Cicero video gambling business loses permit due to suspected organized crime connections by Illinois regulatory body
In a significant move, the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) has revoked the video gambling license of the Steak'n Egger diner located at 5647 W. Ogden Ave, Cicero, Illinois. The decision was made following allegations of mob connections against the operator of the license, Jeffrey Bertucci, who is also the owner of Firebird Enterprise Inc.
The revocation was due to allegations of mob connections against Bertucci. Despite these allegations, Bertucci has never been convicted of a state gambling charge. It is important to note that the revocation does not seem to affect the operation of the diner itself.
The IGB spokesperson confirmed the revocation of the license, but rejected the recommendation of Judge Michael Coveny, who had suggested that Bertucci should be allowed to continue operating the video gambling license at the Steak'n Egger diner.
The incident occurred in Chicago, Illinois, where the Steak'n Egger diner had a video gambling license. The video gambling machines at the diner were disabled on a specific day, but the exact date was not specified. As of now, the machines remain disabled.
The IGB maintains strict licensing requirements for video gaming terminals (VGTs), including extensive background investigations and scrutiny of applicants' character and financial integrity to prevent criminal influence in licensed gaming operations. Given the strong regulatory framework in Illinois, it would be highly unlikely for a mob-connected operator such as Firebird Enterprise Inc. to be granted a valid video gambling license without public controversy or official statements.
As of the most recent available information in mid-2025, there is no specific public record or news indicating that Firebird Enterprise Inc., a mob-connected operator, currently holds or is seeking video gambling licensing in Chicago, Illinois. The ongoing efforts to ensure transparency and supplier integrity through updates to Chicago city regulations and the IGB's licensing requirements reflect this commitment.
In 2000, Bertucci was arrested on a charge of illegally operating a coin-operated amusement device. However, it is crucial to note that this incident does not seem to be directly related to the revocation of the video gambling license at the Steak'n Egger diner.
In conclusion, the revocation of the video gambling license at the Steak'n Egger diner in Cicero, Illinois, was due to allegations of mob connections against the operator. The regulatory environment in Illinois is designed to exclude operators with criminal affiliations from licensing, and as of now, there is no evidence that Firebird Enterprise Inc. has obtained or is currently licensed for video gambling in Chicago.
- The Illinois Gaming Board's revocation of the Steak'n Egger diner's video gambling license in Cicero, Illinois, follows allegations of mob connections against its operator, Jeffrey Bertucci.
- Despite the revocation, Bertucci has never been convicted of a state gambling charge, but the incident has brought attention to casino culture and criminal justice issues within the casino-and-gambling industry.
- The IGB maintains strict licensing requirements for casino-games such as video gambling, with background investigations and scrutiny of applicants' character and financial integrity to prevent crime-and-justice issues.
- General news outlets have Reported on the revocation and its impact on casino-culture, emphasizing responsible-gambling standards and the importance of ensuring fairness in the casino-games environment.
- As the gaming industry continues to evolve with gambling-trends, stories like this highlight the need for transparency and responsible practices among casino-personalities and operators.
