Push Is On For Video Gambling Machines In Chicago

The state of Illinois fell in line with dozens of other states last year when lawmakers legalized video gambling machines for bars. The state, however, left the door open for individual cities and towns to opt out of the law.

Chicago is one of the cities that took advantage of the opt-out clause. They banned the video gambling machines, but now there is an effort underway to have that decision overturned, and a radio talk show host is at the center of the movement.

Matt McGill does the morning show on WVON-AM. he introduced a "citizen's ordinance" after friends who own bars in Chicago complained about their financial situations. McGill believes that the increased revenue from the video machines would make a difference in keeping some of these bars open.

Joining in the battle is Greg Goldner, who was the former campaign manager for Mayor Daley. Goldner has given McGill some key talking points for when dealing with opponents of gambling expansion.

"We didn't want to just fight against an opt-out. We wanted to fight for a funding source for the capital bill," said Goldner, as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times, "We considered all of our options and, when Matt presented himself to us, we decided it was a good option to have a citizen introduction of the opt-in ordinance."

Throughout the US, lawmakers are scrambling for ways to deal with the effects of the economic recession. Expanding gambling has been one of the top aides to lawmakers in this battle. Casinos have been created at a record pace over the past couple of years, and video machines for bars and restaurants have become another source of revenue in many states.

February 2, 2010
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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