summary
Introduced
02/07/2025
02/07/2025
In Committee
03/21/2025
03/21/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Changes the definition of "gambling device" to include any vending or other electronic machine or device, including, without limitation, a machine or device that awards credits and contains a circuit, meter, or switch capable of removing and recording the removal of credits that offers a person entry into any contest, competition, sweepstakes, scheme, plan, or other selection process that involves or is dependent upon an element of chance for which the person may receive a gift, award, or other item or service of value if that offer is incidental to or results from: (A) the purchase of an item or service of value; or (B) the purchase or gratuitous receipt of a coupon, voucher, certificate, or other similar credit that can be redeemed for or applied towards an item or service of value from such machine or device or elsewhere. Provides that participants in a game of skill or chance where money or other things of value can be won but no payment or purchase is required to participate shall not be convicted of gambling except where participation in such game of skill or chance is accomplished using a gambling device prohibited by these changes to the definition. Provides that a gambling offense involving such a gambling device is a Class 4 felony. Amends the Video Gaming Act. Removes a provision allowing for the use of a game device without a license if the game device is used in an activity that is not gambling under the Criminal Code of 2012. Effective immediately.
AI Summary
This bill amends the Criminal Code of 2012 and the Video Gaming Act to expand the definition of "gambling device" and strengthen regulations around electronic machines that offer chances to win prizes. Specifically, the bill broadens the definition to include any vending or electronic machine that provides entry into a contest or competition involving chance, even if that entry is incidental to purchasing an item or receiving a coupon. The legislation clarifies that while games of skill or chance where no payment is required are generally not considered gambling, this exemption does not apply if the game uses a prohibited gambling device. The bill establishes that operating such a gambling device is now a Class 4 felony, and it removes a previous provision that allowed game devices to be used without a license if they were not considered gambling under the existing law. By expanding the definition and increasing penalties, the bill aims to prevent potential loopholes in gambling regulations and provide clearer guidelines for what constitutes an illegal gambling device. The changes are designed to protect consumers and maintain stricter control over devices that could be used for unauthorized gambling activities.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee (on 03/21/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=3733&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104 |
| BillText | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/104/HB/10400HB3733.htm |
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