The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) held its monthly open meeting on May 24, 2018 in Chicago at the James R. Thompson Center. Although Members Alejandre and Robinson were in attendance via teleconference, Chairman Tracy and Members Dolan and Hansen were present. Also in attendance was Acting Administrator Agostino Lorenzini. 

RIVERBOAT

The meeting began with the approval of the minutes from the April 2018 meeting. Member Hansen followed with congratulatory comments to Chairman Tracy on the ordination of his godson to the priesthood. The Administrator had no comments.

Ms. Gilroy spoke in the public commentary portion of the meeting. She asked the board members if they were aware of the revolving door policy and Executive Order 15-09. The Executive Order, according to Gilroy, provides that no state employee shall negotiate for employment or other compensation with any entity that is registered as a lobbyist. It further states that no former state employee shall accept compensation from any person or lobbying entity within one year after leaving the State. Ms. Gilroy then provided a list of individuals and firms that she believes are in violation of these policies. Chairman Tracy acknowledged her concerns and stated that letters were sent to all individuals that she had identified regarding that issue. Chairman Tracy further stated that his understanding was that the Inspector General signed off on these matters.

The Board moved to approve the Open Session Minutes of April 13, 2018; the amended Minutes of the Closed Executive Session of November 15, 2017; the amended Minutes of the Open Session of November 16, 2017; and the amended Minutes of the Closed Executive Session of August 23, 2017.

The following matters were up for initial consideration:

• Eldorado Resorts, Inc. – Request to Transfer Ownership from the current Elgin Riverboat Owners
• Des Plaines Development Limited Partnership dba Harrah’s Joliet Hotel & Casino – Request a suitability finding for Mr. J. Eilian

The following items were up for final consideration:

• Boyd Gaming Corporation – a $550 million financing approved
• Herman Campuzano – approved as a Senior Internal Audit Manager for Harrah’s Metropolis and Harrah’s Joliet

Supplier Licenses were granted to International Hole-In-One Association dba Odds on Promotions; House Advantage, LLC; Vici Properties, LLC; and Thomas A. Jingoli was approved as a Key Person of Konami Gaming, Inc.

The Board approved 84 Level 2 and 104 Level 3 occupational licenses.

There were three disciplinary complaints issued to occupational licensees for failure to disclose misdemeanor arrests and fined $500.

That concluded this month’s Riverboat Meeting.

VIDEO GAMING

The Board approved its Minutes for the April 13, 2018 meeting and the dissemination of the amended Minutes of the Closed Executive Session of November 15, 2017; the amended Minutes of the Open Session of November 16, 2017; and the amended Minutes of the Closed Executive Session of August 23, 2017. The Chairman stated that he had no additional comments and that everything he stated in the Riverboat meeting applied equally to the Video Gaming meeting. The other members and the Acting Administrator declined to make comments.

Joseph Rupnik, a location owner (Springfield Pub), spoke during public commentary respectfully asking the IGB to approve his hearing request regarding his license denial. Mr. Rupnik’s attorney, Bill Bogot, informed the Board that Mr. Rupnik has numerous letters of recommendations from Police Chiefs, Senators and leaders in the business community. Mr. Bogot said the determination should be whether Mr. Rupnick is suitable now for a license, not whether he was suitable 40 years ago. The Board voted to grant Mr. Rupnik’s hearing request.

Novomatic Americas Sales LLC had their Manufacturer, Distributor & Suppler license renewed. The following terminal operators (“TO”) also had their licenses renewed:

• Compact Disc Amusements
• Limited, G3 Gaming, LLC
• Hyperactive Gaming, LLC
• Illinois Gaming Investors LLC
• Skybox Gaming Group, LLC
• Tap Room Gaming, LLC.

Illinois Interactive Gaming, LLC (IIG) was up for License Reconsideration. The Board approved a motion rescinding its prior denial of IIG conditioned upon a written settlement agreement executed by the parties and approved by the court.

There were 89 location applications approved and 5 denials. The denials were as follows:

• Ditch Bar;
• Big House
• Alfredos Pizza
• Suprarosa
• JBH Knoxville.

The following Hearing Requests were granted:

• Anthony Curtale
• Wonder Foods
• Porkchop’s
• John L II; Bootleggers
• Doc’s Diner
• Rick & Anita’s
• C & D Silverdollar
• Capital City Lodge #1160.

The Board then voted to grant a hearing to Springfield Pub dba Dublin Pub (3-2 vote). BSH, Inc. dba Brookfield Ale House was also granted a hearing.

The Board approved 62 terminal handlers and 1 technician.

The Board voted that the following locations may reapply:

• Craiganator
• Carol’s Next
• Shortstop
• Circle Inn
• Maggie O’Neal’s
• Tavern on the Green.

The following locations were issued disciplinary complaints revoking their licenses based on the alleged allegations:

• Firewater (for active tax liabilities)
• Dino’s (for andexpired liquor license and for tax liabilities)
• M’s Tavern (extensive tax liabilities)
• Monacello Lounge (active tax liabilities)
• Brady’s Tailhook (active tax liabilities)
• Playpen, Inc.(narcotics sting)
• Heartland Liquors, Inc. (a sting operation)
• Tavern at the Sahara and Tilly’s Tavern, Inc. for their locations being closed
• Pannos and Crab Shack for not disclosing their respective PSICS

The Board voted to provide the Administrator to enter into settlement agreements with Jeffrey Michael Ellis, Winnie’s Café of Bridgeview and As Is Bar.

With no further business, the meeting then adjourned.