Judge deals blow to owner of Cicero diner, won't reverse revocation of video gambling license - Chicago Sun-Times
A judge ruled against the owner of a Cicero diner, upholding the Illinois Gaming Board's revocation of his video gambling license due to past involvement with illegal gambling.Summary
Cook County Judge David B. Atkins ruled in favor of the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB), rejecting Jeffrey Bertucci’s attempt to reinstate the video gambling license for his Cicero diner, Steak N Egger. The IGB revoked the license in July 2023 after discovering Bertucci had previously testified about involvement in a mob-connected illegal gambling operation before video gambling was legalized in Illinois. Despite this history, Bertucci was initially licensed in 2019, and regulators claimed they were unaware of his testimony until questioned by the Chicago Sun-Times in 2023.
Bertucci argued the IGB knew of his past when renewing his license multiple times, and that he wasn't convicted of a crime related to illegal gambling. An administrative judge initially sided with Bertucci, but the IGB moved forward with revocation, citing his initial dishonesty to federal agents and his association with organized crime.
The judge upheld the IGB’s decision, stating courts generally defer to administrative agencies unless their decisions are arbitrary or against the weight of evidence. Bertucci can appeal the ruling, but for now, his diner’s video gambling machines remain off, ending the over $200,000 in net terminal income he collected during the appeal process.
(Source：Chicago Sun-Times)