Poker Writer
Chicago remains split on a decision to lift the ban on video gaming terminals (VGTs). The City Council, alderpersons, and Mayor Brandon Johnson have all contributed to the debate, but proponents have gotten the ball rolling, and VGTs appear to be on the way.
The long-standing debate had a new wrinkle on Thursday, when the License Committee rejected attempts by mayoral allies on the City Council to prohibit gambling terminals in their wards.
One of the council members, Jason Ervin, attempted to defer the local bans, sensing he was up against the odds. Many from the License Committee support a budget that includes revenue from VGTs. The budget was passed at the end of 2025.
The proposal of Individual ward bans were comprehensively defeated by votes of 16-2 and 14-3.
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Ervin was angered by the process of the vote and how the local alderpersons’ wishes appeared to be dismissed. He claimed it was a breach of the unwritten rule known as the “aldermanic prerogative.” He told the Chicago Sun-Times:
I have never in my 15 years in the Council [seen] a ward-based matter done in this manner. This is highly unusual. We do have some level of tradition… and I guess if we’re throwing all of that out of the window… I’m asking that you guys hold this in committee. I don’t know what the rush is on moving something that the alder put in, and the alder is asking to be held in committee.
Revenue vs. Risk in Chicago VGT Debate
Many council members and alderpersons want the VGTs to enter their wards for the revenue. The suburbs of Chicago have long collected revenue from them. In many cases, the suburbs are receiving far more revenue than the city’s border wards.
But other aldermen, like Ervin and five others, believe the VGTs bring too much risk to a ward. One of the reasons is the increase in burglaries and violence surrounding the areas that have the gaming terminals.
One of the other five alderpersons who is against VGTs, Jessie Fuentes, believes that the ban is a citywide issue and should be handled with a citywide appeal. But she also said ward-by-ward bans are the best option in the interim and should have been permitted by the council. She was vehemently against the council’s decision:
I have a ward that struggles a great deal with gambling addiction and drug addiction. Having accessible gambling terminals around the corner poses serious health concerns for my constituents….I’m super upset that they chose this route. I wouldn’t do it to any alderman who’s trying to do what’s best for their ward
Casino interests are also going to be less than pleased with the VGTs. Since they pull customers away from the Chicago-area casinos, they’ll cost the retail properties money.
Already, Bally’s has made noise about the need to renegotiate its deal with the city in light of the VGTs. Bally’s contends that the VGTs will cost the city $70 million in yearly tax revenue, along with eliminating as many as 1,000 union jobs.
