He reflected on the collaborative effort involved in the board’s operations, crediting both the board and IGB staff for their dedication and ethical commitment to managing the state’s complex and evolving gaming environment.
Schmadeke’s leadership was instrumental in implementing key provisions of the sweeping gambling expansion bill signed by Gov. Pritzker in June 2019.
That legislation, viewed as a landmark overhaul of Illinois gaming laws, authorised legal sports betting in the state, established six new casino licences, and expanded the number of legal video gaming terminals available.
Over the last six years, Schmadeke helped guide the Illinois gambling market through a transformative period marked by rapid industry growth, shifting regulatory landscapes, and significant public interest in legalised gaming.
Illinois has since emerged as one of the most active sports betting markets in the country, regularly posting among the top monthly handle figures nationwide.
Schmadeke’s departure, however, comes as Illinois gaming continues to evolve. Just this week, lawmakers approved a new tax structure for sports wagering operators.
The revised tax structure is estimated to generate an additional $36m in annual revenue for the state.
Meanwhile, efforts to legalise online casino gaming in the state remain under legislative consideration.
Business as usual for the IGB
During Thursday’s meeting, the IGB addressed several regulatory and licensing matters. Among them was the adoption of an amendment to video gaming Rule 1800.550.The proposed change, which will be forwarded to the t Committee on istrative Rules (JCAR) for review, allows the board to issue sales agent and broker licences to already licensed video gaming technicians and terminal handlers.
Conversely, it enables existing sales agents to seek terminal handler or technician licences, streamlining the licensing process and improving workforce flexibility within the industry.
In addition to regulatory updates, the board approved a number of gaming approvals across multiple sectors.
For casinos, the IGB granted several new occupational licences, while denying three occupational applicants.
In the video gaming sector, licences were awarded to two terminal operators, 108 video gaming location applicants, 37 terminal handlers, and one technician.
Two video gaming location applications and one terminal operator application were denied.
The board also continued its oversight of the state’s sports betting sector, issuing three new supplier licences and 174 sports wagering occupational licences.
It also renewed the Master Sports Wagering Licence for Rock Island Boatworks, which operates Bally’s Quad Cities & Hotel.
In a separate action, the board adopted an istrative Law Judge’s recommended decision to approve a Level 2 sports wagering occupational licence.
