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Our Village, Our News
Video Gambling
APPROVED
AUGUST 15, 2012
Robin Ambrosia Staff Reporter
Want to play black jack while waiting for your table at a restaurant? How about a game of poker and a beer at a local pub? Illinois lawmakers recently approved video gambling terminals for restaurants, bars, truck stops, and fraternal and veterans’ organizations. All establishments applying for VGTs must have a liquor license. Although it was approved statewide, municipalities who do not wish to have video gaming in their community may pass an ordinance prohibiting them. Video gaming will be a money maker with application and licensing fees as well, as taxes to be designated for capital projects such as road and bridge construction throughout the state. But not all municipalities want video gaming in their community. The village boards of Downers Grove and Woodridge voted to prohibit video gaming. “I favored the prohibition and continue to favor the prohibition,” Woodridge Mayor Bill Murphy said. “But I do not expect the issue to come before the Village Board again.” Although the Westmont Village Board voted to ban VGTs in 2009, a local business owner has recently requested that the
Vol. 4 No. 37
village of Westmont revisit and reconsider the issue of video gaming. This issue is very important to the Westmont Village Board of Trustees and they are seeking the public’s opinion, according to Westmont Media Relations Coordinator Larry McIntyre. Westmont residents and business owners are asked to participate in a survey seeking input on the issue. As of Aug. 8, the Illinois Gaming Board already has approved licenses for over 80 establishments statewide, and hundreds of applications are pending, according to the IGB. Applications for terminal manufacturers, distributors, suppliers and operators (individual or business that own and maintain terminals) cost between $2,500 and $5,000. Establishment, terminal technician (repair/maintenance) and terminal handler applications are $50 through $100. Annual licensing fees are as follows: • $10,000 for a Manufacturer or Distributor; • $5,000 for a Terminal Operator; • $2,000 for a Supplier; • $100 for a Technician or Establishment; and $50 for a Terminal Handler. See GAMING, page 2