Illinois Gaming Board revokes licence of Cicero gambling operator
The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) has revoked the licence of Firebird Enterprise Inc., the operator of video gambling machines at a Steak’n Egger diner in Cicero. According to local media outlets, the decision is linked to Jeffrey Bertucci, who has been associated with illegal gambling and has alleged connections to the Chicago Outfit.
Why the licence was revoked?
Jeffrey Bertucci owns Firebird Enterprise Inc., which operated video gambling terminals at 5647 W. Ogden Ave. Since 2019, Firebird Enterprise Inc. has operated video gambling machines at the Steak’n Egger diner in Cicero. In 2000, Jeffrey Bertucci was arrested for operating illegal coin-operated amusement devices. In 2004, a federal grand jury ordered Bertucci to appear and provide information, which led him to remove the gambling machines. However, between 2006 and 2009, he set up and operated the machines again without permission. In 2018, he told Gaming Board agents that he had done so in his twenties to earn additional income. Despite this history, he was licensed in 2019.
The Illinois Gaming Board stated that if they had known the full extent of Jeffrey Bertucci’s background, they would not have issued him a licence. He admitted to filing false tax returns, giving false testimony, and working with individuals linked to organised crime. The Board said Bertucci’s history undermines the integrity of the gaming industry and accused him of providing misleading information during the application process.
Administrative Law Judge Michael Coveny initially recommended that Jeffrey Bertucci be allowed to continue operating. However, the Illinois Gaming Board overruled that recommendation, citing Bertucci’s testimony as evidence that his actions did not align with the standards required by Illinois law for gaming operators.
Mob ties and federal testimony
Jeffrey Bertucci testified in the federal trial of Michael Sarno, who authorities believe was involved with the Cicero crew of the Chicago Outfit. During the trial, Bertucci stated that he operated illegal gambling machines at Steak’n Egger locations in both Cicero and Chicago. He also said he obtained the machines from Casey Szaflarski, who has been linked to video poker operations associated with organised crime. Bertucci’s connections also include former Chicago mob figure James Marcello.
In 2019, the Illinois Gaming Board approved Firebird Enterprise Inc.’s licence, without full knowledge of Jeffrey Bertucci’s involvement in illegal activity. A few months later, the Board received a letter from Bertucci’s legal representatives referencing his testimony in the Sarno trial. By that time, the licence had already been issued, raising questions about the thoroughness of the vetting process.
Bertucci’s legal team has argued that he is being mistreated, claiming selective prosecution because other individuals with ties to illegal activity still hold gaming licences. The Board rejected this claim, stating that others involved in the Sarno trial had also faced consequences.
Mob infiltration in Illinois
This case is not isolated; Bally’s Casino was recently scrutinised for possible connections to contractors linked to organised crime. In 2003, Grand Victoria Casino paid a $3.2 million fine related to similar concerns, and Rivers Casino paid $1.65 million in 2016.
The Illinois Gaming Board has the authority to revoke or discipline licence holders. In this case, the Board’s decision reflects its position that past involvement in illegal activity, particularly related to organised crime, can affect licensing outcomes.
