Chicago Approved Video Gaming
Neighborhood gaming is coming to Chicago — and operators who move early with the right strategy may control their local market for years.
Founded by local Chicago Gaming Executive, Chris Schink, Monte Cristo Gaming brings casino-level operational strategy to neighborhood gaming.
Unlike traditional casinos, neighborhood gaming creates recurring local traffic and repeat visitation within existing hospitality businesses.
What Changed?
Chicago Officially Approved Neighborhood Video Gaming
Chicago’s approval of video gaming represents one of the largest hospitality and entertainment shifts the city has seen in decades. Eligible establishments can now apply to operate regulated slot machines and video poker terminals under Illinois Gaming Board oversight.
Facts:
MARKET OPPORTUNITY
• The average Illinois video gaming location generated approximately $365,000 in Net Terminal Income in 2025.
• Chicago establishments may operate up to six video gaming terminals per licensed location.
• Major casino groups publicly opposed expansion efforts, highlighting the competitive impact neighborhood gaming can have on entertainment spending.
• Many of the same premium gaming titles found in Illinois casinos are also available in regulated neighborhood gaming locations.Chicago officially approved regulated video gaming within the city limits.
WHO QUALIFIES?
• Chicago officially approved regulated video gaming within the city limits.
• Eligible establishments include bars, taverns, restaurants, veterans organizations, and other licensed on-premise liquor establishments.
• The Illinois Gaming Board is now accepting applications for qualified Chicago establishments.
• Licensed establishments typically receive 50% of Net Terminal Income while maintaining ownership of their core business operations.
THE MONTE CRISTO ADVANTAGE
• Monte Cristo Gaming assists qualified partners with licensing guidance and application support at no cost.
• Monte Cristo Gaming owns, installs, maintains, and operates all state-regulated gaming terminals.
• Monte Cristo Gaming provides weekly direct deposits to partner establishments.
Faster Deposits. Better Cash Flow.
Monte Cristo Gaming provides weekly direct deposits to partner establishments every Tuesday — improving cash flow, simplifying operations, and helping your business start each week stronger.
Faster revenue access helps operators manage payroll, inventory, and operating expenses more efficiently.
The Economics of Neighborhood Gaming
“Chicago is expanding what is already America’s largest neighborhood gaming market.”
Illinois is already America’s largest video gaming market, generating more than $3 billion annually in Net Terminal Income.
Chicago’s expansion represents one of the largest untapped neighborhood gaming opportunities in the country.
What can operators expect?
The average Illinois video gaming location generated approximately $365,000 in Net Terminal Income in 2025.
What’s Next?
Who Qualifies?
Taverns, Bars, Pubs
Restaurants with on-premise consumption liquor licenses
Fraternal and veterans organizations (VFW, Eagles, etc)
Gas Stations with 3+ acres (additional qualifications)
Monte Cristo Gaming does not partner with all eligible establishments.
Eligible businesses must meet basic requirements related to licensing, zoning, and age-restricted gaming. While Chicago may introduce additional local rules, the state framework is already established.
How Do I Choose an Operator?
You must select a licensed Terminal Operator. The best fit for your business breaks down to what is important to you. The largest operators will typically tell a story of the biggest operation and best loyalty.
In general, the top 3 operators are a good fit for majority of customers. We respect J&J Gaming, Accel Entertainment, and Gold Rush Gaming as the largest and generally capable operators.
Monte Cristo Gaming is the best fit for hands on operators who engage in the minutiae of their business to maximize returns. We select the best partners to grow together. Accordingly, we believe we offer the best service due to our clearly defined scope. Majority of operators believe the biggest scale is best for their operation; and in many ways it is, but not always best for your business.
Chicago Checklist
Step 1: Confirm eligibility (liquor license and establishment type).
Step 2: Apply for an Illinois Gaming Board location license.
Step 3: Complete fingerprinting and background checks.
Step 4: Prepare gaming area floorplan and compliance documentation.
Step 5: Pass a formal site inspection with the Illinois Gaming Board.
Step 6: Terminal operator installs machines and connects them to the Central Control System.
Step 7: Illinois gaming license approval and go-live authorization.
Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions
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On December 31, 2025, the City of Chicago passed a new 2026 budget plan that legalized Video Gaming Terminals within the City of Chicago.
As of February 26, 2026, the Illinois Gaming Board is accepting video gaming license applications for eligible establishments in the City of Chicago.
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Illinois Gaming Board handles applications as they are submitted and typically take between 4 and 6 months to approve a location.
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Weekly! Monte Cristo Gaming ACH payments direct to you weekly. Most competitors pay every other week.
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No - we have a self automated payout device and we handle all cash handling operations.
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In order for your business to participate in Chicago video gaming, you must pay the following:
– One-time Application fee to the Illinois Gaming Board is $100
– Annual state gaming license is $100
– Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection License fee: $500 annually––
– Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Yearly VGT License: $1,000/VGTJ&J Gaming will help you through all licensing fee processes to make VGT installation smooth and stress-free.
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Revenue split is set by the Illinois Video Gaming Act. As of 2026 breakdown is as follows:
-Illinois 30%
-Local Municipality 5%
-Location 32.04%
-Terminal Operator 32.04%
-Admin Fee 0.92%
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Each game has a footprint of ~2’x2’, plus the chair and space for patrons to move around. We recommend 7’ from back of game (wall) to back of gaming area. For the maximum state allowed limit of 6’ games plus redemption device we recommend 18’ long and 7’ deep.
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Monte Cristo can pay for the electrical outlets and wiring to make the games operational. IGB (Illinois Gaming Board) requires the location pay for the ongoing electrical expense.
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Monte Cristo Gaming owns and operates the games. We handle all cash collections, break/fix work, and deposits. Each individual slot machine cabinet costs ~$25,000, but that expense is the burden of Monte Cristo Gaming.
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Monte Cristo Gaming provides the highest quality combination ATM / Ticket Redemption devices. These vaults can be used as ATMs or to collect the winnings.