IL GAMING OVERSIGHT OFFICER

Amends the Illinois Gambling Act. Creates the position of Illinois Gaming Oversight Officer within the Illinois Gaming Board under the Administrator. Provides that the Officer may: maintain a staff; make recommendations for policy, statute, and rule changes; collect data regarding the regulation of gaming and exempted or quasi-gaming; compile or assist in the compilation of any reports; ensure the coordination of efforts between various State agencies involved in regulating and taxing gaming and exempted or quasi-gaming in the State; and encourage, promote, suggest, and report best practices for ensuring diversity in the gaming and exempted or quasi-gaming industry in the State. Requires the Officer to commission and publish a disparity and availability study on a biannual basis. Provides that the Officer may compile, collect, or otherwise gather data necessary for the administration of the Act and to carry out the Officer's duty relating to the recommendation of policy changes. Requires the Officer to pair eligible minority businesses with terminal operator licensees or owners licensees for mentoring. Amends the Video Gaming Act. Provides that an applicant or licensee is not in violation of the Act or any of the Illinois Gaming Board rules, and shall not be subject to disciplinary action, delay of any Board consideration, or denial of any license for operating a game device if operation of the gaming device is in compliance with and not considered gambling under the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that any applicant previously denied by the Board based in whole or part for participation in specified lawful sweepstakes devices shall have the denial rescinded and a license shall be issued instantly. Provides that an applicant for a license that discloses participation in specified lawful sweepstakes devices shall have the application processed for Board consideration within not more than 90 days after the filing of the application. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.