In Illinois, video gambling revenues continue their exponential growth, more than doubling in the past year. In 2014, the games brought in 5 million for the state, up about million from 2013. Municipalities received nearly million, compared to million in 2013. As of December, more than 19,000 video gambling machines were in service in bars, truck stops and fraternal organizations throughout Illinois—however, business owners are exploiting loophole allowing the machines to be installed in a florist shop, a scuba store, a former TV repair shop and other unintended locations.
Gamblers spent $2.4 billion on the machines in 2014, up from $1.1 billion in 2013, with $1.8 billion in payouts. The state receives 25 percent of the revenue and municipalities receive 5 percent.
Fewer communities are banning the games, too. Last year 200 municipalities prohibited gambling machines, and this year only 175 will not allow them. The first machines went live in September 2012.
Tom Swoik, executive director of the Illinois Casino Gaming Association, said the spread of video gambling is to blame for the $87 million drop in casino revenue and the 1.4 million decrease in casino admissions from 2013 to 2014. “I constantly hear from people who say they can just go down to the corner bar and play the slots, rather than driving to a casino,” Swoik said.
Swoik said he believes the state casino industry is “saturated.” However, at a debate hosted by the Chicago Tribune editorial board in advance of the February 24 elections, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and three of this opponents agreed a casino in the city could help boost revenues. Emanuel noted a casino would not solve all of the city’s fiscal problems, and Cook County Commissioner Jesus Garcia said a casino should have the support of Chicago citizens. Alderman Bob Fioretti also supported a city casino. William “Dock” Walls, a perennial candidate, said he objected to it.
Governor Bruce Rauner has said he would not block new casinos if local communities want them.
