Illinois: Voters in Downers Grove say no to video gambling machines

November 7, 2024
By

After all votes were counted, the ballot measure was rejected by nearly 2 to 1.

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.

State-by-State

Company Spotlight

Bragg Gaming

Bragg Gaming Group is a global content-driven iGaming technology provider, serving online and land-based gaming operators with its proprietary and exclusive content and cutting-edge technology.
Virtual Showroom

Supplier

Supplier

Supplier

Supplier

Supplier

Industry Awards

Supplier

Supplier

Supplier

Land-Based

GA Newsletter

Exclusive news, analysis, insights, and interviews delivered straight to your inbox

Dr Anthony Lucas - Casinos over-using free play, research showing its limited impact

Dr Anthony Lucas, Professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, speaks to Tim Poole on the Huddle about the paper he released this year on the limitations of free play within land-based casinos. He does, however, understand why gaming executives may not jump to embrace his ideas. We discuss:

Michael Bauer: European operators in US? How about US operators in Europe & LatAm...

Greentube's Chief Financial Officer and Chief Games Officer, Michael Bauer, joins Tim Poole on the Huddle to discuss all things Greentube and all things North America.

46-netrefer
NetRefer G2E Preview: Believing in US potential
David Buhagiar, NetRefer's Senior Manager of Marketing & Acquisitions, speaks to Gaming America about the company's first US client and its hopes for G2E.
44-Derik.Mooberry
Zitro G2E Preview: Aiming to be the leader
Gaming America speaks to Zitro USA CEO Derik Mooberry about the company's growing presence in global markets.
42-Gary.Ellis
Marker Trax and Koin G2E Preview: Finding solutions in payments
Marker Trax and Koin CEO Gary Ellis speaks on turning knowledge into action, with new offerings set to be displayed from the company at G2E 2024.
40-Kevin.Kilminster
Playtech G2E Preview: And it's live!
Kevin Kilminster, Chief Product Innovation Officer at Playtech Live, speaks to Gaming America about live casino and its rise in US prominence.

Another year approaches its end, as 2024 slowly becomes our past, 2025 the present and a wave of opportunity defines gaming's future. There is an air of change as the regulated gaming world looks to welcome a new entra...

8-10-From-the-top
From the top: Reflecting on the past and looking to the future of land-based casinos
Gaming America reviews the closures of the Mirage Hotel and Casino, as well as the Tropicana, but also keeps an eye on the future with Durango Casino and Resort GM David Horn.
36-41-Oliver-Lovat
Cover Feature: Exploring what might be next for land-based casinos
Nothing is new. Everything is new. Oliver Lovat, regular Gaming America columnist and resident Las Vegas expert, discusses what the next generation of casinos need to succeed, while also reflecting on Vegas' generational shift away from the Tropicana and Mirage.
42-43-Lefosse---Brazilian-Sports-Betting
Steadying the ship in LatAm's largest market
After regulatory limbo, sports betting in Brazil is moving towards legal certainty – by Eduardo Carvalhaes, partner in Public Law and Regulation at Lefosse, and Karen Coutinho, counsel in Public Law and Regulation at Lefosse.
44-45-Lazarus-Legal
Brazilian opportunity: The future of LatAm
Edwin Monzon, Managing Partner of Lazarus Legal, speaks to Gaming America about Brazil's upcoming iGaming and online sports betting regulation, assessing both the prospects and challenges involved.