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Getting Started
Most Illinois liquor-licensed establishments with a retail liquor license can qualify for video gaming terminals. This includes bars, restaurants, hotels, truck stops, travel plazas, and other qualifying hospitality venues. Sentinel Gaming offers a free site evaluation to determine your eligibility quickly and accurately.
Yes. Before a terminal operator can apply for a terminal operator license on behalf of your venue, a signed use agreement between the venue and the licensed terminal operator—like Sentinel Gaming—must be in place. Sentinel handles this as part of the onboarding process.
Eligible venues typically include bars, taverns, restaurants, hotels, truck stops, travel plazas, large truck stops, and other establishments with a valid Illinois liquor license. Tourism destinations, entertainment venues, social clubs, and late-night concepts may also qualify depending on their licensing structure.
The timeline varies depending on the Illinois Gaming Board's processing schedule, but most venues can expect the licensing and setup process to take several weeks to a few months. Sentinel Gaming helps streamline every step—from application preparation to installation—to get your venue live as efficiently as possible.
Licensing & Compliance
Video gaming in Illinois is regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB), a state agency that oversees all aspects of video gaming terminal operations, licensing, compliance, and reporting.
Three licenses are required: a Terminal Operator License (held by Sentinel Gaming), a Technician License (held by service personnel), and a Video Gaming Location License (held by your venue). Sentinel Gaming guides you through every step of obtaining your location license.
The IGB approves all licenses, regulates terminal placement and operation, monitors compliance with the Video Gaming Act, conducts audits, and enforces penalties for violations. All VGTs must be connected to the IGB's central monitoring system at all times.
Venue owners typically need to provide business ownership details, liquor license information, floor plan or layout of the proposed gaming area, and personal background information for owners and principals. Sentinel Gaming will walk you through the complete documentation checklist.
Revenue & Business Impact
Video gaming terminals generate recurring net terminal income (NTI) that is shared between the venue and the terminal operator under an agreed split. For many venues, gaming represents a meaningful and reliable new revenue stream that operates alongside existing food, beverage, and entertainment income.
Illinois law allows up to six VGTs per location. The physical footprint is flexible—Sentinel Gaming's design team works with your existing layout to create a gaming area that fits your space without disrupting your venue's flow or atmosphere.
Net terminal income is split among the State of Illinois, the municipality, the terminal operator, and the venue. The exact venue share is defined in the use agreement. Sentinel Gaming is transparent about all terms upfront so you know exactly what to expect.
Video gaming gives guests an additional reason to stay longer, order more food and beverages, and return more often. When designed well, a gaming area enhances the overall guest experience rather than competing with it—leading to stronger per-visit spend and higher repeat visit rates.
Design & Setup
Sentinel Gaming conducts a thorough site evaluation that includes reviewing your floor layout, traffic patterns, existing customer flow, lighting, and revenue potential. This assessment forms the foundation of a customized gaming area plan tailored to your venue.
Absolutely. Our design team specializes in creating gaming environments that feel like a natural, intentional part of your venue—not an afterthought. We handle layout planning, lighting recommendations, terminal placement, and signage to ensure the space is both functional and visually cohesive.
Sentinel Gaming manages the full installation process, including terminal delivery, setup, connection to the IGB's central monitoring system, and final testing. Our team coordinates everything so your staff can focus on hospitality, not logistics.
We take a hospitality-forward approach to every design. That means selecting terminal placement that works with your existing traffic flow, recommending lighting and furniture that match your brand aesthetic, and avoiding the cluttered or transactional look associated with lower-quality gaming setups.
Operations & Support
After your venue goes live, Sentinel Gaming continues as your active operator partner. We monitor terminal performance in real time, manage service and maintenance, provide access to the Sentinel Performance Dashboard, and work with you on promotions and ongoing optimization.
Sentinel Gaming handles all monitoring and service. Our team tracks terminal performance proactively, responds to any issues quickly, and maintains near-continuous uptime so your gaming area is always operational and generating revenue.
We provide 24/7 local support. If a terminal goes offline or an issue arises, our team is notified immediately and responds with urgency. Our local presence in the Chicago area allows for rapid on-site response when needed.
Ongoing support includes real-time performance reporting, regular check-ins, promotional planning, compliance updates, staff guidance, and proactive equipment maintenance. We're a long-term partner, not just an installer.
Responsible Gaming
Illinois law requires that all licensed video gaming locations comply with responsible gaming regulations, including display of required signage, access to self-exclusion program information, and adherence to age verification requirements. Sentinel Gaming ensures your venue meets all requirements from day one.
Venues must display Illinois Gaming Board-approved responsible gaming signage, including information about the state's self-exclusion program and resources for problem gambling. Sentinel Gaming provides all required materials and guidance on proper placement.
Through our GamePlan Initiative, Sentinel Gaming reinvests 15% of net profits into responsible gaming programs, workforce development, and small-business growth throughout the communities we serve. We believe that sustainable, ethical gaming operations are the foundation of long-term success for venues and communities alike.
If gambling is becoming a problem for you or someone you know, help is available 24/7. Support services provide confidential assistance, resources, and guidance for individuals and families affected by problem gambling.
National Problem Gambling Helpline
Call or Text: 1-800-GAMBLER
Available 24/7 • Confidential Support
Still have questions?
Our team is ready to walk you through everything. Schedule a free consultation today.
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