HB4927enr 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HB4927 Enrolled LRB096 17755 KTG 33121 b

AN ACT concerning regulation.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Video Gaming Act is amended by changing Sections 5, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 45, 55, 57, and 78 as follows:

(230 ILCS 40/5)

Sec. 5. Definitions. As used in this Act:

"Board" means the Illinois Gaming Board.

"Credit" means one, 5, 10, or 25 cents either won or purchased by a player.

"Distributor" means an individual, partnership, or corporation, or limited liability company licensed under this Act to buy, sell, lease, or distribute video gaming terminals or major components or parts of video gaming terminals to or from terminal operators.

"Terminal operator" means an individual, partnership, or corporation, or limited liability company that is licensed under this Act and that owns, services, and maintains video gaming terminals for placement in licensed establishments, licensed truck stop establishments, licensed fraternal establishments, or licensed veterans establishments.

"Licensed technician" means an individual who is licensed under this Act to repair, service, and maintain video gaming terminals.

"Licensed terminal handler" means a person, including but not limited to an employee or independent contractor working for a manufacturer, distributor, supplier, technician, or terminal operator, who is licensed under this Act to possess or control a video gaming terminal or to have access to the inner workings of a video gaming terminal. A licensed terminal handler does not include an individual, partnership, or corporation, or limited liability company defined as a manufacturer, distributor, supplier, technician, or terminal operator under this Act.

"Manufacturer" means an individual, partnership, or corporation, or limited liability company that is licensed under this Act and that manufactures or assembles video gaming terminals.

"Supplier" means an individual, partnership, or corporation, or limited liability company that is licensed under this Act to supply major components or parts to video gaming terminals to licensed terminal operators.

"Net terminal income" means money put into a video gaming terminal minus credits paid out to players.

"Video gaming terminal" means any electronic video game machine that, upon insertion of cash, is available to play or simulate the play of a video game, including but not limited to video poker, line up, and blackjack, as authorized by the Board utilizing a video display and microprocessors in which the player may receive free games or credits that can be redeemed for cash. The term does not include a machine that directly dispenses coins, cash, or tokens or is for amusement purposes only.

"Licensed establishment" means any licensed retail establishment where alcoholic liquor is drawn, poured, mixed, or otherwise served for consumption on the premises. "Licensed establishment" does not include a facility operated by an organization licensee, an intertrack wagering licensee, or an intertrack wagering location licensee licensed under the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975 or a riverboat licensed under the Riverboat Gambling Act.

"Licensed fraternal establishment" means the location where a qualified fraternal organization that derives its charter from a national fraternal organization regularly meets.

"Licensed veterans establishment" means the location where a qualified veterans organization that derives its charter from a national veterans organization regularly meets.

"Licensed truck stop establishment" means a facility (i) that is at least a 3-acre facility with a convenience store, (ii) and with separate diesel islands for fueling commercial motor vehicles, (iii) that sells at retail more than 10,000 gallons of diesel or biodiesel fuel per month, and (iv) with and parking spaces for commercial motor vehicles. "Commercial motor vehicles" has the same meaning as defined in Section 18b-101 of the Illinois Vehicle Code. The requirement of item (iii) of this paragraph may be met by showing that estimated future sales or past sales average at least 10,000 gallons per month.

(Source: P.A. 96-34, eff. 7-13-09; 96-37, eff. 7-13-09.)

(230 ILCS 40/15)

Sec. 15. Minimum requirements for licensing and registration. Every video gaming terminal offered for play shall first be tested and approved pursuant to the rules of the Board, and each video gaming terminal offered in this State for play shall conform to an approved model. The Board may utilize the services of an independent outside testing laboratory for the examination of video gaming machines and associated equipment as required by this Section. Every video gaming terminal offered in this State for play must meet minimum standards set by an independent outside testing laboratory approved by the Board. Each approved model shall, at a minimum, meet the following criteria:

(1) It must conform to all requirements of federal law and regulations, including FCC Class A Emissions Standards.

(2) It must theoretically pay out a mathematically demonstrable percentage during the expected lifetime of the machine of all amounts played, which must not be less than 80%. The Board shall establish a maximum payout percentage for approved models by rule. Video gaming terminals that may be affected by skill must meet this standard when using a method of play that will provide the greatest return to the player over a period of continuous play.

(3) It must use a random selection process to determine the outcome of each play of a game. The random selection process must meet 99% confidence limits using a standard chi-squared test for (randomness) goodness of fit.

(4) It must display an accurate representation of the game outcome.

(5) It must not automatically alter pay tables or any function of the video gaming terminal based on internal computation of hold percentage or have any means of manipulation that affects the random selection process or probabilities of winning a game.

(6) It must not be adversely affected by static discharge or other electromagnetic interference.

(7) It must be capable of detecting and displaying the following conditions during idle states or on demand: power reset; door open; and door just closed.

(8) It must have the capacity to display complete play history (outcome, intermediate play steps, credits available, bets placed, credits paid, and credits cashed out) for the most recent game played and 10 games prior thereto.

(9) The theoretical payback percentage of a video gaming terminal must not be capable of being changed without making a hardware or software change in the video gaming terminal, either on site or via the central communications system.

(10) Video gaming terminals must be designed so that replacement of parts or modules required for normal maintenance does not necessitate replacement of the electromechanical meters.

(11) It must have nonresettable meters housed in a locked area of the terminal that keep a permanent record of all cash inserted into the machine, all winnings made by the terminal printer, credits played in for video gaming terminals, and credits won by video gaming players. The video gaming terminal must provide the means for on-demand display of stored information as determined by the Board.

(12) Electronically stored meter information required by this Section must be preserved for a minimum of 180 days after a power loss to the service.

(13) It must have one or more mechanisms that accept cash in the form of bills. The mechanisms shall be designed to prevent obtaining credits without paying by stringing, slamming, drilling, or other means. If such attempts at physical tampering are made, the video gaming terminal shall suspend itself from operating until reset.

(14) It shall have accounting software that keeps an electronic record which includes, but is not limited to, the following: total cash inserted into the video gaming terminal; the value of winning tickets claimed by players; the total credits played; the total credits awarded by a video gaming terminal; and pay back percentage credited to players of each video game.

(15) It shall be linked by a central communications system to provide auditing program information as approved by the Board. The central communications system shall use a standard industry protocol, as defined by the Gaming Standards Association, and shall have the functionality to enable the Board or its designee to activate or deactivate individual gaming devices from the central communications system. In no event may the communications system approved by the Board limit participation to only one manufacturer of video gaming terminals by either the cost in implementing the necessary program modifications to communicate or the inability to communicate with the central communications system.

(16) The Board, in its discretion, may require video gaming terminals to display Amber Alert messages if the Board makes a finding that it would be economically and technically feasible and pose no risk to the integrity and security of the central communications system and video gaming terminals.

The Board may adopt rules to establish additional criteria to preserve the integrity and security of video gaming in this State. The central communications system vendor may not hold any license issued by the Board under this Act.

(Source: P.A. 96-34, eff. 7-13-09; 96-37, eff. 7-13-09.)

(230 ILCS 40/20)

Sec. 20. Direct dispensing of receipt tickets only. A video gaming terminal may not directly dispense coins, cash, tokens, or any other article of exchange or value except for receipt tickets. Tickets shall be dispensed by pressing the ticket dispensing button on the video gaming terminal at the end of one's turn or play. The ticket shall indicate the total amount of credits and the cash award, the time of day in a 24-hour format showing hours and minutes, the date, the terminal serial number, the sequential number of the ticket, and an encrypted validation number from which the validity of the prize may be determined. The player shall turn in this ticket to the appropriate person at the licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment to receive the cash award. The cost of the credit shall be one cent, 5 cents, 10 cents, or 25 cents, and the maximum wager played per hand shall not exceed $2. No cash award for the maximum wager on any individual hand shall exceed $500.

(Source: P.A. 96-34, eff. 7-13-09.)

(230 ILCS 40/25)

Sec. 25. Restriction of licensees.

(a) Manufacturer. A person may not be licensed as a manufacturer of a video gaming terminal in Illinois unless the person has a valid manufacturer's license issued under this Act. A manufacturer may only sell video gaming terminals for use in Illinois to persons having a valid distributor's license.

(b) Distributor. A person may not sell, distribute, or lease or market a video gaming terminal in Illinois unless the person has a valid distributor's license issued under this Act. A distributor may only sell video gaming terminals for use in Illinois to persons having a valid distributor's or terminal operator's license.

(c) Terminal operator. A person may not own, maintain, or place a video gaming terminal unless he has a valid terminal operator's license issued under this Act. A terminal operator may only place video gaming terminals for use in Illinois in licensed establishments, licensed truck stop establishments, licensed fraternal establishments, and licensed veterans establishments. No terminal operator may give anything of value, including but not limited to a loan or financing arrangement, to a licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment as any incentive or inducement to locate video terminals in that establishment. Of the after-tax profits from a video gaming terminal, 50% shall be paid to the terminal operator and 50% shall be paid to the licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment, notwithstanding nothwithstanding any agreement to the contrary. No terminal operator may own or have a substantial interest in more than 5% of the video gaming terminals licensed in this State. A video terminal operator that violates one or more requirements of this subsection is guilty of a Class 4 felony and is subject to termination of his or her license by the Board.

(d) Licensed technician. A person may not service, maintain, or repair a video gaming terminal in this State unless he or she (1) has a valid technician's license issued under this Act, (2) is a terminal operator, or (3) is employed by a terminal operator, distributor, or manufacturer.

(d-5) Licensed terminal handler. No person, including, but not limited to, an employee or independent contractor working for a manufacturer, distributor, supplier, technician, or terminal operator licensed pursuant to this Act, shall have possession or control of a video gaming terminal, or access to the inner workings of a video gaming terminal, unless that person possesses a valid terminal handler's license issued under this Act.

(e) Licensed establishment. No video gaming terminal may be placed in any licensed establishment, licensed veterans establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, or licensed fraternal establishment unless the owner or agent of the owner of the licensed establishment, licensed veterans establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, or licensed fraternal establishment has entered into a written use agreement with the terminal operator for placement of the terminals. A copy of the use agreement shall be on file in the terminal operator's place of business and available for inspection by individuals authorized by the Board. A licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed veterans establishment, or licensed fraternal establishment may operate up to 5 video gaming terminals on its premises at any time.

(f) (Blank).

(g) Financial interest restrictions. As used in this Act, "substantial interest" in a partnership, a corporation, an organization, an association, or a business, or a limited liability company means:

(A) When, with respect to a sole proprietorship, an individual or his or her spouse owns, operates, manages, or conducts, directly or indirectly, the organization, association, or business, or any part thereof; or

(B) When, with respect to a partnership, the individual or his or her spouse shares in any of the profits, or potential profits, of the partnership activities; or

(C) When, with respect to a corporation, an individual or his or her spouse is an officer or director, or the individual or his or her spouse is a holder, directly or beneficially, of 5% or more of any class of stock of the corporation; or

(D) When, with respect to an organization not covered in (A), (B) or (C) above, an individual or his or her spouse is an officer or manages the business affairs, or the individual or his or her spouse is the owner of or otherwise controls 10% or more of the assets of the organization; or

(E) When an individual or his or her spouse furnishes 5% or more of the capital, whether in cash, goods, or services, for the operation of any business, association, or organization during any calendar year; or .

(F) When, with respect to a limited liability company, an individual or his or her spouse is a member, or the individual or his or her spouse is a holder, directly or beneficially, of 5% or more of the membership interest of the limited liability company.

For purposes of this subsection (g), "individual" includes all individuals or their spouses whose combined interest would qualify as a substantial interest under this subsection (g) and whose activities with respect to an organization, association, or business are so closely aligned or coordinated as to constitute the activities of a single entity.

(h) Location restriction. A licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment that is (i) located within 1,000 feet of a facility operated by an organization organizational licensee, an inter-track intertrack wagering licensee, or an inter-track intertrack wagering location licensee licensed under the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975 or the home dock of a riverboat licensed under the Riverboat Gambling Act or (ii) located within with a 100 feet of a school or a place of worship under the Religious Corporation Act, is ineligible to operate a video gaming terminal. The location restrictions in this subsection (h) do not apply if a facility operated by an organization licensee, an inter-track wagering licensee, or an inter-track wagering location licensee, a school, or a place of worship moves to or is established within the restricted area after a licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment becomes licensed under this Act. For the purpose of this subsection, "school" means an elementary or secondary public school, or an elementary or secondary private school registered with or recognized by the State Board of Education.

Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection (h), the Board may waive the requirement that a licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment not be located within 1,000 feet from a facility operated by an organization licensee, an inter-track wagering licensee, or an inter-track wagering location licensee licensed under the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975 or the home dock of a riverboat licensed under the Riverboat Gambling Act. The Board shall not grant such waiver if there is any common ownership or control, shared business activity, or contractual arrangement of any type between the establishment and the organization licensee, inter-track wagering licensee, inter-track wagering location licensee, or owners licensee of a riverboat. The Board shall adopt rules to implement the provisions of this paragraph.

(i) Undue economic concentration. In addition to considering all other requirements under this Act, in deciding whether to approve the operation of video gaming terminals by a terminal operator in a location, the Board shall consider the impact of any economic concentration of such operation of video gaming terminals. The Board shall not allow a terminal operator to operate video gaming terminals if the Board determines such operation will result in undue economic concentration. For purposes of this Section, "undue economic concentration" means that a terminal operator would have such actual or potential influence over video gaming terminals in Illinois as to:

(1) substantially impede or suppress competition among terminal operators;

(2) adversely impact the economic stability of the video gaming industry in Illinois; or

(3) negatively impact the purposes of the Video Gaming Act.

The Board shall adopt rules concerning undue economic concentration with respect to the operation of video gaming terminals in Illinois. The rules shall include, but not be limited to, (i) limitations on the number of video gaming terminals operated by any terminal operator within a defined geographic radius and (ii) guidelines on the discontinuation of operation of any such video gaming terminals the Board determines will cause undue economic concentration.

(j) (i) The provisions of the Illinois Antitrust Act are fully and equally applicable to the activities of any licensee under this Act.

(Source: P.A. 96-34, eff. 7-13-09; 96-37, eff. 7-13-09; 96-38, eff. 7-13-09; revised 8-17-09.)

(230 ILCS 40/30)

Sec. 30. Multiple types of licenses prohibited. A video gaming terminal manufacturer may not be licensed as a video gaming terminal operator or own, manage, or control a licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment, and shall be licensed to sell only to persons having a valid distributor's license or, if the manufacturer also holds a valid distributor's license, to sell, distribute, lease, or market to persons having a valid terminal operator's license only to sell to distributors. A video gaming terminal distributor may not be licensed as a video gaming terminal operator or own, manage, or control a licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment, and shall only contract with a licensed terminal operator. A video gaming terminal operator may not be licensed as a video gaming terminal manufacturer or distributor or own, manage, or control a licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment, and shall be licensed only to contract with licensed distributors and licensed establishments, licensed truck stop establishments, licensed fraternal establishments, and licensed veterans establishments. An owner or manager of a licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment may not be licensed as a video gaming terminal manufacturer, distributor, or operator, and shall only contract with a licensed operator to place and service this equipment.

(Source: P.A. 96-34, eff. 7-13-09.)

(230 ILCS 40/35)

Sec. 35. Display of license; confiscation; violation as felony.

(a) Each video gaming terminal shall be licensed by the Board before placement or operation on the premises of a licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment. The license of each video gaming terminal shall be maintained at the location where the video gaming terminal is operated. Failure to do so is a petty offense with a fine not to exceed $100. Any licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment used for the conduct of gambling games in violation of this Act shall be considered a gambling place in violation of Section 28-3 of the Criminal Code of 1961. Every gambling device found in a licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment operating gambling games in violation of this Act shall be subject to seizure, confiscation, and destruction as provided in Section 28-5 of the Criminal Code of 1961. Any license issued under the Liquor Control Act of 1934 to any owner or operator of a licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment that operates or permits the operation of a video gaming terminal within its establishment in violation of this Act shall be immediately revoked. No person may own, operate, have in his or her possession or custody or under his or her control, or permit to be kept in any place under his or her possession or control, any device that awards credits and contains a circuit, meter, or switch capable of removing and recording the removal of credits when the award of credits is dependent upon chance. A violation of this Section is a Class 4 felony. All devices that are owned, operated, or possessed in violation of this Section are hereby declared to be public nuisances and shall be subject to seizure, confiscation, and destruction as provided in Section 28-5 of the Criminal Code of 1961. The provisions of this Section do not apply to devices or electronic video game terminals licensed pursuant to this Act. A video gaming terminal operated for amusement only and bearing a valid amusement tax sticker issued prior to the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 96th General Assembly shall not be subject to this Section until the sooner of (i) the expiration of the amusement tax sticker or (ii) 30 days after the Board establishes that the central communications system is functional.

(b) (1) The odds of winning each video game shall be posted on or near each video gaming terminal. The manner in which the odds are calculated and how they are posted shall be determined by the Board by rule.

(2) No video gaming terminal licensed under this Act may be played except during the legal hours of operation allowed for the consumption of alcoholic beverages at the licensed establishment, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment. A licensed establishment, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment that violates this subsection is subject to termination of its license by the Board.

(Source: P.A. 96-34, eff. 7-13-09; 96-37, eff. 7-13-09.)

(230 ILCS 40/45)

Sec. 45. Issuance of license.

(a) The burden is upon each applicant to demonstrate his suitability for licensure. Each video gaming terminal manufacturer, distributor, supplier, operator, handler, licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed fraternal establishment, and licensed veterans establishment shall be licensed by the Board. The Board may issue or deny a license under this Act to any person pursuant to the same criteria set forth in Section 9 of the Riverboat Gambling Act.

(a-5) The Board shall not grant a license to a person who has facilitated, enabled, or participated in the use of coin-operated devices for gambling purposes or who is under the significant influence or control of such a person. For the purposes of this Act, "facilitated, enabled, or participated in the use of coin-operated amusement devices for gambling purposes" means that the person has been convicted of any violation of Article 28 of the Criminal Code of 1961. If there is pending legal action against a person for any such violation, then the Board shall delay the licensure of that person until the legal action is resolved.

(b) Each person seeking and possessing a license as a video gaming terminal manufacturer, distributor, supplier, operator, handler, licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment shall submit to a background investigation conducted by the Board with the assistance of the State Police or other law enforcement. The background investigation shall include each beneficiary of a trust, each partner of a partnership, and each director and officer and all stockholders of 5% or more in a parent or subsidiary corporation of a video gaming terminal manufacturer, distributor, supplier, operator, or licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment.

(c) Each person seeking and possessing a license as a video gaming terminal manufacturer, distributor, supplier, operator, handler, licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment shall disclose the identity of every person, association, trust, or corporation, or limited liability company having a greater than 1% direct or indirect pecuniary interest in the video gaming terminal operation for to which the license is sought. If the disclosed entity is a trust, the application shall disclose the names and addresses of the beneficiaries; if a corporation, the names and addresses of all stockholders and directors; if a limited liability company, the names and addresses of all members; or if a partnership, the names and addresses of all partners, both general and limited.

(d) No person may be licensed as a video gaming terminal manufacturer, distributor, supplier, operator, handler, licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment if that person has been found by the Board to:

(1) have a background, including a criminal record, reputation, habits, social or business associations, or prior activities that pose a threat to the public interests of the State or to the security and integrity of video gaming;

(2) create or enhance the dangers of unsuitable, unfair, or illegal practices, methods, and activities in the conduct of video gaming; or

(3) present questionable business practices and financial arrangements incidental to the conduct of video gaming activities.

(e) Any applicant for any license under this Act has the burden of proving his or her qualifications to the satisfaction of the Board. The Board may adopt rules to establish additional qualifications and requirements to preserve the integrity and security of video gaming in this State.

(f) A non-refundable application fee shall be paid at the time an application for a license is filed with the Board in the following amounts:

(1) Manufacturer..........................$5,000

(2) Distributor...........................$5,000

(3) Terminal operator.....................$5,000

(4) Supplier..............................$2,500

(5) Technician..............................$100

(6) Terminal Handler..............................$50

(g) The Board shall establish an annual fee for each license not to exceed the following:

(1) Manufacturer.........................$10,000

(2) Distributor..........................$10,000

(3) Terminal operator.....................$5,000

(4) Supplier..............................$2,000

(5) Technician..............................$100

(6) Licensed establishment, licensed truck stop

establishment, licensed fraternal establishment,

or licensed veterans establishment..............$100

(7) Video gaming terminal...................$100

(8) Terminal Handler..............................$50

(Source: P.A. 96-34, eff. 7-13-09; 96-37, eff. 7-13-09; 96-38, eff. 7-13-09; revised 8-17-09.)

(230 ILCS 40/55)

Sec. 55. Precondition for licensed location establishment.

In all cases of application for a licensed location establishment, to operate a video gaming terminal, each licensed establishment licensed truck stop establishment, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment shall possess a valid liquor license issued by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission in effect at the time of application and at all times thereafter during which a video gaming terminal is made available to the public for play at that location. Video gaming terminals in a licensed location shall be operated only during the same hours of operation generally permitted to holders of a license under the Liquor Control Act of 1934 within the unit of local government in which they are located. A licensed truck stop establishment that does not hold a liquor license may operate video gaming terminals on a continuous basis. A licensed fraternal establishment or licensed veterans establishment that does not hold a liquor license may operate video gaming terminals if (i) the establishment is located in a county with a population between 6,500 and 7,000, based on the 2000 U.S. Census, (ii) the county prohibits by ordinance the sale of alcohol, and (iii) the establishment is in a portion of the county where the sale of alcohol is prohibited.

(Source: P.A. 96-34, eff. 7-13-09.)

(230 ILCS 40/57)

Sec. 57. Insurance. Each terminal operator licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed fraternal establishment, and licensed veterans establishment shall maintain liability insurance on any gaming device that it places in a licensed video gaming location on its premises in an amount set by the Board.

(Source: P.A. 96-34, eff. 7-13-09.)

(230 ILCS 40/78)

Sec. 78. Authority of the Illinois Gaming Board.

(a) The Board shall have jurisdiction over and shall supervise all gaming operations governed by this Act. The Board shall have all powers necessary and proper to fully and effectively execute the provisions of this Act, including, but not limited to, the following:

(1) To investigate applicants and determine the eligibility of applicants for licenses and to select among competing applicants the applicants which best serve the interests of the citizens of Illinois.

(2) To have jurisdiction and supervision over all video gaming operations in this State and all persons in establishments where video gaming operations are conducted.

(3) To adopt rules for the purpose of administering the provisions of this Act and to prescribe rules, regulations, and conditions under which all video gaming in the State shall be conducted. Such rules and regulations are to provide for the prevention of practices detrimental to the public interest and for the best interests of video gaming, including rules and regulations regarding the inspection of such establishments and the review of any permits or licenses necessary to operate an establishment under any laws or regulations applicable to establishments and to impose penalties for violations of this Act and its rules.

(b) The Within 60 days after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 96th General Assembly, the Board shall adopt emergency rules to administer this Act in accordance with Section 5-45 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. For the purposes of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act, the General Assembly finds that the adoption of rules to implement this Act is deemed an emergency and necessary to the public interest, safety, and welfare.

(Source: P.A. 96-38, eff. 7-13-09.)

Section 97. Severability. The provisions of this Act are severable under Section 1.31 of the Statute on Statutes.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.