Key points:
- Though video gambling machines are legal in Illinois, cities can choose whether to implement local bans
- If the referendum had passed, only 10 licenses would be allowed in the city
Residents in Downers Grove, Illinois struck down a referendum during this week's election that addressed whether video gambling machines should be permitted “in a limited number of restaurants” throughout the community, according to a Shaw Local News Network local report.
Voters rejected the referendum by a margin of nearly 2 to 1.
As of now, all votes have been tallied in DuPage County, according to the Clerk’s Office. Results showed that 17,698 voters pulled the lever to reject video gambling machines, while 9,738 people answered yes to the ballot question.
Illinois first legalized video gambling in 2009. However, some cities have opted not to allow it within city limits.
The City of Galesburg recently addressed taking measures to tighten the reins on video gaming machines during a City Council meeting.
Good to know: The ballot measure would have restricted the number of licenses on video gambling machines to 10 if it had passed
Naperville has opted not to allow video gambling machines within its 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.
In recent years, there has been a rise in unregulated and untaxed machines in these type of businesses because they 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.
