By Ken Manson, Special to the Tribune
June 21, 2012
Elk Grove Village has joined the ranks of Chicago suburbs betting on video gambling.
But the village vows "tough oversight" to ensure that those under 21 don't get access to the machines.
Village trustees voted unanimously this week to allow businesses that have liquor licenses to apply for state video gambling permits. The move was opposed by some residents and a church group.
The establishments would be required to seek a village gambling license. Rules, fees and potential penalties for violators are still being sorted out, though Village President Craig Johnson said he expects fees to be "significantly more than $25 per machine."
The fee will cover extra policing to enforce age and other restrictions, Johnson said.
Among those opposing the machines was Nancy Duel, chairwoman of the anti-gambling task force of the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church, which includes Prince of Peace Church in Elk Grove Village. She said video gambling "may improve the revenue of a few local businesses while it hurts some families and takes money away from other businesses."
But Don Kontos, owner of Where Else Bar and Grill, said that if Elk Grove Village doesn't allow the machines, "they'll be in neighboring towns, and we'll lose business."
"There's no easy decision; both sides have legitimate points," Johnson said before Tuesday's vote. "We try to do what we think is in the best interest of the community."
Elk Grove Village has no stand-alone bars. Most businesses holding liquor licenses are restaurants; others include a bowling alley, an off-track betting parlor and nonprofits like the VFW Hall. Only businesses with liquor licenses for on-site consumption, not convenience stores, can apply for state video gambling licenses.