Accel Entertainment, the nation’s largest operator of video gambling terminals, has agreed to a settlement of more than $1.1 million to the state of Illinois, ending a disciplinary case alleging violations of state law. Accel also committed to “enhanced compliance, training and reporting requirements,” according to Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) Administrator Marcus Fruchter.
The gaming board filed its case against Accel in December 2020, originally seeking a $5 million fine. At that time, Accel denied the allegations. However, Fruchter said at the IGB’s June 15 meeting, Accel “acknowledged that its conduct underlying the disciplinary complaint did not meet the standards and expectations” for licensed video gambling operators. Fruchter added Accel agreed to pay the state a $1 million fine plus $125,000 to cover the board’s “administrative and investigative costs” related to the case.
The IGB complaint alleged Accel entered into an arrangement with DraftKings to pay commissions of $21,000 to business owners, who then would place Accel gambling machines in their establishments. However, regulators said the “inducements” paid to businesses by Accel violated the Illinois Gaming Act.
IGB Chairman Charles Schmadeke said the board unanimously accepted Accel’s settlement. He stated, “I will only say that I think this is a terrific resolution and I hope it leads to a better relationship.”
Headquartered in Burr Ridge, Accel was founded in 2012 and went public in 2019. It operates video gambling terminals in 13 states.
