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Illinois gaming law not ready to be implemented

Lawyers in Illinois hoping to cash in on a recent law allowing video poker machines to be installed in bars may have to wait a bit longer.  The Illinois Gaming Board, charged with licensing and regulating the machines and the companies that own them said this week that it will not be ready to begin issuing licenses by the September 1st deadline.

The Video Gaming Act was passed in July of this year as part of a plan to pay for $29 Billion in statewide construction projects.  Implementation of the act was tasked to the Illinois Gaming Board, but no funding was provided by the General Assembly.

The new law is expected to create a new industry for lawyers who will guide clients through the licensing process.  One firm, Ungaretti & Harris, announced a new chairman for their gaming practice group and anticipates expanding that group to handle the influx of new clients.  Other Illinois firms with practices in gaming law include Shefsky & Froelich, Greenberg Traurig and Mayer Brown.

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