Got this idea that some establishments with liquor licenses might still have people playing their video poker machines even though the Illinois Gaming (Gambling) Board has ordered them to stop.

So, I sent a Freedom of Information request to the Board asking for “documents that will show where establishments with slot machines (video poker machines or whatever you call them) have not followed the order to cease operation.

“If it would be easier to provide the numbers of non-compliant establishments by zip code, that would be acceptable.”

Since the machines are monitored to make sure the state gets its cut of the money gambled, I thought the request would be pretty easy to fulfill.

But, no.

Here’s the reply I received:

“The Gaming Board must extend its response by the statutorily allowed 5 business days under 5 ILCS 140/3 (e)(i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(v) and (vi). This extension does not waive the agency’s right to assert exemptions and the burdensomeness provisions of FOIA.”

Hard to figure out how the request would be burdensome, if a lot of people where not playing the slots.