Illinois Gaming Commission considers revoking license of Mob Link business
The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) continues to investigate how a restaurant owner with known Mafia ties obtained a gaming license from the state. The agreement allowed him to integrate a video gaming terminal (VGT) into his restaurant in Cicero.
Jeffrey Bertucci applied for a VGT license in June 2018. The IGB carried out a suitability assessment and determined in January 2019 that he was eligible for a license. State gaming regulators subsequently granted Bertucci a VGT license, allowing him to house up to six VGT machines at his Steak N Egger restaurant.
More than four years later, reports about Bertucci's past have resurfaced, including his admission that he had business ties to the Chicago Mafia. This led the IGB to question how he was deemed fit to run a gambling establishment.
Video gaming terminals, slot-like machines that allow players to gamble at small businesses across the state, were legalized in Illinois in 2009. However, operations did not start until 2012, as it took the IGB approximately three years to agree on VGT regulations and issue licenses to small companies wishing to integrate revenue-generating equipment.
Bertucci admitted, however, that he provided slot machines to his guests many years before the state approved VGT.
VGT LEGALITY
Bertucci testified in federal court against Mafia bosses James Marcelo and Casey Safraski. The latter was dubbed by law enforcement the "Video Poker King" of the Chicago Mafia. In that statement, Bertucci admitted to harboring unregulated video game terminals and sharing profits with the Mafia.
On July 25, the IGB filed a "disciplinary complaint" against Bertucci "because he made false statements and misrepresented material information to the board during the licensing process."
IGB Administrator Marcus Fruchter wrote in the complaint that he recommended that Bertucci's VGT license be revoked. Frucht accused Bertucci of "misrepresenting the extent and duration of his involvement in coin-operated entertainment devices and their use for illegal gambling purposes."
The IGB stated it would not comment publicly on licensing exams. It's unclear when the IGB might vote to revoke Bertucci's license.
Video games are big business for small companies. Bertucci's Steak N Egger restaurant has taken in more than $4.3 million in bets since adding six machines in 2019, according to IGB revenue reports. The machines won $317,000 in bets.
Applicant Criteria
Bertucci's is a Steak N Egger franchise with two locations, one in Cicero and one in Chicago at 1174 W. Cermak Rd. Bertucci's Chicago location did not have video game terminals, although he claimed there were while operating the unlicensed machines. .
Any entrepreneur who wants to set up a legal VGT in a municipality that allows this must undergo a proficiency test at the IGB.
The Illinois Video Gaming Act requires that “each applicant has the burden of demonstrating his/her eligibility for a license.” Individuals with "a background that poses a threat to the public interest of the state or the safety and integrity of video gaming, including criminal records, reputation, habits, social or business associations or past activities" are not eligible for a license.
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Source: www.casino.org
