HB3169 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB102 16987 SMS 22407 b

102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2021 and 2022
HB3169

Introduced 2/19/2021, by Rep. Robert Rita

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

230 ILCS 40/5
230 ILCS 40/45
230 ILCS 40/60
230 ILCS 40/65

Amends the Video Gaming Act. Provides that a video gaming terminal is not an amusement for purposes of the Illinois Municipal Code and is a gambling device as defined under federal law. Provides that imposing fees for establishments authorized to conduct video gaming, terminal operators, and video gaming terminal players is an exclusive power and function of the State and that a home rule municipality unit may not impose fees for establishments authorized to conduct video gaming, terminal operators, and video gaming terminal players. Adds that the providing and operating of video gaming terminals in accordance with the Act is an occupation not subject to tax by any home rule unit of local government. Prohibits a home rule municipality from imposing a fee for the operation of a video gaming terminal in excess of $250 per year, unless a home rule municipality imposed a fee in excess of $250 a year on or before January 1, 2020 (in which case the fee may not be increased).

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

HOME RULE NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning gaming.

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, 45, 60, and 65 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, 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.

"Electronic card" means a card purchased from a licensed establishment, licensed fraternal establishment, licensed veterans establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, or licensed large truck stop establishment for use in that establishment as a substitute for cash in the conduct of gaming on a video gaming terminal.

"Electronic voucher" means a voucher printed by an electronic video game machine that is redeemable in the licensed establishment for which it was issued.

"In-location bonus jackpot" means one or more video gaming terminals at a single licensed establishment that allows for wagers placed on such video gaming terminals to contribute to a cumulative maximum jackpot of up to $10,000.

"Terminal operator" means an individual, partnership, 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 large 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, corporation, or limited liability company defined as a manufacturer, distributor, supplier, technician, or terminal operator under this Act.

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

"Supplier" means an individual, partnership, 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, electronic cards or vouchers, or any combination thereof, 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. "Video gaming terminal" is not an amusement for purposes of Section 11-42-5 of the Illinois Municipal Code. "Video gaming terminal" is a gambling device as defined under 15 U.S.C. 1171.

"Licensed establishment" means any licensed retail establishment where alcoholic liquor is drawn, poured, mixed, or otherwise served for consumption on the premises, whether the establishment operates on a nonprofit or for-profit basis. "Licensed establishment" includes any such establishment that has a contractual relationship with an inter-track wagering location licensee licensed under the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975, provided any contractual relationship shall not include any transfer or offer of revenue from the operation of video gaming under this Act to any licensee licensed under the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975. Provided, however, that the licensed establishment that has such a contractual relationship with an inter-track wagering location licensee may not, itself, be (i) an inter-track wagering location licensee, (ii) the corporate parent or subsidiary of any licensee licensed under the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975, or (iii) the corporate subsidiary of a corporation that is also the corporate parent or subsidiary of any licensee licensed under the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975. "Licensed establishment" does not include 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 a riverboat licensed under the Illinois Gambling Act, except as provided in this paragraph. The changes made to this definition by Public Act 98-587 are declarative of existing law.

"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) 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 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.

"Licensed large truck stop establishment" means a facility located within 3 road miles from a freeway interchange, as measured in accordance with the Department of Transportation's rules regarding the criteria for the installation of business signs: (i) that is at least a 3-acre facility with a convenience store, (ii) with separate diesel islands for fueling commercial motor vehicles, (iii) that sells at retail more than 50,000 gallons of diesel or biodiesel fuel per month, and (iv) with 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 50,000 gallons per month.

(Source: P.A. 101-31, eff. 6-28-19.)

(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 large 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 Illinois 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 or the Criminal Code of 2012. 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 large 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. To the extent that the corporate structure of the applicant allows, the background investigation shall include any or all of the following as the Board deems appropriate or as provided by rule for each category of licensure: (i) each beneficiary of a trust, (ii) each partner of a partnership, (iii) each member of a limited liability company, (iv) each director and officer of a publicly or non-publicly held corporation, (v) each stockholder of a non-publicly held corporation, (vi) each stockholder of 5% or more of a publicly held corporation, or (vii) each stockholder of 5% or more in a parent or subsidiary corporation.

(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 large truck stop establishment, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment shall disclose the identity of every person, association, trust, corporation, or limited liability company having a greater than 1% direct or indirect pecuniary interest in the video gaming terminal operation for 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 large 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........................$100

(7) Licensed establishment, licensed truck stop

establishment, licensed large truck stop establishment,

licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed

veterans establishment...............................$100

(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 large truck stop establishment,

licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed

veterans establishment..........................$100

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

(8) Terminal Handler............................$100

(h) A terminal operator and a licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed large truck stop establishment, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment shall equally split the fees specified in item (7) of subsection (g).

(i) Imposing fees for licensed establishments, licensed truck stop establishments, licensed large truck stop establishments, licensed fraternal establishments, licensed veterans establishments, terminal operators, and video gaming terminal players is an exclusive power and function of the State. A home rule municipality unit may not impose fees for licensed establishments, licensed truck stop establishments, licensed large truck stop establishments, licensed fraternal establishments, licensed veterans establishments, terminal operators, and video gaming terminal players.

(Source: P.A. 100-1152, eff. 12-14-18; 101-31, eff. 6-28-19.)

(230 ILCS 40/60)

Sec. 60. Imposition and distribution of tax.

(a) A tax of 30% is imposed on net terminal income and shall be collected by the Board.

Of the tax collected under this subsection (a), five-sixths shall be deposited into the Capital Projects Fund and one-sixth shall be deposited into the Local Government Video Gaming Distributive Fund.

(b) Beginning on July 1, 2019, an additional tax of 3% is imposed on net terminal income and shall be collected by the Board.

Beginning on July 1, 2020, an additional tax of 1% is imposed on net terminal income and shall be collected by the Board.

The tax collected under this subsection (b) shall be deposited into the Capital Projects Fund.

(c) Revenues generated from the play of video gaming terminals shall be deposited by the terminal operator, who is responsible for tax payments, in a specially created, separate bank account maintained by the video gaming terminal operator to allow for electronic fund transfers of moneys for tax payment.

(d) Each licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed large truck stop establishment, licensed fraternal establishment, and licensed veterans establishment shall maintain an adequate video gaming fund, with the amount to be determined by the Board.

(e) The State's percentage of net terminal income shall be reported and remitted to the Board within 15 days after the 15th day of each month and within 15 days after the end of each month by the video terminal operator. A video terminal operator who falsely reports or fails to report the amount due required by this Section is guilty of a Class 4 felony and is subject to termination of his or her license by the Board. Each video terminal operator shall keep a record of net terminal income in such form as the Board may require. All payments not remitted when due shall be paid together with a penalty assessment on the unpaid balance at a rate of 1.5% per month.

(f) The providing and operating of video gaming terminals in accordance with this Act is an occupation not subject to tax by any home rule unit. This subsection (f) is a limitation, pursuant to subsection (g) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution, on the power of home rule units to tax.

(Source: P.A. 101-31, eff. 6-28-19.)

(230 ILCS 40/65)

Sec. 65. Fees. Except as provided in this Section, a non-home rule unit of government may not impose any fee for the operation of a video gaming terminal in excess of $25 per year. The City of Rockford may not impose any fee for the operation of a video gaming terminal in excess of $250 per year.

Except as provided in this Section, a home rule municipality may not impose any fee for the operation of a video gaming terminal in excess of $250 per year; however, a home rule municipality unit imposing a fee for the operation of a video gaming terminal in excess of $250 on or before January 1, 2020 may retain its fee structure in place before January 1, 2020 but may not increase fees beyond the limit provided in this Section.

A home rule municipality unit may not impose a fee for the operation of a video gaming terminal in a manner inconsistent with this Section. This Section is a limitation under subsection (i) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution on the concurrent exercise by home rule units of powers and functions exercised by the State.

(Source: P.A. 101-337, eff. 1-1-20.)