Algonquin Moves Toward Allowing Video Gaming Machines in Village

Village staff received the go ahead during a Committee of a Whole meeting Tuesday to draft an ordinance allowing video gaming machines in Algonquin. 

The COW voted 5-2 in favor of allowing the gaming machines. The ordinance changes would still need village board approval. 

The Illinois Gaming Board recently adopted administrative rules for the operation and regulation of terminals, allowing cities and villages to move ahead with video gaming. 

Under the state statute, video gaming terminals are allowed in any licensed retail establishment where liquor is served for consumption on the premises, a fraternal establishment, veteran's establishment or a truck stop. 

Under Algonquin's current ordinance, video gaming is permitted. 

Trustees opposed said allowing video gaming machines could draw the wrong kind of crowds to businesses in Algonquin. 

"I don't think we will be able to control this the way we should," Dianis said. 

Those in favor feared not approving video gaming meant some residents would take their money to nearby villages that already allow video gaming, including Lake in the Hills, which could in turn affect sales tax revenues and Algonquin's bars and restaurants. 

Several owners of bars, restaurants as well as the Illinois Golf Club in Algonquin spoke up in favor of video gaming machines. They said their struggling businesses needed the boost video gaming could bring. 

"If this doesn't go through, we will lose our business," said Tom Geshrey, owner of Main Street Billards downtown Algonquin. "There are going to be a lot more businesses that close. There are going to be more empty storefronts." 

The village of Huntley while the city of Crystal Lake adopted an that removes the city from partaking in the gambling liberties awarded through the Illinois Video Gaming Act.

The village board will next meet on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at Algonquin's Village Hall, 2200 Harnish Road.