Illinois Gambling Regulator Revokes Video Gaming License Over Mob-Related Allegations
August 4, 2025
License Revocation Amid Alleged Criminal Connections
The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) has taken significant action by revoking the video gaming license of Firebird Enterprise Inc., which operated gaming machines at the Steak’n Egger restaurant in Cicero. This decision follows revelations that the company concealed connections to illegal gambling activities and organized crime networks, leading to the immediate shutdown of all video gaming machines at the venue on Ogden Avenue.
Historical Testimony Pointing to Illegal Gambling Links
Firebird Enterprise, managed by Jeffrey Bertucci, attracted regulatory scrutiny not only due to its controversial background but also because of efforts to hide this history. Key evidence came from testimony during a 2010 racketeering trial involving Michael Sarno, an alleged mob figure. In that trial, Bertucci admitted to running illegal video gambling machines at multiple locations in Cicero and Chicago, including the Steak’n Egger.
Bertucci revealed his sources for the gambling machines were individuals known to law enforcement for their affiliations with the Chicago Outfit, a notorious organized crime group. This connection raised concerns about the legality and integrity of Firebird’s operations.
Importantly, this crucial information was not disclosed to the Illinois Gaming Board at any time prior to Firebird receiving a license in 2019. It was only brought to light after Bertucci’s legal representatives referenced his cooperation in the Sarno trial in a 2019 letter, prompting the regulator to review the case more closely. Regulators state that Bertucci never volunteered this information during the application process or during any subsequent investigations.
IGB’s Firm Enforcement Approach
Although earlier legal proceedings against Bertucci were dismissed without formal convictions, the IGB has determined that his failure to disclose significant details violated regulations governing licensing. Despite an administrative judge’s initial recommendation to allow Bertucci’s continued operation, the board decisively overturned this, citing his prior illegal conduct and misleading statements to authorities.
The information that Bertucci submitted during the Steak’n Egger license application did not reveal his involvement with illegal gambling operations.
Illinois Gaming Board statement
This revocation highlights ongoing concerns about criminal influences within Illinois’ gaming industry. Recently, Bally’s Casino in Chicago faced scrutiny after a contractor linked to federal organized crime investigations worked on its premises. The Gaming Board is carefully reviewing this situation to determine appropriate measures.
Illinois regulators have a history of strict action against suspected criminal infiltration. Notable examples include the Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin, which was fined $3.2 million in 2003 for suspected mob-related business ties, and Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, which paid a $1.65 million penalty in 2016 over associations with individuals believed involved in organized crime.
