The Lake County, Illinois board recently voted against an amendment to an ordinance that would have removed the limit on new video gaming licenses allowed in unincorporated areas—even though nine members voted yea, eight voted nay and four voted present. As a result, the limit will remain in effect.
Following the vote, board Chairwoman Sandy Hart assumed the motion passed. But board member Michael Danforth said board rules and Robert’s Rules of Order dictate that the motion requires a majority of the quorum present, or 11 votes in favor.
After speaking with Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office Civil Division Director Karen Fox, Hart said, “Member Danforth is accurate. He has a very good knowledge of Robert’s Rules of Order. So while it’s clear this board would like to see this ordinance pass, because of Robert’s Rules of Order and our own rules the motion does fail.”
The ordinance was introduced by board member Paul Frank, chairman of the financial and administrative committee, He said Lake County has had video gaming for nearly six years and now has 1,800 machines in 380 locations, with $56 million wagered in just the unincorporated areas and $360 million countywide.
The ordinance attempted to regulate the number of games in an establishment; however, when supporters learned only the state can regulate that, Frank wrote the amendment and sent it to board members the day before the meeting, leading to some no votes.
Board member Judy Martini said, “This is an embarrassment. We are doing committee work on floor.” Board member Diane Hewitt agreed, stating, “I’m voting ‘no’ because of the procedure. I didn’t get enough time to study this.”
A public comment period was held before the vote. Representatives from Tap Room Gaming spoke against limiting video gaming licenses, claiming the state gives the county the authority to approve or not approve video gaming. The ordinance would allow establishments with liquor licenses that have not received permission for video gaming the ability to offer it at a later date. It also would have limited locations like coffeehouses, gas stations and grocery stores to those that already had received a license or submitted an application.
Board member Linda Pedersen said in 2013 she voted for video gaming because numerous small businesses in the unincorporated areas were losing money to surrounding towns and McHenry County where it was allowed. Now that’s been reversed, with gambling readily available throughout the unincorporated areas.
“That’s mind-blowing to me,” said Pedersen. “I think it’s getting out of control.” She voted for the amendment but said, “I’m trying to represent my constituents, and they are really tired of all this in the community. There’s just too much of it. I personally feel enough is enough, and I’d like to slow down a little bit. It’s a big issue in my district.”
Board member Steve Carlson said, “The idea behind this is so you don’t walk into Ethel’s Laundromat and watch your undies spin and pull on a one-armed bandit.”
