The Illinois Gaming Commission is pursuing a $5 million penalty against Accel Entertainment, a prominent gaming entity, for allegedly operating a referral program to entice patrons. The matter centers on an agreement Accel established with DraftKings, a well-known sports wagering platform.
In essence, Accel pledged businesses hosting their gaming terminals a finder’s fee for each new client directed to DraftKings. This arrangement, encompassing approximately $21,000 in disbursements, possibly breaches Illinois gaming statutes that forbid providing incentives in exchange for patronage.
Although Accel contends that their actions were lawful and characterized by openness in their dealings with DraftKings, the Gaming Commission asserts that Accel attempted to unfairly bolster their operations through these payments. This situation underscores the heightened scrutiny placed on the connection between gaming entities and sports betting enterprises, particularly as they endeavor to grow within a strictly controlled sector.
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