Bill
HB 2807
Illinois bans external, off-premises physical ads for licensed video gaming locations unless permanently affixed to the building or a foundation-sign, with a 90-day grace for new l
Status & sponsors
- Introduced Feb 6, 2025, by Rep. Jay Hoffman (co-sponsors listed).
- Statutory location: adds Section 18 to the Video Gaming Act (230 ILCS 40).
- Procedural history (as provided): referred to Rules and Gaming committees, considered in committee hearings in March–April 2025, reported favorably as substituted (Apr 15, 2025), and passed the House (early May 2025). As of May 19, 2025 it was read and referred to Health & Human Services.
Purpose
- To limit the use of off‑premises and some exterior physical advertising by licensed video gaming locations, by requiring that physical exterior ads be permanently affixed to the licensed location’s building or to a permanent pole sign affixed to a foundation.
Key provisions
- New Section 18 to the Video Gaming Act prohibits a video gaming licensee from advertising its video gaming operation with physical advertisements:
- outside the video gaming location, or
- on off‑premises billboard signs,
- unless the advertisement is directly and permanently affixed to a building on the licensed video gaming location or to a permanent pole sign that is permanently affixed to a foundation.
- A 90‑day exemption: the restriction does not apply during the first 90 days after a video gaming location is issued its license (i.e., new locations may use exterior advertising for 90 days).
- The provision applies to physical, exterior/off‑premises signage; the bill text does not address digital advertising, indoor advertising, mobile advertising, temporary banners, or the enforcement/penalty regime.
Who is affected
- Primary: licensed video gaming operators and licensees in Illinois which rely on exterior physical advertising to draw customers.
- Secondary: sign companies, billboard operators, landlords and municipalities where video gaming locations operate, and competing businesses near licensed locations.
- Local communities may see reduced roadside/visible signage for gaming locations as a result.
Potential impacts / considerations
- Limits on off‑premises and exterior advertising could reduce visibility and customer awareness for video gaming locations, potentially affecting revenues and marketing strategies.
- The 90‑day grace period supports newly licensed locations’ initial marketing, but the bill does not specify grandfathering or timelines for removal of existing nonconforming signs after that period.
- Enforcement mechanisms, civil/administrative penalties, and whether the Illinois Gaming Board or another agency will administer compliance are not specified in the text provided.
- The statute appears narrowly tailored to physical exterior advertisements; businesses may shift to other marketing channels (digital, interior, direct marketing).
Notes
- The bill text as provided is short and focuses solely on the advertising restriction; further committee substitutes or amendments could add definitions, enforcement, or exceptions.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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