Industry
October 22, 2025
Chicago Mayor Seemingly Supports the Idea of Gambling Machines in O’Hare Airport
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office is reportedly considering installing slot machines at O’Hare and Midway International Airports. This is an unexpected proposal coming as part of a broader effort to address a $1.15 billion budget deficit, with gambling reforms among the potential revenue-generating measures. Chicago Mayor’s Office Goes Out With New Stance Firstly, we should […]
Casino
October 22, 2025
Video Gambling Magnate Joins Republican Contest for Illinois Governor
Rick Heidner, a rich real estate investor and video gaming businessman from Barrington Hills, has now jumped into the Republican primary race to become Illinois governor. His campaign paperwork filed with the Illinois State Board of Elections adds another name to an already packed GOP lineup before the March 2026 primary. Video Gaming Tycoon Rick […]
Legal
October 21, 2025
Former Gambling Kingpin Indicted for Burglary of Wealthy Restaurateur’s Home
Casey Szaflarski, 67, once labeled the Chicago Outfit’s video gambling “kingpin,” was indicted on May 28 on felony charges connected to a burglary of a wealthy restaurateur that occurred around March 18 at a home in unincorporated West Dundee, according to court records. Szaflarski Arrested for Alleged Burglary Szaflarski and his alleged accomplices, reputed mob-associated […]
Industry
October 16, 2025
IGT’s Flagship Games Paid Out $6M in Jackpots in September
IGT, a global leader in gaming, announced that its top games, Wheel of Fortune and Megabucks, have paid out more than $6 million in jackpots in September alone. This announcement comes as IGT prepares to launch Wheel of Fortune in Illinois’ VLT market. IGT Minted Two More Millionaires According to IGT, its Wheel of Fortune […]
Lottery
October 3, 2025
Father Wins $550K, Decides to Help His Five Kids Thrive
Imagine the joy on the man’s face when he found out that he would be able to provide for his family. Matthew of Crystal Lake, who withheld his full name but was happy to post for a photo-op with the Illinois Lottery, had more to add. Father of Five Happy to Ensure His Kids’ Future […]
Lottery
September 25, 2025
Illinois Lottery Player Cried as They Won $14.6M Lotto Jackpot
A lucky player from Illinois has bagged the largest jackpot from the Illinois Lotto game for the year. In an interview with the Illinois Lottery, the winner said that they were so moved that they cried. The Biggest Illinois Lotto Jackpot for 2025 The winner, who preferred to remain anonymous, was referred to by the […]
Sports
September 25, 2025
Chicago Considers Online Sports Betting Tax Despite Industry Opposition
Chicago’s financial team has put forward an idea to tax online sports bets. This could bring in millions to help the city’s tight budget. However, the sports betting world is not happy about it and is pushing back already. Proposal for Chicago Per-Bet Levy Raises Fears of Higher Costs for Bettors The Financial Future Task […]
Industry
September 3, 2025
Illinois Bettors See New Fees as Sportsbooks React to Tax Law
Sports gamblers in Illinois are noticing extra charges and bet minimums this month. Changes that betting companies are making because of the state’s debated per-bet tax are taking effect. The rule was introduced on July 1. It makes sportsbooks pay $0.25s for each of their first 20 million bets every year. After that, they pay […]
Casino
September 2, 2025
Criminal Boss “Fat Mike” Denied Compassionate Release from Prison
Michael “Fat Mike” Sarno, known for his Cicero Street Crew, a Chicago-based criminal enterprise, has sought early release from prison, where he is serving a 25-year sentence. The reason? His worsened health and the fact that he no longer seeks to act on his criminal impulses, and wants to be set free and return to […]
Sports
August 29, 2025
Sports Betting Alliance Blasts Illinois’ Dysfunctional Tax
Now, the Sports Betting Alliance (SBA), a trade group, has openly and severely criticized the measure of imposing a mandatory $0.25 per bet on the first 20 million bets, and $0.50 on anything after that. This measure is set to prove not only highly unpopular, but also undermine the market’s competitiveness, the SBA has said […]
