Gambling Cafes Targeting Women Could Open in Chicago Area

Dozens of gambling establishments targeting women, with names like Stella's Place and Dotty's, are slated to open in the Chicago area in coming months, according to the Chicago Tribune. 

The Lake in the Hills Board of Trustees in July approved the liquor license for Stella's Place in the same strip mall as Starbuck's and Noodles & Company in LITH, according to the July 25 village board minutes. 

Village administrator Gerald Sagona said in an e-mail construction should start on Stella's Place once the business receives a state gaming license.

Laredo Hospitality Ventures, which currently operates a Stella's Place in Hoffman Estates, is looking to open a Lake in the Hills gaming cafe in the former WineStyles location at 319 N. Randall Road. 

Stella's Place cafe would serve breakfast, appetizers, sandwiches, a selection of coffee drinks, wine and beer. It would offer video gaming, but the state would operate the machines, turning them on and off according to permitted gaming hours.

Some critics to such gaming cafes claim they "prey on women" while proponents say they bring in revenue for communities while not causing the same types of problems as bars and taverns, according to the Chicago Tribune. 

As many as 80 such operations could open in the Chicago area, according to the article. 

Video gambling has been live in the Chicago suburbs for about a year and hundreds of video gaming terminals are now up and running in restaurants and businesses throughout the suburbs. See which communities allow video gambling in our map.

• READ MORE: How Popular is Video Gambling in the Algonquin, LITH Area?