Video Gambling Proposal Gets Second Chance In Palatine

PALATINE, IL — Video gambling is back on the table after the village council agreed to plan a May discussion to revisit its opposition to permitting video gambling in Palatine. The meeting is set for May 13.

The council voted this week to revive talks it tabled in June 2017. Dave Gagner, owner of JL's Pizza & Sports Bar, petitioned council members to reconsider the issue, the Daily Herald reported.

In April 2015, Palatine residents soundly rejected an advisory referendum that would permitted bars and restaurant owners to operate video gambling machines. The issue has persisted since then , the Herald reported. The American Legion Post 690 and Lamplighter Inn Tavern and Grille also have advocated for video gambling.

Illinois permits bars, restaurants, truck stops and fraternal organizations to install up to five machines on their grounds, and they are to be accessible to people 21 and older only.

Revenue from them is split. About five percent would be allocated to the village. The state receives 25 percent. Business owners and terminal operators share the rest.

Mount Prospect, Rolling Meadows, Wheeling, Lake Zurich, Hoffman Estates, Long Grove and Buffalo Grove permit some form of video gambling, the Herald reported.

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