Operator & Brand Landscape
A Business Owner’s Guide To Video Gaming Terminal Operators in Illinois
With Chicago now entering the Illinois video gaming market, business owners are taking a closer look at how video gaming terminal operators in Illinois work and who to partner with.
At J&J Gaming, we believe in preparing our locations with an informational market overview of the Illinois gaming landscape, before signing any Use Agreement contracts. In our guide below, you will learn how the market is structured and what to consider before entering into a long-term operator agreement.
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How To Choose a Video Gaming Terminal Operator for Your Chicago Business
With video gaming in Chicago now approved and already established across Illinois, business owners around the city are carefully evaluating their options, including which video gaming terminal operator to partner with to establish a successful gaming business. This decision directly impacts your revenue, compliance, and day-to-day operations.
J&J Gaming provides a clear overview of how the Illinois video gaming operator market is structured, what sets different operators apart, and what Chicago-area business owners should consider when making an informed, strategic selection.
The Role of a Video Gaming Terminal Operator in Illinois
A Video Gaming Terminal (VGT) operator in Illinois is a licensed entity authorized by the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) to install, service, and manage video gaming terminals at licensed establishments. By law, all Illinois VGTs must be operated by a licensed terminal operator. Establishments cannot own or self-operate their gaming machines.
The terminal operator handles all IGB compliance requirements, machine installation and maintenance, and typically assists with the establishment’s licensing process. The operator and establishment enter into a Use Agreement, where revenue is split according to the state-regulated Net Terminal Income (NTI) formula.
The Illinois Video Gaming Market — Scale and Scope
The Illinois video gaming market is one of the largest distributed gaming networks in the United States. Since its launch in 2012, the state’s regulatory framework has created a competitive, multi-operator environment, with oversight by the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) ensuring consistency, compliance, and transparency across all jurisdictions.
Key Illinois video gaming data points:
• ~9,000 licensed video gaming establishments statewide (IGB, 2025)
• ~49,000+ video gaming terminals in operation across Illinois (as of late 2025)
• $2.2+ billion in total tax revenue generated from gaming in 2025 (IBG)
Operators vary in size and reach, from regional providers to large, established companies with thousands of locations and machines statewide. As of Q1, 2026, J&J Gaming is one of the largest video gaming terminal operators in Illinois, with 2,500+ locations and 17,000+ machines across numerous establishments.
Chicago’s entry into the gaming market represents the largest single expansion of the Illinois VGT footprint since the program launched.
What Distinguishes One Terminal Operator from Another?
While all licensed video gaming terminal operators in Illinois must meet the same IGB regulatory standards, they differ meaningfully in the quality, breadth, and consistency of the services they provide to establishment partners.
If you’re evaluating operators for Chicago video gaming terminals, here’s how J&J Gaming helps you maximize the performance of your gaming program:
Scale and Operational Infrastructure
J&J Gaming operates one of the largest service networks in Illinois, with the infrastructure and route support needed to install, service, and maintain machines efficiently across 2,500+ locations, proving that our team is scalable to meet the growing demand.
Machine Uptime and Service Response
J&J maintains a **99.7% uptime rate, backed by a 24/7 service model designed to minimize downtime and respond quickly when issues arise.
**Based on service and machine performance for live J&J accounts for October 2023.
Game Selection and Machine Quality
We partner with leading manufacturers to provide modern machines and updated game libraries that help drive player engagement.
Reporting and Analytics
Through J&J Connect, establishments have access to hourly-level performance data, offering deeper insight than standard monthly reporting.
Marketing and Player Loyalty Programs
J&J’s Player PAYBACK® loyalty program is designed to increase repeat visits and support long-term player engagement.
Compliance Support
Our Illinois VGTs provide hands-on guidance throughout the licensing process, helping establishments navigate Illinois and Chicago requirements step-by-step.
Inducement Compliance
J&J Gaming operates with a clear, documented compliance approach aligned with Illinois Gaming Board regulations and Chicago ordinances to help reduce risk.
J&J Gaming in the Illinois and Chicago Markets
J&J Gaming has been serving locations in Illinois since 1929 and has been providing video gaming since its launch in 2012, making it one of the longest-tenured licensed terminal operators in the state. As the largest privately owned video gaming terminal operator in Illinois, J&J Gaming combines the scale of a major operator with the accountability of a company built on long-established relationships.
With thousands of locations across Illinois and a growing presence in Chicago video gaming, J&J’s approach is centered on operational reliability, detailed performance visibility, and long-term support for business owners entering or expanding within the gaming market.
*Based on service and machine performance for live J&J accounts, October 2023.
What sets J&J Gaming apart:
• Largest privately-owned operator in Illinois—2,500+ licensed IL locations
• One of the first IGB-licensed operators—licensed in January 2012 and live since October 2012
• 95+ years of industry history—Founded in Effingham, IL, in 1929
• 99.7% machine uptime—Backed by a 24/7 service guarantee*
• Hourly-level reporting—J&J Connect provides the most granular performance data in the Illinois market
• Player PAYBACK® loyalty app—Drives repeat traffic across all J&J locations
• FlexPay—Establishments choose their own payment frequency
• Match Offer Guarantee — J&J will match any competitor’s written offer that complies with IGB regulations
FAQs About Illinois Video Gaming Operators
Yes. Under the Illinois Video Gaming Act, all video gaming terminals must be installed and managed by a licensed terminal operator. Establishments cannot own or operate machines independently. The terminal operator relationship is legally required to obtain a gaming location license from the IGB.
The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) licenses operators on an ongoing basis, with a full list available on its website. While many operators are licensed, the market is concentrated among a smaller group of large providers, including J&J Gaming. This accounts for a significant share of the state’s VGT footprint, alongside a broader field of regional operators.
Yes. Establishments can switch terminal operators when their Use Agreement expires. This process typically involves notifying the Illinois Gaming Board, entering into a new Use Agreement, and coordinating the removal and installation of machines. Your gaming license remains valid and does not need to be reapplied for when switching operators.
The Illinois Gaming Board maintains a public list of all licensed terminal operators at igb.illinois.gov. Before entering into a Use Agreement, business owners should confirm that the operator is currently licensed and in good standing.
Revenue varies based on location, player traffic, machine performance, and operator support. While the state regulates how Net Terminal Income (NTI) is distributed, the actual performance of your machines depends heavily on uptime, game mix, and player engagement, all of which are influenced by your video gaming terminal operator in Illinois.
Ready To Evaluate J&J Gaming for Your Chicago Establishment?
If you’re a Chicago bar, restaurant, or fraternal organization exploring video gaming in Chicago, J&J Gaming’s local specialists can walk you through eligibility requirements, licensing steps, and what a partnership with J&J looks like in practice.
Start your Chicago eligibility review now to explore the right video gaming terminal operator partnership for your establishment.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537).
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