond given by any member of the Board under this Section shall be taken to be a part of the necessary expenses of the Board.
    (8) The Board shall employ such personnel as may be necessary to carry out its functions and shall determine the salaries of all personnel, except those personnel whose salaries are determined under the terms of a collective bargaining agreement. No person shall be employed to serve the Board who is, or whose spouse, parent or child is, an official of, or has a financial interest in or financial relation with, any operator engaged in gambling operations within this State or any organization engaged in conducting horse racing within this State. Any employee violating these prohibitions shall be subject to termination of employment.
    (9) An Administrator shall perform any and all duties that the Board shall assign him. The salary of the Administrator shall be determined by the Board and, in addition, he shall be reimbursed for all actual and necessary expenses incurred by him in discharge of his official duties. The Administrator shall keep records of all proceedings of the Board and shall preserve all records, books, documents and other papers belonging to the Board or entrusted to its care. The Administrator shall devote his full time to the duties of the office and shall not hold any other office or employment.
    (b) The Board shall have general responsibility for the implementation of this Act. Its duties include, without limitation, the following:
        (1) To decide promptly and in reasonable order all
    license applications. Any party aggrieved by an action of the Board denying, suspending, revoking, restricting or refusing to renew a license may request a hearing before the Board. A request for a hearing must be made to the Board in writing within 5 days after service of notice of the action of the Board. Notice of the action of the Board shall be served either by personal delivery or by certified mail, postage prepaid, to the aggrieved party. Notice served by certified mail shall be deemed complete on the business day following the date of such mailing. The Board shall conduct all requested hearings promptly and in reasonable order;
        (2) To conduct all hearings pertaining to civil
    violations of this Act or rules and regulations promulgated hereunder;
        (3) To promulgate such rules and regulations as in
    its judgment may be necessary to protect or enhance the credibility and integrity of gambling operations authorized by this Act and the regulatory process hereunder;
        (4) To provide for the establishment and collection
    of all license and registration fees and taxes imposed by this Act and the rules and regulations issued pursuant hereto. All such fees and taxes shall be deposited into the State Gaming Fund;
        (5) To provide for the levy and collection of
    penalties and fines for the violation of provisions of this Act and the rules and regulations promulgated hereunder. All such fines and penalties shall be deposited into the Education Assistance Fund, created by Public Act 86‑0018, of the State of Illinois;
        (6) To be present through its inspectors and agents
    any time gambling operations are conducted on any riverboat for the purpose of certifying the revenue thereof, receiving complaints from the public, and conducting such other investigations into the conduct of the gambling games and the maintenance of the equipment as from time to time the Board may deem necessary and proper;
        (7) To review and rule upon any complaint by a
    licensee regarding any investigative procedures of the State which are unnecessarily disruptive of gambling operations. The need to inspect and investigate shall be presumed at all times. The disruption of a licensee's operations shall be proved by clear and convincing evidence, and establish that: (A) the procedures had no reasonable law enforcement purposes, and (B) the procedures were so disruptive as to unreasonably inhibit gambling operations;
        (8) To hold at least one meeting each quarter of the
    fiscal year. In addition, special meetings may be called by the Chairman or any 2 Board members upon 72 hours written notice to each member. All Board meetings shall be subject to the Open Meetings Act. Three members of the Board shall constitute a quorum, and 3 votes shall be required for any final determination by the Board. The Board shall keep a complete and accurate record of all its meetings. A majority of the members of the Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business, for the performance of any duty, or for the exercise of any power which this Act requires the Board members to transact, perform or exercise en banc, except that, upon order of the Board, one of the Board members or an administrative law judge designated by the Board may conduct any hearing provided for under this Act or by Board rule and may recommend findings and decisions to the Board. The Board member or administrative law judge conducting such hearing shall have all powers and rights granted to the Board in this Act. The record made at the time of the hearing shall be reviewed by the Board, or a majority thereof, and the findings and decision of the majority of the Board shall constitute the order of the Board in such case;
        (9) To maintain records which are separate and
    distinct from the records of any other State board or commission. Such records shall be available for public inspection and shall accurately reflect all Board proceedings;
        (10) To file a written annual report with the
    Governor on or before March 1 each year and such additional reports as the Governor may request. The annual report shall include a statement of receipts and disbursements by the Board, actions taken by the Board, and any additional information and recommendations which the Board may deem valuable or which the Governor may request;
        (11) (Blank);
        (12) (Blank);
        (13) To assume responsibility for administration and
    enforcement of the Video Gaming Act; and
        (14) To adopt, by rule, a code of conduct governing
    Board members and employees that ensure, to the maximum extent possible, that persons subject to this Code avoid situations, relationships, or associations that may represent or lead to a conflict of interest.
    (c) The Board shall have jurisdiction over and shall supervise all gambling operations governed by this Act. The Board shall have all powers necessary and proper to fully and effectively execute the provisions of this Act, including, but not limited to, the following:
        (1) To investigate applicants and determine the
    eligibility of applicants for licenses and to select among competing applicants the applicants which best serve the interests of the citizens of Illinois.
        (2) To have jurisdiction and supervision over all
    riverboat gambling operations in this State and all persons on riverboats where gambling operations are conducted.
        (3) To promulgate rules and regulations for the
    purpose of administering the provisions of this Act and to prescribe rules, regulations and conditions under which all riverboat gambling in the State shall be conducted. Such rules and regulations are to provide for the prevention of practices detrimental to the public interest and for the best interests of riverboat gambling, including rules and regulations regarding the inspection of such riverboats and the review of any permits or licenses necessary to operate a riverboat under any laws or regulations applicable to riverboats, and to impose penalties for violations thereof.
        (4) To enter the office, riverboats, facilities, or
    other places of business of a licensee, where evidence of the compliance or noncompliance with the provisions of this Act is likely to be found.
        (5) To investigate alleged violations of this Act or
    the rules of the Board and to take appropriate disciplinary action against a licensee or a holder of an occupational license for a violation, or institute appropriate legal action for enforcement, or both.
        (6) To adopt standards for the licensing of all
    persons under this Act, as well as for electronic or mechanical gambling games, and to establish fees for such licenses.
        (7) To adopt appropriate standards for all riverboats
    and facilities.
        (8) To require that the records, including financial
    or other statements of any licensee under this Act, shall be kept in such manner as prescribed by the Board and that any such licensee involved in the ownership or management of gambling operations submit to the Board an annual balance sheet and profit and loss statement, list of the stockholders or other persons having a 1% or greater beneficial interest in the gambling activities of each licensee, and any other information the Board deems necessary in order to effectively administer this Act and all rules, regulations, orders and final decisions promulgated under this Act.
        (9) To conduct hearings, issue subpoenas for the
    attendance of witnesses and subpoenas duces tecum for the production of books, records and other pertinent documents in accordance with the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act, and to administer oaths and affirmations to the witnesses, when, in the judgment of the Board, it is necessary to administer or enforce this Act or the Board rules.
        (10) To prescribe a form to be used by any licensee
    involved in the ownership or management of gambling operations as an application for employment for their employees.
        (11) To revoke or suspend licenses, as the Board may
    see fit and in compliance with applicable laws of the State regarding administrative procedures, and to review applications for the renewal of licenses. The Board may suspend an owners license, without notice or hearing upon a determination that the safety or health of patrons or employees is jeopardized by continuing a riverboat's operation. The suspension may remain in effect until the Board determines that the cause for suspension has been abated. The Board may revoke the owners license upon a determination that the owner has not made satisfactory progress toward abating the hazard.
        (12) To eject or exclude or authorize the ejection or
    exclusion of, any person from riverboat gambling facilities where such person is in violation of this Act, rules and regulations thereunder, or final orders of the Board, or where such person's conduct or reputation is such that his presence within the riverboat gambling facilities may, in the opinion of the Board, call into question the honesty and integrity of the gambling operations or interfere with orderly conduct thereof; provided that the propriety of such ejection or exclusion is subject to subsequent hearing by the Board.
        (13) To require all licensees of gambling operations
    to utilize a cashless wagering system whereby all players' money is converted to tokens, electronic cards, or chips which shall be used only for wagering in the gambling establishment.
        (14) (Blank).
        (15) To suspend, revoke or restrict licenses, to
    require the removal of a licensee or an employee of a licensee for a violation of this Act or a Board rule or for engaging in a fraudulent practice, and to impose civil penalties of up to $5,000 against individuals and up to $10,000 or an amount equal to the daily gross receipts, whichever is larger, against licensees for each violation of any provision of the Act, any rules adopted by the Board, any order of the Board or any other action which, in the Board's discretion, is a detriment or impediment to riverboat gambling operations.
        (16) To hire employees to gather information, conduct
    investigations and carry out any other tasks contemplated under this Act.
        (17) To establish minimum levels of insurance to be
    maintained by licensees.
        (18) To authorize a licensee to sell or serve
    alcoholic liquors, wine or beer as defined in the Liquor Control Act of 1934 on board a riverboat and to have exclusive authority to establish the hours for sale and consumption of alcoholic liquor on board a riverboat, notwithstanding any provision of the Liquor Control Act of 1934 or any local ordinance, and regardless of whether the riverboat makes excursions. The establishment of the hours for sale and consumption of alcoholic liquor on board a riverboat is an exclusive power and function of the State. A home rule unit may not establish the hours for sale and consumption of alcoholic liquor on board a riverboat. This amendatory Act of 1991 is a denial and limitation of home rule powers and functions under subsection (h) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution.
        (19) After consultation with the U.S. Army Corps of
    Engineers, to establish binding emergency orders upon the concurrence of a majority of the members of the Board regarding the navigability of water, relative to excursions, in the event of extreme weather conditions, acts of God or other extreme circumstances.
        (20) To delegate the execution of any of its powers
    under this Act for the purpose of administering and enforcing this Act and its rules and regulations hereunder.
        (20.5) To approve any contract entered into on its
    behalf.
        (20.6) To appoint investigators to conduct
    investigations, searches, seizures, arrests, and other duties imposed under this Act, as deemed necessary by the Board. These investigators have and may exercise all of the rights and powers of peace officers, provided that these powers shall be limited to offenses or violations occurring or committed on a riverboat or dock, as defined in subsections (d) and (f) of Section 4, or as otherwise provided by this Act or any other law.
        (20.7) To contract with the Department of State
    Police for the use of trained and qualified State police officers and with the Department of Revenue for the use of trained and qualified Department of Revenue investigators to conduct investigations, searches, seizures, arrests, and other duties imposed under this Act and to exercise all of the rights and powers of peace officers, provided that the powers of Department of Revenue investigators under this subdivision (20.7) shall be limited to offenses or violations occurring or committed on a riverboat or dock, as defined in subsections (d) and (f) of Section 4, or as otherwise provided by this Act or any other law. In the event the Department of State Police or the Department of Revenue is unable to fill contracted police or investigative positions, the Board may appoint investigators to fill those positions pursuant to subdivision (20.6).
        (21) To take any other action as may be reasonable or
    appropriate to enforce this Act and rules and regulations hereunder.
    (d) The Board may seek and shall receive the cooperation of the Department of State Police in conducting background investigations of applicants and in fulfilling its responsibilities under this Section. Costs incurred by the Department of State Police as a result of such cooperation shall be paid by the Board in conformance with the requirements of Section 2605‑400 of the Department of State Police Law (20 ILCS 2605/2605‑400).
    (e) The Board must authorize to each investigator and to any other employee of the Board exercising the powers of a peace officer a distinct badge that, on its face, (i) clearly states that the badge is authorized by the Board and (ii) contains a unique identifying number. No other badge shall be authorized by the Board.
(Source: P.A. 96‑34, eff. 7‑13‑09; 96‑37, eff. 7‑13‑09; 96‑1000, eff. 7‑2‑10; 96‑1392, eff. 1‑1‑11.)

    (230 ILCS 10/5.1)(from Ch. 120, par. 2405.1)
    Sec. 5.1. Disclosure of records.
    (a) Notwithstanding any applicable statutory provision to the contrary, the Board shall, on written request from any person, provide information furnished by an applicant or licensee concerning the applicant or licensee, his products, services or gambling enterprises and his business holdings, as follows:
        (1) The name, business address and business telephone
    number of any applicant or licensee.
        (2) An identification of any applicant or licensee
    including, if an applicant or licensee is not an individual, the state of incorporation or registration, the corporate officers, and the identity of all shareholders or participants. If an applicant or licensee has a pending registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, only the names of those persons or entities holding interest of 5% or more must be provided.
        (3) An identification of any business, including, if
    applicable, the state of incorporation or registration, in which an applicant or licensee or an applicant's or licensee's spouse or children has an equity interest of more than 1%. If an applicant or licensee is a corporation, partnership or other business entity, the applicant or licensee shall identify any other corporation, partnership or business entity in which it has an equity interest of 1% or more, including, if applicable, the state of incorporation or registration. This information need not be provided by a corporation, partnership or other business entity that has a pending registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
        (4) Whether an applicant or licensee has been
    indicted, convicted, pleaded guilty or nolo contendere, or forfeited bail concerning any criminal offense under the laws of any jurisdiction, either felony or misdemeanor (except for traffic violations), including the date, the name and location of the court, arresting agency and prosecuting agency, the case number, the offense, the disposition and the location and length of incarceration.
        (5) Whether an applicant or licensee has had any
    license or certificate issued by a licensing authority in Illinois or any other jurisdiction denied, restricted, suspended, revoked or not renewed and a statement describing the facts and circumstances concerning the denial, restriction, suspension, revocation or non‑renewal, including the licensing authority, the date each such action was taken, and the reason for each such action.
        (6) Whether an applicant or licensee has ever filed
    or had filed against it a proceeding in bankruptcy or has ever been involved in any formal process to adjust, defer, suspend or otherwise work out the payment of any debt including the date of filing, the name and location of the court, the case and number of the disposition.
        (7) Whether an applicant or licensee has filed, or
    been served with a complaint or other notice filed with any public body, regarding the delinquency in the payment of, or a dispute over the filings concerning the payment of, any tax required under federal, State or local law, including the amount, type of tax, the taxing agency and time periods involved.
        (8) A statement listing the names and titles of all
    public officials or officers of any unit of government, and relatives of said public officials or officers who, directly or indirectly, own any financial interest in, have any beneficial interest in, are the creditors of or hold any debt instrument issued by, or hold or have any interest in any contractual or service relationship with, an applicant or licensee.
        (9) Whether an applicant or licensee has made,
    directly or indirectly, any political contribution, or any loans, donations or other payments, to any candidate or office holder, within 5 years from the date of filing the application, including the amount and the method of payment.
        (10) The name and business telephone number of the
    counsel representing an applicant or licensee in matters before the Board.
        (11) A description of any proposed or approved
    riverboat gaming operation, incl