Video Gaming Approved in Algonquin Despite Village President’s Passionate Plea

Algonquin Village President John Schmitt asked trustees to vote against a video gaming ordinance to keep Algonquin from becoming a gambling “mecca.”

“I think this is a negative to the village of Algonquin, it’s just not what we have worked all these years to produce and to project,” Schmitt said. “I would hope we vote not to allow gaming in our community. You have to remember we have a whole lot of liquor licenses out there. We may end up being a gambling mecca.”

“I think this is a huge mistake to take on for the village,” he said.

Tuesday night’s vote was the same as last week’s informal vote with Trustees Jerry Glogowski, Jim Steigert, Robert Smith, John Spella and Debby Sosine voting yes while Trustee Brian Dianis and Schmitt voted no.

A few restaurant and bar owners in the audience applauded the board’s action following the vote.

Anyone who wants a video gaming machine will have to meet a litany of requirements. Those requirements include having employees licensed and trained to monitor gaming terminals, the terminals must be in an area away from the restaurant if it is open to all ages and signs must be posted indicant players must be 21 years or older to use the terminals.

Video gaming permits will be tied to a liquor license.

A clarification was made at Tuesday’s meeting related to violations of either a liquor or gambling license. Any violation of the village’s liquor license would automatically result in the loss or suspension of the gambling license just as any violation of the gambling license would affect a liquor license.

Any revenues Algonquin receives from video gaming to go to Parks and Rec for park upgrades, special events and other items.

Riverview Restaurant and Tavern owner Jeffrey Battaglia, who spoke in support of the ordinance during last week’s meeting, said he appreciated Schmitt’s opinion.

“He feels strongly about it,” Battaglia said. “I feel it’s our job not to disappoint him. We want to make sure we do it the right way.”

Battaglia has already started the process of applying for a state video gaming license but is not sure when Riverview will get the terminals.