Video gambling in bars and restaurants has been a hot topic of conversation in the Village of Palatine in?Illinois for over two years now. In April of 2015, voters there decided to reject video gambling in an advisory referendum voting 2,660 against to 1,713, but the subject still remained under consideration since that time.
It has now been reported that the council members of Palatine village have decided to table discussions of video gambling for restaurants, bars, and other venues after a vote was taken on the issue.
According to the Daily Herald, the Palatine village council members decided to table the discussion of video gambling after a vote of 4 to 3 took place last week. Opponents, as well as supporters of such gaming, spoke before the council and they were in agreement to put the matter on hold for now.
There are several proponents in the area that wish to see video gambling come to fruition in Palatine. Representatives from several establishments came forward during the meeting as they did back in December to try and show how video gaming could help with revenues. Those in support of the gaming options include the Lamplighter Inn Tavern and Grille as well as the American Legion Post 690.
Daphne Matthews is the commander of the American Legion who stated that the group would be able to use the proceeds from the video gambling machines for expanded program funding for veterans as well as other projects.
Opponents of the gaming option believe that Palatine does not need what they are calling ‘predatory gambling.’ In communities where video gambling is allowed, bars, truck stops, fraternal organizations, and restaurants can has as many as five machines and these gaming terminals must be located in areas where only individuals who are 21 years or older can access them.
Where approved, the community municipality receives 5% of the net revenue from the gaming machines while 25% goes to the state. The remainder of the earnings is split between the licensed establishment and the terminal operator. Each town has the ability to set their annual location fees.
Several villages near Palatine offer video gambling, including Buffalo Grove, Hoffman Estates, Barrington Hills, Long Grove and Lake Zurich. Areas that don’t allow such gaming, include Barrington, Deer Park, Rolling Meadows, Arlington Heights and Inverness.
Now that the village council has tabled the issue, Palatine Village Manager Reid Ottesen stated that a majority would have to want to reverse the status during a committee session of police policy and code services if it is to be discussed by elected officials. Currently, there are ordinances in place that prohibit gambling in the village except when charitable events take place, with these events needing to be approved by a special council.