Politics & Government

Video Gaming Coming Soon to Algonquin

The village board's decision to move ahead with allowing video gaming is a relief for restaurant and bar owners.

 

Randy Errington doesn’t own a restaurant or bar in Algonquin, but he feels strongly that the village should allow video gaming.

He owns the property where Main Street Billiards is located. Errington has been trying to convince his tenant to stay on at the location and sign a five-year lease. The problem is the tenant doesn’t have the ability to compete against restaurants and bar in neighboring villages without video gaming, Errington said Tuesday as his voiced his support for the idea before the village board.

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Video gaming is generating about $8,800 for restaurants and bars in Illinois, where terminals have been placed, he said, citing state statics.

“We are not talking about something shady, we are not talking about something that is not allowed,” Errington said. “We probably have bingo nights at churches and casino nights. That is also gambling,” he said.

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Following a year long waiting period, debates on the merits and listening to businesses owners' plea, Algonquin is ready to take its first steps toward allowing video gaming.

The village of Algonquin Board of Trustees voted Tuesday night 5-2 to proceed with an ordinance allowing video gaming in Algonquin. Village staff will now work on drafting the ordinance, which would then return to the village board for a vote.

 “I am not a strong proponent of video gaming,” Trustee Jim Steigert said. “However, I’ve gone over and looked at everything. Quite frankly, these video machines look fairly innocuous. It doesn’t look like it will turn into a Sodom and Gomorrah,” he said, adding he wants to come down on the side of businesses.

Mayor John Schmitt and Trustee Brian Dianis were steadfast in their opposition to video gaming. Many businesses are struggling, but video gaming will not necessarily help those owners, he said. “Why shouldn’t a salon have video gaming? I am concerned this is a foot in the door kind of thing,” he said.

For his part, Schmitt does not feel video gaming would reflect well on Algonquin. “I think it’s a negative for our community,” he said.

But Trustee Bob Smith had a different perspective. Video gaming can help small businesses an opportunity to level the playing field and will help keep businesses from closing.

“I would say boarded up businesses says a lot more about a community than having a few video terminals tucked away,” Smith said.


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