Illinois Regulator Cracks Down on Video Gaming Operator due to Alleged Mob Ties

The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) has revoked the video gaming license of a Cicero diner after discovering that the license holder, Firebird Enterprise Inc., allegedly hid substantial ties to illegal gambling and organized crime. The ruling shuts down gaming activities at the Steak’n Egger restaurant on Ogden Avenue, where machines were deactivated on Friday following the board’s ruling.

A Previous Testimony Linked the Venue to Illegal Gambling

Firebird, controlled by Jeffrey Bertucci, got on the regulator’s radar not only for its contentious history but for reportedly attempting to conceal it. The board’s concerns revolve around testimony provided during the 2010 racketeering trial of alleged mob figure Michael Sarno. Bertucci admitted that he had been operating illegal video gambling machines for years at locations in Cicero and Chicago.

Critically, the Steak’n Egger was among the implicated venues, drawing the attention of authorities. Bertucci noted that he obtained machines through individuals federal agents had identified as tied to the Chicago Outfit. Some of these names were well-known to police due to their alleged ties with mob-linked gambling operations.

That testimony was never fully disclosed to the Gaming Board before the approval of Firebird’s license in 2019. Only after an unrelated 2019 letter from Bertucci’s lawyers referenced his cooperation at the Sarno trial did the board become aware of the extent of his admissions. The regulator notes Bertucci never shared this information during the application process or when questioned later by regulators.

The IGB Has Historically Taken a Tough Stance

With Bertucci’s earlier case dismissed without a formal conviction, the board licensed Firebird. However, the regulator now contends that the omission of key details violated licensing rules. While an administrative judge previously recommended allowing Bertucci to continue operating, the board overturned that advice, drawing attention to Bertucci’s history of illegal activity and attempts to mislead investigators.

Contrary to the information Bertucci submitted to the IGB in the Steak-N-Egger license application, Bertucci had a connection and involvement with illegal gambling machines.

Illinois Gaming Board statement

The revocation adds to a growing list of concerns over criminal infiltration in Illinois’ gaming industry. Only weeks ago, Bally’s Casino in Chicago made headlines over possible connections to a contractor flagged in federal organized crime probes. The Gaming Board stated it would carefully examine the matter before taking any enforcement action.

Illinois regulators have historically taken tough stances in similar situations. The Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin was fined $3.2 million in 2003 for purported mob-affiliated business relationships, and Rivers Casino in Des Plaines paid a $1.65 million penalty in 2016 due to ties with individuals believed to be involved in organized crime.