GAMING & WAGERING-VARIOUS

Amends the Illinois Gambling Act. Provides that the Illinois Gaming Oversight Officer is created with the Illinois Gaming Board under the Administrator. Provides for: duties of the Oversight Officer; funding required; a disparity and availability study; and compiling, collecting, or otherwise gathering data necessary for the administration of the Act. Provides that the Oversight Officer shall work with the General Assembly to establish a pilot program for minority-owned business enterprises that apply for a terminal operator license. Amends the Sports Wagering Act. In provisions concerning the lottery sports wagering pilot program, provides that lottery games are part of the private management and competitive bidding process under the Illinois Lottery Law (rather than the Department issuing a central system provider license pursuant to an open and competitive bidding process). Requires that every sports lottery terminal offered in this State for play shall conform to an approved model that shall be ready for play in this State within 90 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act and any system testing dates designated by the Department of the Lottery. Makes changes in provisions concerning the placement of sports lottery terminals, wagers accepted, and the Department's powers. Provides that the Department shall be responsible for facilitating the purchase or lease of all sports lottery terminals. Removes the repeal date of January 1, 2024. Amends the Prizes and Gifts Act. Provides that it is unlawful for a person to operate on any premises a prize and gift kiosk that fails to meet the required technical standard. Provides that no prize and gift kiosk shall be connected directly or indirectly to the Internet, either by cellular modem, hard wire, or wireless connection, or to a set of interconnected networked devices in order to participate in the game or contest or to receive or retrieve any data related to the kiosk or device unless the connected device is a redemption vault. Makes other and corresponding changes. Effective immediately.

• Kam BucknerD