J&J Ventures Gaming has acquired Illinois Gaming Systems, and the purchase of all gaming operations of IGS will give J&J Ventures nearly 3,000 locations in gaming and amusements.

J&J Ventures Gaming and J&J Ventures Amusements are headquartered in Effingham, Illinois, where their predecessor, J&J Ventures, Inc., began route operations in 1929. IGS is headquartered in Naperville, Illinois.  IGS and its affiliates in Oregon and West Virginia have specialized in the operation and development of the highest-grossing video gaming retail establishments throughout the United States since 1992.

“Service and integrity are integral qualities of J&J.  The integration of the IGS team allows us to strengthen these aspects and provide more to our partner locations as well as the J&J team, said Bob Willenborg, CEO of J&J Ventures.  “We are honored to welcome all IGS customers and employees and look forward to new relationships.”

Wells Fargo and Stone Canyon Capital Advisors served as financial advisors to Illinois Gaming Systems for the transaction.

“We are extremely excited about integrating with one of the largest and most respected terminal operators in Illinois,” said Chris Cunning, chief operation officer of IGS.  “This powerful combination will provide additional resources and growth to our IGS family.”

The Illinois Video Gaming Act was enacted and approved by Illinois lawmakers in 2009 to help raise funds to repair schools and fix roads.  The state and municipalities share in the revenue generated through gaming.  J&J Gaming was one of the first terminal operators to be licensed in Illinois in January 2012 and began operating video gaming in October 2012.