HB5791 Summary

• Amends Video Gaming Act to protect applicants and licensees operating gaming devices in compliance with Criminal Code provisions from disciplinary action or license denial by Illinois Gaming Board.

• Creates Gaming Disparity Task Force with 5 Governor-appointed members to study discrimination in Illinois video gaming industry and recommend policy changes to reduce barriers to entry for minorities.

• Establishes fees on terminal operators generating at least $5,000,000 monthly net income, with collected funds supporting Task Force operations and payments to minority business enterprise-owned terminal operators based on population percentages.

• Expands definition of "gambling device" under Criminal Code to include internet-connected electronic machines and vending devices that award credits unless they are redemption vaults or operate on fee-based/revenue-based systems that automatically cease after predetermined cycles.

• Provides that games of skill or chance requiring no payment to participate are not gambling except when using prohibited gambling devices, and makes gambling offenses involving such devices Class 4 felonies.

• Takes effect immediately upon becoming law.