Video Gaming Terminals Coming to Chicago!
Prepare and Apply for Legalized Gaming in Your Chicago Establishment
Table of Contents
Video Gaming Terminals in Chicago:
Current status (updated 2/26/2026) and what you can do to prepare
What changed in December:
The City of Chicago voted to approve video gaming last December 19th, reversing a long-standing restriction. This is a significant step toward allowing authorized establishments to apply for a gaming license through the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB).
What locations can do now:
• Start the application process, the Illinois Gaming Board is now accepting applications for bars, restaurants, veteran & fraternal organizations, truck stops, and other authorized establishments.
Next steps after applying:
• Evaluate your business and the game room space, the number of machines, and the expected revenue from video gaming, in addition to ensuring your business meets compliance standards set by the Illinois Gaming Board.
Under the Illinois Video Gaming Act, this gaming license allows businesses to use Video Gaming Terminals (VGTs) as an additional revenue stream.
See how much you could earn!
"*" indicates required fields
What is a VGT?
Video Gaming Terminals, otherwise known as VGTs, are video poker and slot machines designed for player entertainment as Class III devices of random number generators and pay tables.
VGTs are installed and serviced by a Terminal Operator, like J&J Gaming, at licensed establishments such as bars, restaurants, veterans organizations, and other eligible on-premise liquor consumption locations.
To start, you will need to have an Illinois Video Gaming license and meet the requirements.
All Illinois gaming machines and their redemption terminals are connected to and controlled by a Central Control System (CCS) via an on-site controller.
Restrictions to VGTs include:
• Max Bet of $4.00
• Max Win per Spin of $1,199.00
• Must be serviced by a licensed Terminal Operator, like J&J Gaming
Who Qualifies in Chicago
Likely eligible:
According to the Chicago video gaming ordinance, bars, restaurants, fraternal and veteran organizations, and other retail establishments holding on-premises consumption liquor licenses may be eligible for video gaming, provided all other requirements are met.
Likely excluded:
Locations in Cook County and the City of Chicago, without a Consumption on Premises or Tavern Liquor License, would not be eligible to obtain a Video Gaming License in Illinois.
Quick Eligibility Check-list:
Note: State of Illinois Liquor Licenses are issued by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC), and those interested in obtaining a liquor license must complete an application. Learn more by reading our resources on how to obtain an Illinois liquor license and how to renew an Illinois liquor license.
Licensing in Chicago
What you will need: State vs. City
The same process for obtaining a Gaming License in IL applies to Chicago–and J&J is here to help you through every step of the process.
What the business applies for:
• City liquor license type (Consumption on Premise or Tavern Liquor License)
• State liquor license
• Chicago location license (as required by ordinance framework)
• IGB location license (Fingerprinting & Background checks, On-site inspection)
What the terminal operator handles:
• IGB terminal operator licensing
•Chicago terminal licensing requirements per terminal
• Floorplan and 21+ area plan
• Ownership docs for suitability review
Once approved, the IGB and CCS will confirm your official go-live date
J&J Gaming has helped more than 2,500 locations in Illinois get licensed and establish their video gaming business. Our team makes this process smooth and stress-free, as we understand all areas of diverse jurisdictions across municipalities.
Contact us today to get started.
Need more info? Learn more by reading Illinois IGB FAQs.
What Limits and Restrictions exist in VGT set-up at Approved Locations?
Illinois Gaming Requirements
The main restrictions that apply (after meeting eligibility requirements) are:
- Establishments in the City of Chicago are permitted to have up to six (6) video slot machines on premises.
- Compliance with all video gaming and alcohol consumption laws is required for operation.
- Patrons must be at least 21 years or older to play.
How to choose a Terminal Operator
1) Confirm they’re properly licensed
The Illinois Gaming Board keeps a public record of licensed operators in the state. Find those here.
2) Watch for compliance red flags
Chicago’s ordinance language includes restrictions around inducements (e.g., giving “anything of value” as an incentive/inducement). Working with the most-trusted operator in Illinois keeps you in the green and your gaming business safe.
3) Evaluate operational quality
Choosing the right terminal operator is an important step. Be sure to partner with an operator that provides reliable service support, operational expertise, advanced reporting and analytics, and strategic marketing insight – along with the resources needed to help your establishment succeed.
With 95+ years of experience, J&J Gaming delivers all of this and more – offering comprehensive support designed to help your location maximize performance and long-term success.
4) Payment terms
J&J Gaming offers our Illinois partnered locations FlexPay, to choose when you get paid your share of the Net Terminal Income (NTI) from the gaming machines installed at your establishment.
Partner with J&J Gaming
J&J Gaming is the largest privately-owned operator in Illinois and the most-trusted partner for restaurants, bars, fraternal and veteran organizations, truck stops, and more. Now that Chicago has opted in to installing state-of-the-art video gaming machines at retail establishments holding on-premises consumption liquor licenses, it is time to partner with an operator that can support you. As your premium service provider, we go beyond licensure and installation, remaining dedicated to your long-term success. We are the leading partner and resource for video gaming terminals in Chicago.
J&J’s 95+ years of experience and proven support bring your location success with:
• $193,000+ in new annual income from gaming*
• 24/7 Service Guarantee
• 99.7%* Machine Up-time, meaning NO downtime
• Custom Marketing & #1 choice for patrons
*.Based on J&J Gaming establishments in Cook County municipalities’ average revenue from October 2024 to September 2025. *Based on service and machine performance for live J&J accounts for October 2023.
Responsible Play with J&J
At J&J Gaming, we take our responsibility to promote safe and mindful gaming practices seriously. J&J Gaming adheres to the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming. As such, we pledge to make responsible gaming an integral part of our Company’s culture and operations.
J&J Gaming supplies all of our partnered locations with the necessary signage to provide patrons in need with access to problem gambling assistance.
Take Action and Be Prepared for Video Gaming in the City of Chicago!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
On December 31, 2025, the City of Chicago passed a new 2026 budget plan that legalized Video Gaming Terminals within the City of Chicago.
As of February 26, 2026, the Illinois Gaming Board is accepting video gaming license applications for eligible establishments in the City of Chicago.
Eligible Chicago establishments, including retail establishments holding on-premises consumption liquor licenses, can now contact J&J Gaming as a Terminal Operator to authorize a Use Agreement for J&J video gaming terminals and services. The City of Chicago is in the process of updating the municipal code to allow for video gaming terminals (VGTs).
In order for your business to participate in Chicago video gaming, you must pay the following:
– One-time Application fee to the Illinois Gaming Board is $100
– Annual state gaming license is $100
– Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection License fee: $500 annually––
– Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Yearly VGT License: $1,000/VGT
J&J Gaming will help you through all licensing fee processes to make VGT installation smooth and stress-free.
J&J Gaming offers FlexPay to our establishments, allowing them to choose how often they are paid for their share of gaming revenue. FlexPay options include: twice per week, weekly, twice per month, and monthly options. Payment will be directly deposited into the company account you choose.
The state of Illinois mandates the distribution of the Net Terminal Income. The distribution, based on percentage, is as follows:
| Administrative Share | Local Tax | State Tax | Establishment Share | Terminal Operator Share | |
| Before 7/1/19 | 0.8513% | 5% | 25% | 34.57435% | 34.57435% |
| 7/1/19 – 6/30/20 | 0.8513% | 5% | 28% | 33.07435% | 33.07435% |
| 7/1/20 | 0.8513% | 5% | 29% | 32.57435% | 32.57435% |
| 1/1/2024 | 0.92% | 5% | 29% | 32.54% | 32.54% |
| 7/1/2024 | 0.92% | 5% | 30% | 32.04% | 32.04% |
Find information on income split and the history of video gaming.
Work with the most-trusted operator for your best bet in video gaming!
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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