A bill sponsored by Illinois state Senator Terry Link would authorize the state gaming board to allow licensed veterans establishments to operate video gaming machines in communities where gambling is prohibited. Link said the measure would help American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars groups that face financial hardship due to decreasing membership. “This could help solve their problems,” Link said. State senators approved the legislation, which was referred to the House Rules Committee.
Video gambling machines have been an economic lifeline for several veterans groups. For example, according to state gaming board data, in 2017 video gambling generated more than $116, 700 for American Legion Post 673 in Huntley, which it used for major facility renovations.
American Legion Post 208 in Arlington Heights would benefit from the bill if it passes since the facility would be the sole location in the area to offer video gambling, Finance Officer David Roberts said. “You get fewer and fewer veterans coming into places like the American Legion, and we need draws to get people in to spend money and support what we do,” he said.
However, Army veteran and Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes said he wants to help veterans but he added, “I’m not sure I see a valid justification to carve out that exception.”
In Gurnee, Mayor Kristina Kovarik said, “A community should have the right to decide what uses belong in their municipal boundaries, especially something like gambling that has such a negative impact on neighborhoods and the local economy.” Gurnee denied an American Legion post’s request for video gambling several years ago.
