City officials in Des Plaines and Rockford, Illinois recently took different approaches to video gambling.
Without explanation, Des Plaines, Illinois Mayor Matthew Bogusz recently tabled an ordinance to allow restaurants, bars and fraternal organizations to install video gambling terminals. The bill, which would have ended the town’s long-running ban on the games, was drafted earlier this year after several alderman said they would support it. The city, state and business owners would have shared the revenue.
Des Plaines business owners said the machines would help them compete with establishments in neighboring communities where video gambling is allowed, including Mount Prospect, Elk Grove Village and Prospect Heights plus unincorporated areas of Cook County. However, some officials believe the video gambling machines would cannibalize revenue from Rivers Casino, located in the city.
Alderwoman Denise Rodd said she believes the ordinance eventually will pass. “I understand the business owners’ predicament. We’re surrounded by communities that do allow it. I’m in favor of small businesses having gaming,” she said.
It’s a different story in Rockford, where city council members approved allowing establishments to offer six video gambling machines, not just five. The council also recently approved raising licensing fees from $25 to $250 a year per machine, effective in 2020.
