Illinois Gambling License Revocation – Alleged Mob Connections Cost Diner Owner Illinois Gambling License
Alleged Mob Connections Cost Diner Owner Illinois Gambling License
- Diner owner allegedly tied to Chicago Outfit loses gambling license
- Illegal gambling history revealed through old federal testimony
- Were regulators at fault for overlooking mob-related red flags?
The owner of a Chicago diner has had his gambling license revoked by the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB). The owner of a Chicago diner has had his gambling license revoked by the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB). This decision was made after past business dealings with the Chicago Outfit and a long history of illegal gambling resurfaced.
Jeffrey Bertucci, owner of the Steak’n Egger diner located in Cicero, had been operating video gambling machines that were legally licensed by the IGB until the revocation.
The IGB made this decision after discovering Bertucci’s testimony from a 2010 trial involving Michael “Fat Mike” Sarno, a reputed leader of the Cicero crew linked with the Outfit.
Sarno was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for racketeering related to illegal gambling operations and a 2003 bombing of a competitor’s business.
Federal Testimony
Bertucci’s testimony to a federal grand jury revealed that he operated illegal gambling machines at various diners in Cicero and central Chicago, receiving machines from an amusement company connected to notorious mob figure James “Little Jimmy” Marcello.
He also admitted to working with Casey Szaflarski, another operator described by prosecutors as a key player in the Mob’s video poker operations.
Bertucci operated these machines during a period when they were illegal under Illinois law. The state legalized video gambling in 2009, with machines coming into operation only in 2012.
When he applied for a license in 2018, Bertucci downplayed his illegal gambling past, framing it as youthful indiscretion. Although the IGB initially granted him a license, further investigation revealed the breadth of his illegal activities, far greater than he had disclosed.
License Would Have Been Denied
The IGB sought to revoke his license in February 2023, stating that if they had known about the full extent of Bertucci’s dealings prior to his license approval in 2019, it would have been denied.
Bertucci “failed to truthfully disclose the full extent and duration of his past involvement with illegal gambling,” including facilitating and enabling illegal gambling through amusement devices in businesses he owned.
His appeal allowed him to continue operations temporarily, generating over $200,000 in net income until the final decision was made.
This situation raises important questions about the IGB’s thoroughness in conducting due diligence during the licensing process, a vital task aimed at ensuring the Mob does not infiltrate legal gambling venues. Bertucci had previously been subpoenaed by a federal grand jury in 2004 to remove his gambling devices, which he did only to reinstall them in 2006.
Key Points to Consider:
- The impact of past criminal ties on future licensing opportunities.
- The importance of transparency in gambling operations and regulation.
- Potential improvements needed in regulatory oversight of gambling licenses.
In conclusion, the case of Jeffrey Bertucci underscores the complexities and challenges faced by regulators in the gambling industry. The implications of his illegal history not only affected his diner’s operations but also raised broader questions about the integrity of the licensing process in Illinois.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the diner owner’s license revoked?
The license was revoked due to alleged ties to organized crime and illegal gambling operations.
What past dealings did the owner have?
The owner had past business dealings with the Chicago Outfit and has a history of illegal gambling.
What does this case highlight?
This case highlights the importance of thorough regulatory oversight in gambling licensing processes.
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