Oglesby council reinstates local raffle definition, exempts state-authorized video gaming from raffle licensing

The Oglesby City Council on Tuesday approved Ordinance No. 1294-080425, reinstating the city’s prior definition of a raffle but exempting games authorized by state law — including those under the Illinois Video Gaming Act and the Illinois Lottery Act — from the city’s raffle-license requirement. The ordinance passed by roll call with four ayes and one abstention.

Council discussion focused on distinguishing traditional raffles (often tied to nonprofits) from state-controlled video gaming and lottery games. A council member who presented the ordinance said, “So this ordinance reinstates that, but does exempt both sets of gaming statutes from the requirement that those vendors have to get a raffle license here,” and explained the change is intended to align the city’s language with state statute.

Members debated whether activities such as bingo would still fall under the restored raffle definition and whether the city would retain any control over where state-authorized machines operate. Council members were told the Illinois Lottery and the Lottery Commission control which locations may offer certain lottery-linked games, and that the city cannot override those state licensing decisions. One council member noted that nonprofit bingo likely remains subject to raffle rules, while video gaming machines already regulated under state law would not require additional local raffle permits.

The ordinance’s passage means local organizers who run traditional raffles continue to follow the city raffle definition, while establishments hosting state-authorized video gaming or lottery-based games will proceed through the state licensing process rather than obtaining a separate city raffle license. Council members said the change is intended to reduce local confusion and bring the ordinance into compliance with recent state statutory changes.

The council recorded no immediate enforcement action tied to the ordinance change; staff and the city attorney were asked to ensure the city code language matches the state statutes cited in the ordinance. The council did not identify any additional licenses or fees to be imposed at the local level as part of this ordinance.

The measure was introduced as Ordinance No. 1294-080425 and voted on during the meeting. The city clerk will post the final ordinance language and any subsequent guidance for local organizers and businesses.