The average salary for a Slot Technician is $18.30 per hour in Illinois, which is 30% above the national average. Salary estimates are based on 7 salaries submitted anonymously to Indeed by Slot Technician employees, users, and collected from past and present job advertisements on Indeed in. Each individual slot machine has a suite of different types of games, including poker and reel slot games. Illinois slot games are developed specifically for the Illinois gaming market, but many of the same gaming titles can be found in casinos. Upright slot machines are approximately 2.5' wide x 2’ deep x 5’ tall.
The Basics
What is adding VGTs to my establishment going to cost me?
There is no upfront cost to submitting an application to the IGB. Once you have been approved by the IGB, the yearly cost will be $100 to maintain a valid establishment license. In addition to the IGB fee you may also be required by the city you are located in to pay a yearly “sticker fee” for each VGT. This rate varies by city, please contact IGS for the exact cost for the city you are located in.
Why should I add video gaming to my establishment?
The average IGS client will generate $116,235 per year. Adding video gaming can help assist you in meeting your financial goals. This income has allowed many of our clients to make additional investments in their locations, further enhancing their overall establishment.
How long is the application process? Is there a way to expedite the process?
On average the process takes three to four months from application submittal to licensure. There is no way to expedite the licensing process, although some terminal operators may claim that they can- this is false.
How do you assist during the application process?
IGS has experienced staff that will walk you through the entire application process. We are able to assist in applying for a local or state liquor license, gathering and notarizing the forms needed for the IGB application and submitting the IGB application on your behalf.
The first step after submitting your application is to get fingerprinted, this includes any owner with 5% or more of ownership, any officers and the video gaming manager. The IGB will then process your application and have a field agent conduct a site visit. IGS personnel will ensure you know who needs to be fingerprinted and the closest location to accomplish this.
Once my application is submitted to the IGB, how long does it take for machines to be active in my establishment?
Once an application is submitted the IGB, it may take as little as 30 days to approve your application. Once approved, machines will be moved into the establishment expeditiously, typically within 1-5 days. Once machines are in your establishment, IGS submits documentation to establish an appointment with the IGB to activate machines – this appointment is granted within 14 days of the request. This appointment date is set by regulatory protocol and outside of the terminal operator’s control. On the date of the appointment, your machines will “go live” allowing them to be played.
You will be required to renew your license annually with the IGB.
What is the maximum number of machines you are allowed in your establishment?
Per the IGB, each licensed establishment is allowed to have up to six VGTs.
What are the requirements to become a licensed establishment?
You will be required to have a valid local and state liquor license before you are eligible to submit your application to the IGB. If you are applying to become a licensed truck stop establishment there are additional requirements.
When and how do I get paid from having gaming machines at my establishment?
IGS will electronically transfer the funds to your bank account weekly.
Depending on the available space of the establishments and the number of machines, the overall gaming area that recommended is 140 square footage. The gaming area will include the VGTs, chairs and tables and the payout device. IGS suggests the machines to be properly spaced for comfort and privacy and will develop a custom layout for your establishment.
IGS takes great pride in properly integrating video gaming to fit into your establishment. By creating a private gaming area, not only are you providing privacy to your gaming patrons, but also providing a barrier from your establishment to separate the gaming from your existing customers.
That is entirely up to you. Many of our clients choose not to add additional staff. Others, in effort to focus on exceptional customer service, have added additional staff. Employees responsible for serving or overseeing the gaming area must be over the age of 21.
What are the most important attributes for a successful establishment?
Although there are a number of attributes to a successful gaming establishment, the most important are cleanliness, customer service, layout, design, hours of operation and machine mix.
You are required to have an on-premise liquor license, which allows you to pour beer, wine or liquor to be served at the establishment.
The majority of counties and municipalities in the state of Illinois do allow video gaming. To see if your municipality allows video gaming, please call IGS at 312.544.9856.
Will my employees have to redeem winning tickets for cash?
No, your employees will not need to redeem any tickets or handle any cash. IGS utilizes a kiosk payout device which is accessible by each video gaming patron.
Can one terminal operator offer me more than others financially?
No. The IGB has a very clear and defined no inducement policy. The revenue split is written in Illinois law and mandates 28% to the state, 5% to the municipality, 33.5% to the establishment and 33.5% to the terminal operator. Furthermore, it is a direct violation of the inducement policy to accept anything of value in exchange for signing with a terminal operator.
Are there requirements to become a licensed truck stop establishment?
Are there limits on the hours of operation of VGTs?
Hours of operation of VGTs must coincide with the legal hours of operation for the consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premises. However, a licensed truck stop establishment that does not hold a liquor license may operate VGTs on a continuous basis.
Service & Support
Yes, IGS service reaches throughout the entire state of Illinois.
What happens if one of my machines is down or is broken? What is the response time?
Even with proper maintenance, a machine in your facility will occasionally need repair. In these cases, you are asked to contact IGS through our technical support line. Our dispatcher will contact you, assess the problem, and offer technical assistance. In most cases, the repair and/or question can be handled remotely – the Dispatcher can access your machines remotely and restore the machine into operation. Other times, a technician will be sent to your establishment and the repair will take place.
Do you provide marketing and advertising support?
Yes, we work with you to develop strategic marketing plans. In accordance with IGB regulation, we can participate in financial co-op programs. IGS offers graphic design assistance on all marketing items, ensuring brand consistency. Think of us as your one stop ad agency!
Will I have a point of contact if I ever needed non-technical support?
Yes, you will have a dedicated Account Manager who will work closely with you.
Do you provide staff training once machines are installed and active?
Once machines are active, your IGS Account Manager will conduct on-site training with you and your employees. This training will cover the most commonly encountered questions from players and extensive training on how to serve gaming customers. IGS has developed key tactics in customer service to foster loyalty and repeat business and has developed a comprehensive training manual for our clients to refer back to. As staff changes we will retrain as necessary.
How is the cash in the VGTs and payout device managed and handled?
IGS is partnered with Thillens who provides an armored car and secure cashing carrying services.
What is the process for installing and activating machines?
Performance & Profit
IGS provides a client portal for in-depth reports and analyses.
IGS establishments earn an average of $116,235 per year, which is two times the sate average!
What makes IGS different from other terminal operators?
With more than 25 years of experience running high performing gaming establishments much like your own, we know the needs of the establishment and the gaming guest better than anyone. We translate this knowledge into action plans for our clients helping them outperform in their respective markets. IGS clients earn nearly two times more than clients of other terminal operators.
Glossary Terms
How Much Does A Slot Machine Tech Make In Illinois Lottery
Gaming machines similar to slot machines. Each VGT offers different games depending on manufacturer and type including video poker and line games.
NTI is defined as the difference between cash wagered on each machine less the cash won on each machine. This amount is then split in accordance with the Video Gaming Act between the state, city/county, Establishment and Terminal Operator.
Money that is placed into each VGT by players.
The Illinois Gaming Board is responsible for regulating the gaming industry in Illinois.
M3t is the manufacturer of the payout device used by IGS as well as the back-end data analytics system. The M3t kiosk serves as an ATM, bill breaker, VGT ticket redemption machine and will serve as the Player Rewards portal in the future.
A game manufacturer used by IGS offering slot titles such as Blazing 7’s Hot Shot, Mega Spins, Hot Rocks, and American Original.
A game manufacturer used by IGS offering slot titles such as Big City 5’s, Smash the Pig, The Big Easy, and The Wildlife.
A game manufacturer used by IGS offering slot titles such as Diamond’s O’Dublin, Invaders from the Planet Moolah, and Count Money.
A game manufacturer used by IGS offering slot titles such as Kitty Glitter, Golden Goddess, Black Widow, and Stinkin’ Rich.