Plainfield says no to video gambling machines
By Madhu Mayer For The Herald-News August 13, 2012 10:52AM
A video poker player touches the screen in this file photo. The Illinois Gaming Board has ruled that legalized video gambling does not extend to private social clubs. | File photo
Updated: September 16, 2012 6:08AM
PLAINFIELD — Those who would like to play on video gambling machines inside Plainfield establishments are out of luck.
The Plainfield Village Board adopted amendments to the liquor license ordinance, which included a section that states that the community will continue with the current practice of not allowing video gambling machines inside bars.
When the board during the July 9 committee of the whole workshop reviewed amendments to the liquor license ordinance, the proposal to allow video gambling inside Plainfield establishments was shot down by the trustees, as many saw gambling as doing more harm than good for the community.
Police Chief John Konopek said some of the modifications to the ordinance also cover such items as allowing craft beer sales to start only after noon on days of special events and stopping at 11 p.m. if sold Friday and Saturday and 10 p.m. if sold Sunday through Thursday; outdoor liquor sales not allowed prior to the start of alcohol served inside the establishment; and reducing the amount of liquor that constitutes a shot from 3 ounces to 1.5 ounces, which is more consistent with the parameters in other communities.
Beginning this summer, Village President Michael Collins said the state gambling board will allow video gambling in establishments. If the village board did nothing about video gambling, Collins said the change coming from the state would have automatically gone through the ordinance.
David Hemmerik of Plainfield, who owns a bar in the western suburbs, said video gambling machines cause more problems than provide a revenue source.
“Liquor sales don’t necessarily increase because of such machines,” he said. “Gambling is not necessary for the business to thrive.”
Collins at a previous meeting said video gambling machines are not a big revenue generator for municipalities, as well.
Typically, 70 percent of proceeds are split between the bar owner and operator of the machine. The village receives about 17 percent of the revenues, and the remainder goes to the state.
