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HB 3274

Relating to reports of circuit court proceedings

2025 Regular Session Introduced by J.B. Akers and 4 co-sponsors

HB3274 tightens Illinois gaming laws by classifying devices as non-gambling or gambling, shields compliant operators, and imposes strict prize/kiosk rules and fees.

Chapter 72, Acts, Regular Session, 2025
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Bill Summary · HB 3274

HB 3274 — Relating to youth career‑training opportunities (gaming-related amendments)

Note: Although titled for youth career‑training opportunities in the bill header, HB 3274 as introduced (Rep. Marcus C. Evans, Jr.) primarily amends Illinois gaming and related criminal statutes. Introduced 2/18/2025; in committee upon adjournment (6/28/2025).

Purpose / Intent

The bill updates the Video Gaming Act, the Criminal Code of 2012, and the Prizes and Gifts Act to (1) clarify when certain electronic game devices are not considered gambling and protect licensees from disciplinary action in those cases; (2) classify and penalize unlawful operation of certain gaming devices; (3) limit municipal authority to restrict activities that State law identifies as non‑gambling; and (4) impose technical, operational, registration, and monitoring requirements on “prize and gift kiosks.”

Key provisions

  • Video Gaming Act

    • Clarifies that an applicant or licensee is not in violation of the Act or Illinois Gaming Board rules (including 11 Ill. Adm. Code 1800.420) and shall not face disciplinary action, delays, or license denials when operation of a game device is in compliance with — and not considered gambling under — specified provisions of the Criminal Code (subsection (b) of §28‑1 or paragraph (iii) of subsection (a) of §28‑2).
    • Retains seizure/confiscation provisions for gaming devices operated in violation of the Act.
    • States a violation of the section is a Class 4 felony.

  • Criminal Code of 2012

    • Adds/edits definitions and offenses so that a gambling offense involving a specified gambling device is a Class 4 felony.
    • Expands the definition of “gambling device” to explicitly include certain vending or other electronic machines/devices.
    • Prohibits municipalities from imposing restrictions or prohibitions on activities that the Criminal Code identifies as not constituting gambling (i.e., protects activities deemed lawful under the specified non‑gambling exception).

  • Prizes and Gifts Act

    • Declares it unlawful to operate a prize and gift kiosk that fails to meet specified technical standards.
    • Prohibits kiosks from connecting to the internet for game participation or to receive/retrieve data, except when the connected device is a “redemption vault.”
    • Requires kiosks to offer only bona fide products for sale (no simulated or non‑product offerings).
    • Requires a self‑contained fill system that permits operation based solely on a fee or amount of revenue generated (prohibits time‑based, per‑spin, or other non‑revenue based systems); device must automatically cease operation upon completion of a predetermined cycle.
    • Requires a “route boost plus internal monitoring system” that logs cash in, winnings, entries used, power failures, disconnections, malfunctions, and remote activations/disabling.
    • Requires kiosks to be registered with the Illinois Department of Revenue and to remit an annual fee as set by that Department.

  • Effective date: Immediate (the bill text states "Effective immediately").

Who is affected

  • Video gaming licensees and applicants (bar/restaurants/fraternal/veterans establishments, truck stops).
  • Operators, owners, and distributors of electronic vending/prize/gift kiosks.
  • Municipal governments (limits on imposing local restrictions tied to state non‑gambling determinations).
  • Illinois Gaming Board and Department of Revenue (enforcement, licensing, registration, fee collection).
  • Law enforcement (seizure and criminal enforcement provisions).

Procedural status (selected)

  • Introduced: 2/18/2025 (Rep. Marcus C. Evans, Jr.)
  • Read 1st time / committee referrals: Feb–Mar 2025 (Rules; Gaming; Trade, Workforce & Economic Development)
  • Assigned to committees; in committee upon adjournment: 6/28/2025
  • Companion bills: SB 465, SB 1333, HB 2105, HB 4223

Potential impacts / considerations

  • Provides legal protection for operators of certain devices when state criminal code classifies the activity as non‑gambling, reducing licensing risk in those circumstances.
  • Imposes significant technical, monitoring, and registration requirements on prize/gift kiosk operators — likely increasing compliance costs and limiting use of remote/internet features.
  • Limits municipal regulatory authority over activities the State deems non‑gambling, shifting regulatory control to State law and agencies.
  • Establishes criminal penalties (Class 4 felony) and seizure remedies for unlawful devices, strengthening enforcement tools.

Notes / ambiguities

  • The bill text references specific Criminal Code subsections (§28‑1(b) and §28‑2(a)(iii)) defining non‑gambling exceptions; readers should consult those provisions to identify exact activities covered.
  • The Department of Revenue annual fee amount is not specified in the bill and would be set administratively.

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

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