Key points:
- City officials are seeking to amend the current municipal code
- This would halt accepting new licenses
The Galesburg City Council will meet today to consider approving a moratorium on new video gambling licenses, according to a recent NPR report.
The Illinois city is currently home to close to 190 gaming terminals spread out through 30 businesses, according to the local report.
Galesburg City Manager Eric Hanson, along with City Clerk Kelli Bennewitz have recommended amending the city’s municipal code.
If approved, the moratorium would direct city staff to stop accepting new licenses within city limits.
The City Council issued a written letter, outlining the proposal and explaining the motivation for requesting a change in procedure.
The council said in its written statement, “In particular, one ramification of video gaming is that this use has become the primary business of several establishments.
“While it is possible that additional gaming terminals would generate new revenue for the city, it could also be argued that the marketplace is saturated, and additional video gaming licenses would simply further divide those establishments that are already licensed.”
Good to know: Video gambling has been legal in Illinois since 2009
The city of Galesburg is not alone in taking measures to tighten the reins on video gaming machines. Naperville has opted not to allow video gambling machines within city limits.
And Naperville is not the only Illinois city to restrict the use of these machines. 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 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.
