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Upward Trend Continues For Video Gaming

Jenna Dooley
/
WNIJ

Video gaming continues to grow in popularity across Illinois. Over the past year, the number of video gaming terminals statewide more than doubled. 

                                                              July 2013                                  July 2014

# Video Gaming Terminals                8,808                                             17,954

Amount Played (statewide)                $328,506,879.49                        $690,954,389.52

Monthly Report-Illinois Gaming Board

Joe Schatteman is the Deputy Legislative Director for the Illinois Municipal League. He says there's concern that some businesses are working around the original intent of the law. He points to a flower shopthat began offering a wine bar and video gaming.  

IML Legislative Update: Has Video Gaming Been a Winning Bet for the State and Municipalities?

Schattemansays municipalities are taking a closer look at what types of retailers should be allowed to apply for permits. He says that may lead to additional scrutiny. The additional scrutiny, he says, may lead to the number of gaming terminals leveling off in communities across the state of Illinois.

"We've had inquiries from a couple members of the General Assembly to say, 'What can municipalities do to additionally regulate acts in terms of whether it's the number of video gaming terminals, whether it's the location of the business, or whether it's the type of business itself?'"

He says there also is concern that these permits will be issued in more family-friendly establishments.

"There's nothing wrong with liquor licenses, but do you want video gaming in Chuck E. Cheese's?" Schatteman said. "Many people would probably say 'no.' Under the Video Gaming Act, there's nothing prohibiting Chuck E. Cheese's from getting video gaming. I'm not saying that Chuck E. Cheese's ever wants to get gaming, but I think they [municipalities] are looking at 'What do we do when that line is crossed?'"

Schatteman says there also could be modifications to the law itself.

According to John Patterson, a spokesman for Senate President John Cullerton, “The Senate President has never been a fan of the video gaming law. Unfortunately, Republican leaders insisted on it. Now that it’s here, if local officials believe changes are needed, he would welcome their recommendations.”

The president of the Illinois Gaming Machine Operators Association says video gaming in Illinois has proved to be both a regulatory and technical success. According to Michael Gelatka, "Video gaming is making a difference locally around Illinois, supporting businesses by keeping cash local and helping rebuild communities economically.  In turn, the tax revenues realized from video gaming are helping Illinois make significant infrastructure improvements."

The Video Gaming Act was approved in 2009. Officials began accepting applications for permits in 2012. Communities are allowed to opt out of the law.

Jenna Dooley has spent her professional career in public radio. She is a graduate of Northern Illinois University and the Public Affairs Reporting Program at the University of Illinois - Springfield. She returned to Northern Public Radio in DeKalb after several years hosting Morning Edition at WUIS-FM in Springfield. She is a former "Newsfinder of the Year" from the Illinois Associated Press and recipient of NIU's Donald R. Grubb Journalism Alumni Award. She is an active member of the Illinois News Broadcasters Association and an adjunct instructor at NIU.
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