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:
(A) 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.
(B) Vending machines by which full and adequate return is made for the money invested and in which there is no element of chance or hazard.
(C) A crane game. For the purposes of this division (C), a “CRANE GAME” is an amusement device involving skill, if it rewards the player exclusively with merchandise contained within the amusement device proper and limited to toys, novelties, and prizes other than currency, each having a wholesale value which is not more than $25.
(D) A redemption machine. For the purposes of this division (D), a “REDEMPTION MACHINE” is a single-player or multi-player amusement device involving a game, the object of which is throwing, rolling, bowling, shooting, placing, or propelling a ball or other object that is either physical or computer generated on a display or with lights into, upon, or against a hole or other target that is either physical or computer generated on a display or with lights, or stopping, by physical, mechanical, or electronic means, a moving object that is either physical or computer generated on a display or with lights into, upon, or against a hole or other target that is either physical or computer generated on a display or with lights, provided that all of the following conditions are met:
(1) The outcome of the game is predominantly determined by the skill of the player.
(2) The award of the prize is based solely upon the player’s achieving the object of the game or otherwise upon the player’s score.
(3) Only merchandise prizes are awarded.
(4) The wholesale value of prizes awarded in lieu of tickets or tokens for single play of the device does not exceed $25.
(5) The redemption value of tickets, tokens, and other representations of value, which may be accumulated by players to redeem prizes of greater value, for a single play of the device does not exceed $25.
(E) Video gaming terminals at a licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed large truck stop establishment, licensed fraternal establishment or licensed veterans establishment licensed in accordance with the Video Gaming Act.
“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, excluding savings promotion raffles authorized under the Illinois Banking Act, ILCS Ch. 205, Act 5, § 5g, the Savings Bank Act, ILCS Ch. 205, Act 205, § 7008, the Illinois Credit Union Act, ILCS Ch. 205, Act 305, § 42.7, section 5136B of the National Bank Act (12 U.S.C. § 25a), or section 4 of the Home Owners’ Loan Act (12 U.S.C. § 1463).
“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.
(ILCS Ch. 720, Act 5 § 28-2)