Illinois gaming officials show Louisiana video poker mogul the door: License applications of companies tied to business leader rejected with little explanation

By Joseph Ryan

In Louisiana, Nicky Nichols is a video poker mogul known for his colorful family history and closeness to power brokers. But Nichols may be sidelined in Illinois.

The Illinois Gaming Board on Thursday denied video gambling licenses to seven companies tied to Nichols. Last summer the Tribune detailed Nichols' Louisiana business practices and his move to cash in on Illinois' video poker gold rush.