One of the most prominent figures in the history of Illinois gaming recently passed away in mid-September. Per a recent report from a major media outlet in the region, Aaron Jaffe represented the northern suburbs in the state House for 14 years before serving as a Cook County judge for nearly two decades and a decade more as chair of the Illinois Gaming Board. Jaffe’s role overseeing the state’s gambling control board involved overseeing legal riverboat casinos and video gaming terminals. “He was an excellent chairman of a very important board, to make sure that we had honesty and integrity when it comes to gambling in Illinois,” former Governor Pat Quinn, who reappointed Jaffe as the board’s chair, said in the article. “He was an exemplary legislator, judge, and regulator, and he just did everything with great integrity.”
For this article, SBS will be going over the latest gaming updates coming from Illinois, along with some additional notes and info coming from the region and beyond.
Noted in another report, his obituary, Jaffe was a highly respected former Illinois state legislator, distinguished jurist, and above all else, a loving family man. He passed away on September 10, 2025, leaving a legacy of compassionate governance, unwavering legacy, and deep devotion to his loved ones. He was 95, born in Chicago, Illinois, on May 16, 1930, to Karl and Dora Jaffe. Aaron dedicated his life to public service. His legislative career, spanning from 1971 to 1985, was marked by a profound commitment to the people of Illinois, particularly the most vulnerable.
During his career, he later brought integrity and passion for public service to his role as chairman of the Illinois Gaming Board, where he worked to ensure integrity and fairness within the industry. Aaron’s approach to governance and law was defined by empathy; he believed that the true measure of a society was how it treated its most underrepresented citizens.
As a legislator, he was a tireless champion for education, working to ensure that every child has access to quality education, regardless of their zip code. His other legislative achievements also included landmark bills in civil rights and equal opportunity, where he fought to dismantle systemic barriers and create a more just society for all. His commitment to justice continued on the bench, where he served as a Circuit Court judge for Cook County, ruling with sensitivity and compassion. He was known for his thoughtful approach, always prioritizing a deep understanding of the human element in every case.
In 2005, then-governor Rod Blagojevich appointed Jaffe as chairman of the Illinois Gaming Board; he was subsequently reappointed by Governor Pat Quinn. During his tenure, Illinois implemented video gambling statewide following legislative authorization. Moreover, Jaffe frequently emphasized vetting and enforcement to keep criminal elements out of the industry. In 2013, he publicly opposed elements of a proposed gambling expansion bill, citing oversight concerns. Jaffe served as chairman until 2015.
Noted in other areas, Jaffe managed the complex process of reviewing applications for tens of thousands of licenses as Illinois established its video gambling terminal program. Additionally, he fought ethical issues as he pursued revocation of the Emerald Casino licenses after its owners faced allegations of ties to organized crime. During this time, he was also widely praised by Illinois officials, including former Governor Quinn, for his integrity in regulating legal riverboat casinos and video gaming. Moreover, he also opposed expansion without safeguards, as he was an outspoken opponent of expanding casinos if the legislation lacked strong ethical safeguards.
Active in Democratic politics in Niles Township, Jaffe served as a local Democratic committeeman in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He won election to the Illinois House of Representatives in 1970 and served through 1985. He represented the 4th district through the 82nd General Assembly and, after redistricting, the 56th district in the 83rd and 84th General Assemblies. Contemporary coverage described him as a lawyer and college instructor and noted his roles as a Democratic National Convention delegate in 1972 and 1976. Jaffe entered the House in the same 1971 freshman class as Michael Madigan and departed in 1985 to become a judge.
In the past, Jaffe was one of the most prominent figures in Illinois gaming as the state continued its expansion in the area throughout the 20th century and into the 21st. Of course, without figures like Jaffe providing oversight and stable leadership, it would be interesting to think what the state would look like now as it pertains to overall gaming in the region.
After you are all up to speed in relation to the latest gaming news coming from Illinois, make sure to check out the excellent array of info available to you only at SBS. Of course, for even more updates from the region, the sports betting in Illinois guide is a must-read page that goes over all kinds of excellent gaming notes and news for eligible customers. Additionally, for those interested in diversifying their payment options and who qualify, the payment methods breakdown is a must-read page that covers a variety of options from crypto to more traditional banking routes. Finally, speaking of qualified customers, the BetOnline sportsbook review guide is an excellent resource that covers this great outlet and is a great way to see if it makes sense for you.
About the Author
Chris Boline is a Reno-based business development professional and freelance sports writer with over a decade of experience covering the NBA G League, Los Angeles Chargers, and national football and basketball. His expertise spans the NFL, NBA, UFC, boxing, golf, and motorsports, along with topical news, marketing, and promotional content. A proud University of Nevada graduate, Chris earned both his BS in Management & Economics (2015) and MBA (2023). He is active in the Reno community, serving on boards such as the Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, NCET, and the College of Business Alumni Association, where he was past president (2022–23). Notable honors include: - Two-time University of Nevada Alumni Chapter of the Year honoree (2017, 2021) - 2021 NCET Professional Services Organization of the Year (with TAC) - 2016–17 Reno Bighorns MVP, awarded by the Sacramento Kings - Nevada Press Association Award for Best Sports Column (2015) - Former Editor-in-Chief of The Nevada Sagebrush Chris blends his passion for sports with a strong background in sales, marketing, and community engagement.
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