Illinois Gaming Board Welcomes New Member, Highlights Responsible Gaming Month (Chicago, IL) – The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) welcomed Caleb J. Melamed as its newest member during the Board’s September meeting, where officials also highlighted Responsible Gaming Education Month and addressed a series of regulatory matters.
Melamed, a longtime public servant, brings more than four decades of experience in state government, including nearly 20 years as the IGB’s Legislative Liaison and Legal Counsel. He previously served as an assistant Illinois attorney general, a hearing officer and investigator with the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board, and a legal counsel in the Illinois House of Representatives. His appointment is pending Senate confirmation.
“Caleb brings a wealth of knowledge and extensive experience in gaming law and policy to the Board,” said IGB Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter. “I look forward to continuing our work together in his new role.”
September also marks Responsible Gaming Education Month, a national initiative to raise awareness about healthy gambling practices. Fruchter emphasized that responsible gaming requires year-round focus, noting strategies such as setting time and money limits, only wagering what one can afford to lose, and seeking help when needed.
The Board reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with gaming operators, state agencies, and recovery specialists to provide resources, including the IGB’s Self-Exclusion Program and services through the Illinois Department of Human Services.
In other actions, the IGB advanced implementation of a new law that streamlines licensing requirements for casino employees in non-gaming roles, such as food service and housekeeping. Instead of full gaming licenses, these workers will now require Non-Gaming Occupational Identification Badges while remaining under IGB oversight.
The Board also approved a measure allowing the administrator to issue certain video gaming licenses without waiting for formal Board meetings, provided no suitability concerns exist.
Additionally, the Board renewed the owners license for Casino Queen, LLC, operator of DraftKings at Casino Queen in East St. Louis, extending its license for four years.
Other approvals included hundreds of occupational, video gaming, and sports wagering licenses, while several applications were denied. The IGB also invited public comment through Sept. 19 on a proposal that would allow gamblers to donate winnings to charity through redemption kiosks.
The Board reminded residents to avoid illegal or unlicensed gambling operators and directed those struggling with gambling to the Illinois Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER or AreYouReallyWinning.com.
The next scheduled IGB meeting will be held Dec. 11, 2025.
Illinois Gaming Board Welcomes New Member, Highlights Responsible Gaming Month
