Board folds hand, bans video gaming
Decision halts the issuance of licenses, existing licensees exempt
JOLIET, IL- The Will County Board today voted to end the expansion of video gaming in unincorporated areas, citing too many loopholes in existing state law that has allowed a proliferation of gambling.
"The public has made their voices heard on video gaming, and they don't want to see its continued expansion in Will County," said Speaker Jim Moustis. "Unfortunately, the state's video gaming regulations and rules are far too liberal and allow these terminals in places they shouldn't be. Today, Will County said enough is enough."
"The public has made their voices heard on video gaming, and they don't want to see its continued expansion in Will County," said Speaker Jim Moustis. "Unfortunately, the state's video gaming regulations and rules are far too liberal and allow these terminals in places they shouldn't be. Today, Will County said enough is enough."
Will County currently has 27 video gaming licensees in unincorporated areas with the potential for 30 more before today's action to opt-out. Any establishment with a liquor license is eligible for a video gaming license and can have up to five terminals.
"Video gaming has many victims, including the poor and elderly, and hurts families with young children and limited means," said Democratic Caucus Chair Herb Brooks, Jr. (D-Joliet). "My district has felt the negative effects of gambling, and our residents join those throughout the county in saying this should not and cannot continue."
Officials pointed out they had waited long enough for the state of Illinois to establish better rules for video gaming facilities and time had run out. They stressed today's action was absolutely necessary to curtail further growth in gaming.
"The overall loss to the community from video gaming is not worth any financial gains," said Republican Caucus Chair Chuck Maher (R-Naperville). "If our community has to lose $1 million to get only $50,000 in tax revenue, where is the equity and sense in that? I'd certainly rather see that $1 million go to local businesses that will help grow our county's economy."
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"Video gaming has many victims, including the poor and elderly, and hurts families with young children and limited means," said Democratic Caucus Chair Herb Brooks, Jr. (D-Joliet). "My district has felt the negative effects of gambling, and our residents join those throughout the county in saying this should not and cannot continue."
Officials pointed out they had waited long enough for the state of Illinois to establish better rules for video gaming facilities and time had run out. They stressed today's action was absolutely necessary to curtail further growth in gaming.
"The overall loss to the community from video gaming is not worth any financial gains," said Republican Caucus Chair Chuck Maher (R-Naperville). "If our community has to lose $1 million to get only $50,000 in tax revenue, where is the equity and sense in that? I'd certainly rather see that $1 million go to local businesses that will help grow our county's economy."
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