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Video Gaming Terminals Are Coming to Chicago

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What Establishment Owners Need to Know

Chicago is on the verge of a major policy shift that could open new opportunities for local businesses. As part of the city’s recently passed budget, video gaming terminals (VGTs) are set to become legal within city limits—ending a long-standing municipal ban and aligning Chicago with the rest of Illinois, where regulated video gaming has been in place for more than a decade. 

Under Illinois law, video gaming is available to specific types of licensed establishments. Eligible locations generally include bars and taverns, restaurants with on-premise liquor licenses, fraternal and veterans organizations, and certain truck stops. Participating businesses must meet basic criteria such as holding the appropriate liquor license (where applicable), operating in approved zoning areas, and complying with age-restricted gaming requirements. As Chicago finalizes its local rules, additional city-specific guidelines may apply, but the underlying eligibility framework is already well established at the state level. 

For establishment owners, this creates an opportunity to participate in a regulated form of entertainment that financially benefits thousands of businesses across Illinois. With nearly 15 years of experience operating throughout the Chicagoland area, Accel Entertainment brings deep local knowledge and a proven track record. Long before video gaming enters the city, Accel has been a trusted partner to local businesses—providing and maintaining dart boards, pool tables, and ATMs, and delivering reliable service and support across a wide range of entertainment and cash-access solutions. Our focus is always on operating safely, securely, and in full compliance with local and state regulations, these are priorities that are especially important in the Chicagoland area. 
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Chicago Gaming Page

At Accel, safety, security, and regulatory compliance are the foundation of everything we do.  Accel Entertainment offers a comprehensive, one-stop shop partnership model designed to support establishment owners at every stage. From regulated video gaming to your traditional amusement equipment and ATMs, Accel simplifies operations by serving as a single, trusted provider. Accel provides full-service installation and maintenance, a data-driven approach to optimizing game mix and performance, and access to the industry’s most popular and highest-performing games. Partners also benefit from marketing insights and promotional guidance, an expert call center, dedicated relationship management, and ongoing compliance support. All of this is supported by Accel’s commitment to best-in-class security All of this is delivered through Accel’s best-in-class safety, security, and compliance framework,, including secure equipment, monitoring, and operational practices designed to protect businesses, players, and gaming environments. 

As Chicago moves toward implementation, timing matters. Businesses that engage early will be better positioned to understand eligibility, prepare documentation, and move forward as soon as licensing opens. Now is the time to start the conversation. Contact Accel Entertainment to learn whether your business may qualify for video gaming—and how partnering with a local, full-service amusement operator can give you a meaningful advantage from day one.

Get Started Now.