Illinois Regulator Cracks Down on Video Gaming Operator due to Alleged Mob Ties

This case marks another instance of suspected ties between gambling operators and criminal organizations, potentially leading to significant consequencesImage Source: Shutterstock.com

TheIllinois Gaming Board (IGB) has revoked the video gaming license of a Cicero diner after discovering that the license holder,Firebird Enterprise Inc., allegedly hid substantial ties to illegal gambling and organized crime. The ruling shuts down gaming activities at the Steak’n Eggerrestaurant on Ogden Avenue, where machines were deactivated on Friday following the board’s ruling.

A Previous Testimony Linked the Venue to Illegal Gambling

Firebird, controlled byJeffrey Bertucci, got on the regulator’s radar not only for its contentious history but for reportedly attempting to conceal it. The board’s concerns revolve around testimony provided during the 2010 racketeering trialof alleged mob figure Michael Sarno. Bertucci admitted that he had been operating illegal video gambling machinesfor years at locations in Cicero and Chicago.

Critically, the Steak’n Egger was among theimplicated venues, drawing the attention of authorities. Bertucci noted that he obtained machines through individuals federal agents had identified as tied to the Chicago Outfit. Some of these names werewell-known to policedue to their alleged ties with mob-linked gambling operations.

That testimony was never fully disclosed to the Gaming Board before the approval of Firebird’s license in 2019. Only after an unrelated 2019 letter from Bertucci’s lawyers referenced his cooperation at the Sarno trial did the board become awareof the extent of his admissions. The regulator notes Bertucci never shared this informationduring the application process or when questioned later by regulators.

The IGB Has Historically Ngaken a Tough Stance

With Bertucci’s earlier case dismissed without a formal conviction, the board licensed Firebird. However, the regulator now contends that theomission of key detailsviolated licensing rules. While an administrative judge previously recommended allowing Bertucci to continue operating, the board overturned that advice, drawing attention to Bertucci’s history of illegal activity and attempts to mislead investigators.

Contrary to the information Bertucci submitted to the IGB in the Steak-N-Egger license application, Bertucci had a connection and involvement with illegal gambling machines.

Illinois Gaming Board statement

The revocation adds to a growing list of concernsover criminal infiltration in Illinois’ gaming industry. Only weeks ago,Bally’s Casinoin Chicago made headlines over possible connections to a contractor flagged infederal organized crimeprobes. The Gaming Board stated it would carefully examine the matter before ngaking any enforcement action.

Illinois regulators have historically ngaken tough stances in similar situations. TheGrand Victoria Casinoin Elgin was fined$3.2 millionin 2003 for purported mob-affiliated business relationships, and Rivers Casinoin Des Plaines paid a$1.65 millionpenalty in 2016 due to ties with individuals believed to be involved in organized crime.