video gambling

As state lawmakers again consider expanding the number of casinos in the state, Springfield could wind up in the mix. 

Two companies that own video gambling parlors have sued the Illinois Gaming Board to challenge rules that require them split profits with the companies that operate the gambling machines.
 
The lawsuit argues that the nearly 6,000 parlors in the state could reinvest more in their businesses if they weren't required to divide their profits.
 
The lawsuit was filed in Cook County by the owners of the Dotty's Cafe, Stella's Place and Shelby's gambling-parlor chains.
 

Data from industry experts and the state of Illinois show video gaming has generated about $785 million in state and local tax revenue since the machines were legalized four years ago.  The number of establishments in Illinois that allow the machines has grown as well - with 5,600 businesses having machines.

A measure that would expand “video gaming” in the state passed out of a House committee today. It would allow licensed businesses that create alcoholic beverages to also have a gaming license.

It would apply to a Tilton business called Rumshine, which makes flavored rum, as well as other craft distillers across the state that want to offer the video gambling machines.

Anita Bedell, a long-time anti-gambling activist, says there are already too many video gambling sites – and they take advantage of people who are already poor:

The Illinois Gaming Board has rejected video license applications for operators who'd envisioned opening several businesses in a half-vacant strip mall outside Chicago.  

The City of Peoria is considering how to handle video gambling cafes. The council's policy session on the subject came about three hours into last night's meeting.

The sponsor of a plan that would allow a video gambling corporation to monitor games across Illinois says he expects a final vote by the end of the week. Illinois issues a contract with a private company to make sure video gambling games follow state guidelines. State law currently prevents a game manufacturer from filling that role. But Representative Frank Mautino says Scientific Games, a national gaming corporation, submitted the bid before that law went into effect.