Lattner

Chicago Video Gaming Eligibility and Application Guidance

Understand the Process Before You Apply

Video gaming is now available for eligible Chicago businesses. For bars, restaurants, taverns, hotels, fraternal organizations, veterans organizations, private clubs and other licensed establishments, the next step is understanding whether the location may qualify and what the application process may involve.

Lattner Entertainment Group helps Chicago business owners review the general path for regulated video gaming terminals, commonly searched as VGTs, video slots or slot machines. As an experienced Illinois video gaming terminal operator and part of Boyd Gaming, Lattner can help eligible locations ask the right questions before moving forward.

Is Your Chicago Business Eligible for Video Gaming?

Eligibility depends on the type of business, state requirements, City of Chicago requirements, licensing, location review, ownership details, the proposed gaming area and other regulatory factors. A business may be interested in video gaming, but final approval is handled by the proper regulatory agencies.

• Bars and taverns: Eligible licensed establishments may be able to apply for regulated video gaming terminals as an entertainment amenity for current customers.
• Restaurants with liquor licenses: Some restaurant locations may be able to explore video gaming if the business, licensing and location details meet applicable requirements.
• Hotels and hospitality businesses: Hospitality locations may need to evaluate whether video gaming fits the existing guest experience, floor plan and licensing structure.
• Fraternal and veterans organizations: Licensed organizations may have different questions about eligibility, membership areas, operations and ongoing compliance.
• Private clubs and social clubs: Clubs should review business structure, licensing, access, age-restricted areas and location-specific requirements before moving forward.
• Qualified truck stops and other licensed establishments: Certain approved locations may be eligible under Illinois video gaming rules, depending on applicable requirements.

Chicago Video Gaming Applications: State and City Review

Chicago video gaming involves both state and local review. The Illinois Gaming Board oversees licensed video gaming in Illinois, including applications, licensee information, laws, regulations and official video gaming forms. Chicago also has its own video gaming ordinance and local licensing requirements for video gaming activity within the city.

In simple terms, eligible business owners should expect to understand both the Illinois Gaming Board process and the City of Chicago licensing process. Lattner can help business owners organize early questions, understand operator conversations and prepare for the next step, but final licensing decisions and legal requirements are handled by the appropriate agencies.

What the Illinois Gaming Board Reviews

The Illinois Gaming Board process can involve application forms, applicant and licensee information, background review, business details and other materials required by the state. The IGB provides official video gaming applications and forms, applicant and licensee lists, laws, regulations and frequently asked questions for businesses and licensees.

For Chicago business owners, the state process is an important first part of the conversation. Before a location can move toward approved video gaming terminals, the business should understand what information may be requested, who may need to be disclosed and how the operator relationship fits into the overall process.

What the City of Chicago May Require

The City of Chicago has established local video gaming licensing under Chapter 4-155 of the Municipal Code. Local requirements may include documentation related to Illinois Gaming Board licensing, the completed IGB application, terminal operator information, use agreements, ownership or substantial interest information and other materials requested by the City.

Chicago also includes rules related to terminal placement, age-restricted areas, visibility and oversight. Because details can change and every location is different, business owners should use official City of Chicago and Illinois Gaming Board resources when preparing an application.

What to Prepare Before Starting the Video Gaming Process

Before applying or speaking with a terminal operator, it helps to gather basic information about the business, the location and the proposed gaming area. Having these details ready can make the early conversation more productive.

• Business and ownership information: Legal business name, address, contact information and ownership or substantial interest details.
• Current licenses: Liquor license information, state license information and any other business licenses that may be relevant.
• Location details: Floor plan, available space, guest flow, visibility, access and where a restricted gaming area may be located.
• Operator conversations: Questions about the terminal operator, service support, marketing, reporting, payments and long-term account management.
• Use agreement questions: Businesses should understand how the operator agreement works and when it may be needed in the state and local process.
• Compliance expectations: Age restrictions, oversight, responsible gaming, signage, reporting duties and ongoing license maintenance.

Do You Need a Terminal Operator Before Applying?

The Illinois Gaming Board FAQ states that a signed use agreement is not required for a potential licensed video gaming location to submit an application, but a licensed location must have a signed use agreement with a licensed terminal operator before VGTs are placed in the establishment.

That makes the operator conversation important. Lattner can help eligible Chicago businesses understand what to ask before choosing a video gaming terminal operator, including service response, equipment, account management, marketing support, reporting and long-term communication.

How Lattner Helps Chicago Businesses Prepare

• Eligibility discussion: Lattner helps business owners think through whether video gaming may be a fit for the location before moving deeper into the process.
• Application path guidance: Our team helps explain the general steps involved with state and local video gaming review.
• Location planning: Lattner can discuss space, visibility, customer flow, age-restricted areas and how VGTs may fit the existing business.
• Operator relationship: Business owners can ask questions about service, account management, installation coordination, marketing support and payments.
• Long-term support: After approval, Lattner supports partner locations with equipment, service, reporting, account management and ongoing performance review.
• Boyd Gaming backing: As part of Boyd Gaming, Lattner brings stability, experience and long-term industry knowledge to Chicago businesses exploring regulated video gaming.

Chicago Neighborhoods and Chicagoland Application Questions

Lattner works with eligible Chicago-area businesses throughout Downtown Chicago, the Loop, River North, West Loop, South Loop, Fulton Market, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Wicker Park, Logan Square, Pilsen, Bridgeport, Hyde Park and other Chicago neighborhoods.

For businesses outside the city, local requirements may vary. Lattner also supports qualifying licensed establishments throughout Cook County, the greater Chicagoland area, Northern Illinois and surrounding Illinois markets.

Helpful Official Video Gaming Resources

Business owners should review official resources before submitting applications or making licensing decisions. These resources can help explain current rules, forms and local requirements.

• City of Chicago Video Gaming
  Review Chicago business licensing information and local video gaming requirements.
• Illinois Gaming Board Applications & Forms
  Find official state video gaming applications, forms and submission information.
• Illinois Gaming Board Video Gaming FAQ
  Review common state-level questions about video gaming applications, use agreements and licensing.

Chicago Video Gaming Eligibility and Applications FAQs

Is video gaming legal in Chicago?
Yes. The City of Chicago has published video gaming business licensing information and the City’s video gaming ordinance is found in Chapter 4-155 of the Municipal Code.

Who decides whether a Chicago business is approved for video gaming?
Final decisions are handled by the proper regulatory agencies. The Illinois Gaming Board handles state video gaming licensing and oversight, while the City of Chicago has local licensing requirements for video gaming activity within Chicago.

Can Lattner tell me if my business qualifies?
Lattner can help business owners review general eligibility questions and prepare for operator conversations, but final eligibility, licensing and approval decisions are handled by the appropriate regulatory agencies.

Do I need a use agreement with a terminal operator before applying?
The Illinois Gaming Board FAQ says a signed use agreement is not required to submit an application, but a licensed video gaming location must have a signed use agreement with a licensed terminal operator before VGTs are placed in the establishment.

What information should I gather before contacting Lattner?
Helpful information includes your business name, address, license details, ownership structure, business type, available space, proposed gaming area and questions about service, marketing, reporting and operator support.

Does Chicago have its own video gaming license?
Chicago has local video gaming licensing requirements under Chapter 4-155. Business owners should review official City of Chicago resources and current requirements before applying.

Can restaurants apply for video gaming in Chicago?
Some restaurants may be able to explore video gaming if the business, license type, location details and regulatory requirements fit. Eligibility depends on the specific location and applicable state and local rules.

What happens after approval?
After approval, Lattner supports partner locations with video gaming terminals, installation coordination, account management, service support, marketing guidance, reporting and ongoing performance review.

Start the Chicago Video Gaming Application Conversation

If your Chicago business is ready to explore video gaming eligibility, Lattner can help you understand the next step. Contact Lattner’s Chicago gaming team at (312) 815-2680 to discuss your location, ask questions about the Illinois Gaming Board process and learn how an experienced Illinois video gaming terminal operator can support your business.

You can also fill out our Contact form to connect with a personal account manager.

Explore More Chicago Video Gaming Resources

These related resources can help Chicago business owners understand how regulated video gaming may fit their business, customer base and long-term goals.

• Chicago Video Gaming Overview
  Review the main Chicago video gaming page for a broader look at eligible businesses, support and next steps.
• Bars, Restaurants & Taverns
  Learn how video gaming terminals may fit eligible food, beverage and hospitality locations.
• Clubs & Organizations
  Explore video gaming support for fraternal organizations, veterans organizations, private clubs and social clubs.
• Chicagoland Coverage
  See how Lattner supports eligible locations in Chicago, Cook County and the greater Chicagoland area.