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SB 2636

Polling places; require the SOS mail postcards to registered voters listing.

2025 Regular Session

The bill would clearly distinguish lawful non-gambling electronic game devices from gambling, while imposing strict technical, monitoring, and registration requirements on prize-an

Died In Committee
#appropriations #elections
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2636

Note on title discrepancy
- The bill information you supplied lists a title about polling-place postcards. The circulated bill text (LRB10412693LNS23531b / SB2636) and its provisions, however, address gaming (Video Gaming Act, Criminal Code, and Prizes and Gifts Act). This summary describes the gaming-related content in the introduced bill.

Summary — purpose and intent
- SB 2636 (Sen. Willie Preston, introduced March 2025) would clarify the legal status of certain electronic game devices, amend criminal penalties for gambling offenses tied to devices, and impose detailed technical and registration requirements on “prize and gift kiosks.” The stated intent is to distinguish lawful non‑gambling device operation from prohibited gambling, increase enforcement tools, and set safety/monitoring standards for kiosk operations.

Key provisions and changes
- Video Gaming Act (Amend §35)
- Clarifies that an applicant or licensee is not in violation and may not be disciplined, delayed, or denied a license for operating a game device if the device’s operation is lawful (i.e., not gambling) under the Criminal Code (see referenced subsections).
- Makes a violation of this Section a Class 4 felony and declares devices used in violation to be public nuisances subject to seizure and destruction.
- Requires posting of odds at each video gaming terminal and restricts play to the licensed premises’ legal alcohol-service hours.

  • Criminal Code (Amend §§28‑1, 28‑2; add §28‑1.2)

    • Reclassifies a gambling offense involving a specific gambling device as a Class 4 felony.
    • Expands the definition of “gambling device” to expressly include specified vending or other electronic machines/devices.
    • Prohibits municipalities from imposing restrictions on activities that state law already makes non‑criminal (i.e., activities statutorily excepted from gambling convictions).

  • Prizes and Gifts Act (new/updated standards)

    • Makes it unlawful to operate a prize-and-gift kiosk that fails to meet technical standards, including:
    • Prohibition on connecting the kiosk to the Internet for game play or data retrieval (except a connected redemption vault).
    • Kiosks may only offer bona fide products for sale.
    • Kiosks must use a self‑contained fill system permitting operation solely on a fee/revenue basis (not time/spin‑based or other non‑revenue systems) and that auto‑ceases after a predetermined cycle.
    • Must include a “route boost plus internal monitoring system” that records: (i) cash in; (ii) winnings; (iii) entries used; (iv) power failures/disconnections/malfunctions; and (v) remote activations/disabling.
    • Requires registration of each prize-and-gift kiosk with the Illinois Department of Revenue and payment of an annual fee set by that Department.

Effective date
- The bill states “Effective immediately.”

Who would be affected
- Video gaming licensees and applicants, licensed establishments (bars, fraternal clubs, truck stops, veterans’ establishments), manufacturers/distributors of gaming and kiosk devices, operators of prize-and-gift kiosks, the Illinois Gaming Board, the Department of Revenue, and municipal governments (via preemption language).

Procedural status and timeline
- Introduced March 12–13, 2025 by Sen. Willie Preston. First reading and multiple referrals (Assignments; Elections; Appropriations; Natural Resources listed). Companion: HB 2722.
- Status: Died in Committee (listed date: 2025-02-04 in provided data). As provided, the bill did not reach enactment.

Potential impacts and considerations
- Would provide legal protection for device operators where operation fits statutory exceptions to gambling, while increasing criminal penalties for unlawful device‑based gambling.
- Imposes technical, monitoring, and registration burdens on kiosk operators that could increase compliance costs and affect business models—particularly prohibiting internet connectivity except for redemption vaults and banning time‑based play models.
- Preemption of municipal restrictions could limit local regulation of such devices.

If you want, I can:
- Compare SB2636 to companion HB 2722,
- Extract and summarize the specific Criminal Code subsection language referenced (28‑1/28‑2), or
- Draft a one‑page fact sheet targeted to affected businesses or municipalities.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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