Cook County Upholds Revocation of Illinois Gaming License 

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A Cook County judge has rejected a challenge to the Illinois Gaming Board’s (IGB) decision to revoke the video-gaming license of Firebird Enterprises, the company behind Cicero Steak N Egger.

judge's gavel as ruling upholds revocation

Key Takeaways:

  • Cook County court affirms Illinois Gaming Board’s decision to revoke Firebird Enterprises’ license
  • Company plans to appeal despite continued operations and revenue during process
  • Ruling underscores regulatory focus on integrity and past associations in licensing

The license was revoked in July 2025 and despite this latest ruling, owner Bertucci can appeal.

A spokeswoman for the gaming board said: “(they are) pleased with the Circuit Court of Cook County’s ruling which reaffirms the IGB’s authority to ensure the integrity and safety of gaming as well as those who operate within it.”, local news reports.

The board’s action follows reporting that Bertucci had testified under immunity in a federal racketeering probe and admitted earlier involvement in illicit payout schemes.  Regulators licensed his operation in 2019 and only moved to revoke the authorization after those disclosures resurfaced. 

During the protracted administrative and legal process that followed, Firebird continued operating video terminals, generating more than six figures in net terminal income.

Legal contest amid revocation

Firebird argued the board had been aware of Bertucci’s past when licensing and pointed to an administrative judge’s finding that a conviction was a threshold for denial. The court, however, deferred to the agency’s factual findings and rejected claims that the revocation was arbitrary. They cited longstanding deference to administrative determinations.

The ruling also comes amid broader regulatory scrutiny of gambling in the state. Policymakers in Illinois are considering significant changes to gaming taxation. This would include proposals to sharply increase taxes on casino table games as lawmakers seek new revenue streams. The proposal has raised concerns among operators about the cumulative impact of tighter regulatory oversight.