Illinois: Homer Glen Weighs Ban on Video Gambling at Truck Stops

Sports betting and casino gambling is spread across the United States with a handful of stats not offering such activities. While in general, lawmakers take decisions for gambling on a state level, different municipalities can enforce additional restrictions, implementing slight changes to the regulations to match the views of the local communities.

In a meeting last week, Homer Glen Village Board in Illinois confirmed changes to the gaming regulations in the region. Among the provisions were proposals for the prohibition of offering of gaming activities via truck stops across Village of Homer Glen. Further proposals involved changes of license and operator fees applicable for venues and providers of gaming services.

As announced by the Chicago Tribune, Trustee Sue Steilen supported the idea of prohibiting truck stops from having the ability to hold gaming licenses. She pointed to data revealing that nearly two dozen municipalities across Illinois offer gaming activities but not at truck stops. Despite Steilen’s stance, the proposal did not receive approval on Wednesday.

While some Trustees spoke for the truck stop gaming ban, others highlighted the benefits in terms of revenue. Trustee Jennifer Consolino explained that when it comes to gaming at truck stops, there are two factors that cause contradiction. On one hand, the venues help generate tax revenue while on the other, there’s too many such locations, she added.

Changes to License Fees Greenlighted

The proposal to ban gaming at truck stops did not pick up speed but other changes to the gaming ordinance received the support of the Homer Glen Village Board. The Board approved changes to the terminal operator fee, raising it from $1,000 to $3,000 per venue.

Additionally, it approved an increase in the application license fee for gaming venues from $500 per terminal to $750 per terminal. Under the existing rules, half of the fee is payable by the terminal operator while the venue with the gaming license pays the other half.

Further changes involved increasing the minimum area a business must have to offer gaming machines. While previously, some 1,500 square feet were required, the area increased to 2,000 square feet. Businesses interested in offering gaming machines must also operate for a year before applying for a license and must generate a minimum of 60% of its revenue from sales of drinks or foods. This otherwise seeks to ensure that gaming machines aren’t the primary source of income for such venues.