For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
GAMBLING DEVICE. Any clock, tape machine, slot machine or other machines or device for the reception of money or other thing of value on chance or skill, or upon the action of which money or other thing of value is staked, hazarded, bet, won or lost; or any mechanism, furniture, fixture, equipment or other device designed primarily for use in a gambling place. A GAMBLING DEVICE does not include:
(1) A coin-in-the-slot operated mechanical device played for amusement which rewards the player with the right to replay such mechanical device, which device is so constructed or devised as to make such result of the operation thereof depend in part upon the skill of the player and which returns to the player thereof no money, property or right to receive money or property;
(2) Vending machines by which full and adequate return is made for the money invested and in which there is no element of chance of hazard; and/or
(3) An electronic video game machine, terminal or device that, upon insertion of cash, credit card or debit card, is available to play or simulate the play of a video game, including, but not limited to, video poker, line up and blackjack, as defined in the Video Gaming Act, 230 ILCS 40/1 et seq., as amended, and as authorized by the state’s Gaming Board utilizing a video display and microprocessors in which the player may receive free games or credits that can be redeemed for cash. The term does not include a machine that directly dispenses coins, cash or tokens or is for amusement purposes only.
(230 ILCS 40/5)
LOTTERY. Any scheme or procedure whereby one or more prizes are distributed by chance among persons who have paid or promised consideration for a chance to win such prizes, whether such scheme or procedure is called a lottery, raffle, gift, sale or some other name, but not including any lottery established by the state or any other state.
POLICY GAME. Any scheme or procedure whereby a person promises or guarantees by any instrument, bill, certificate, writing, token or other device that any particular number, character, ticket or certificate shall in the event of any contingency in the nature of a lottery entitle the purchaser or holder to receive money, property, or evidence of debt.
(720 ILCS 5/28-2) (Prior Code, § 135.01)