Illinois Gaming Board Extends Chicago and Waukegan Temporary Casino Operations (Chicago, IL) – The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) has approved extensions allowing temporary casino operations in Chicago and Waukegan to continue while permanent casino developments remain under construction.
The decision follows provisions included in a state revenue omnibus bill awaiting Gov. JB Pritzker’s signature. Once signed into law, authority delegated to the IGB administrator will allow the extensions to take effect.
Under the approval, Bally’s Chicago Operating Company will be permitted to continue operating its temporary casino location for an additional 12 months, extending operations from Sept. 6, 2026, through Sept. 9, 2027.
Meanwhile, American Place Casino in Waukegan, operated by FHR-Illinois LLC, received approval to continue operating its temporary facility for an additional 18 months, extending operations from Aug. 18, 2027, through Feb. 17, 2029.
The board also provided an update on efforts to modernize Illinois’ voluntary Self-Exclusion Program, which allows individuals struggling with gambling addiction to ban themselves from gambling activities.
IGB Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter said the agency is working with researchers and industry experts to identify improvements to the program and expand its reach.
“The IGB’s goal is to expand coverage to the Self-Exclusion Program to address existing gaps through research-driven and data-informed changes and enhancements,” Fruchter said. “We are committed to achieving this important goal and we are moving forward.”
One of the agency’s priorities is exploring ways to incorporate Illinois’ self-exclusion program into the state’s extensive video gaming network. Fruchter noted that no final decisions have been made regarding technology or implementation methods, but discussions are ongoing.
The IGB expects to provide additional updates later this summer.
During the meeting, the board also approved a wide range of regulatory actions across Illinois’ gaming industries.
Casino-related approvals included two supplier license renewals and 213 Level 2 occupational licenses, while one occupational license application was denied.
For video gaming, the board approved licenses for one terminal operator, 51 video gaming locations, 23 terminal handlers, 14 sales agents and brokers, along with several supplier, distributor and manufacturer renewals. One video gaming location application was denied.
In sports wagering, the board approved one supplier license renewal, four key persons, and 211 Level 2 sports wagering occupational licenses.
Illinois currently has 17 casinos, 13 active or approved sportsbooks, and nearly 9,000 licensed video gaming establishments statewide.
The Illinois Gaming Board’s next scheduled meeting is Aug. 20, 2026.
Illinois Gaming Board Extends Chicago and Waukegan Temporary Casino Operations
