Illinois: Naperville business owners call for city to lift video gambling ban

Though the state has legalized video gambling, the city chose to keep restrictions in place.

Restaurant and bar owners in Naperville, Illinois have asked the city to reconsider a previously established ban on video gaming machines, according to a recent Daily Herald news report.

The push to lift the ban stems from the pending opening of a new video gambling parlor that is located near the city, the local report said. Local business owners expressed their view during a recent public meeting.

Illinois first legalized video gambling in 2009, however, the city of Naperville opted not to allow it within city limits.

Naperville is not the only Illinois city to restrict the use of these machines either. The City of Chicago never amended its local laws by lifting restrictions on devices that are currently present in liquor-serving establishments like bars, taverns and restaurants.

Through the years, there has been a rise in unregulated and untaxed machines in these type of businesses because these machines resemble video poker terminals.

However, they also allow players to add money in exchange for online merchandise coupons. Players can then play the machine like they would a slot and cash out winnings.

Naperville business owners argue that allowing video gambling citywide could generate thousands of dollars in monthly revenue for the city.

Jonathon Santos, owner of Katrina’s Latin Bites & Bar and Paris Bistro, told the Daily Herald that video gaming machines would be “a tremendous help” to the business.

Naperville restaurant and bar owners also pointed out that because neighboring cities allow video gambling, local businesses have lost patrons.

However, Mayor Scott Wehrli during the recent meeting that he did not see “a compelling reason” to lift the current ban.

Laura Mack

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