Kane County Becomes Latest To Ban Video Gambling In Illinois

Lawmakers in the state of Illinois thought that they were doing a good thing when they allowed video gambling machines at bars. It turns out, the lawmakers may have been the only ones who thought that the expanded gambling was a good idea.

Kane County became the latest to ban the video gambling machines on Tuesday. The vote was much closer than in other counties, but the 12-11 vote was enough to keep the machines away. There have been many counties and towns that have opted to keep video gambling out of their areas.

"These machines are designed to be addictive," said Kane County Board Member Drew Frasz. His sentiment that the state was simply looking to increase revenue, not worrying about the social troubles that could come with expanded gambling, has been one that is shared by many people in Illinois.

While these towns and counties are banning the video gambling machines, however, other states are expanding their casino gambling options at a record pace. Without the machines, Illinois residents will continue to go to other states to spend their entertainment gambling money. That is something lawmakers were attempting to curb.

The state gave counties a grace period to ban the video gambling machines. That grace period is almost up, and when the final rules are published for the video gambling law, it may become nearly impossible to ban the machines. That is why a vote to postpone today's vote was shot down by Kane County board members.

December 9, 2009
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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