Palatine Video Gambling Vote Could Happen This Summer

PALATINE, IL — Palatine village council members reviewed issues Monday night surrounding a proposal to allow video gambling at establishments across town. According to the motion reported from the village council's May 13 meeting, members did not vote on the ordinance, and asked for more details and direction on several regulations liquor license operation, hours, fees, specifics of video gaming terminals, length of establishment operation and more.

"Staff would ask for specific direction on the issues outlined above should a majority of the Council wish to proceed with formal consideration of ordinances allowing video gaming," the motion stated under several listed issues.

While village officials said no final action was expected to be taken during Monday's meeting on the measure of whether video gambling should be allowed at "liquor-serving establishments," those in attendance had the chance to share their input.

However, they are expected to vote on the ordinance this summer.

Since 2009, the councilmen have discussed the issue during January 2015, June 2017 and January 2019. In 2015, council members approved a referendum question on the April 2015 ballot, and that resulted in nearly 60 percent of voters indicating they didn't want village officials to consider allowing video gambling. During a Jan. 21, 2019 meeting council members voted to "untable" the discussion, choosing the May 13 meeting for additional consideration, the motion reported.

A copy of the draft ordinance can be found by clicking here

Patch will continue updating this story as new information comes in.