Antioch weighs pros, cons of video gaming

ANTIOCH -- It's time to put the idea of video gaming as a revenue generator on the table, said Mayor Lawrence Hanson.

With a potential 15 qualified businesses that could install video gaming machines, the village could realize $182,000 in annual revenue if each business has five machines.

But the benefits of the state-sanctioned and regulated revenue generator might not outweigh the negatives, village officials agree.

"You can go positive or negative with this, and at this point we have nothing to lose or gain, but personally I don't like gambling and I would stay away from it," Hanson said.

Some municipalities are already prohibiting the video gambling machines, with Lake County the latest to ban the machines in unincorporated areas.

The state gaming board is only just beginning to discuss regulations, said village management analyst Jim Parks. Nine of the 15 eligible businesses are interested in the machines.

If Antioch wants to consider allowing machines in local businesses that hold liquor licenses, they can just wait the estimated 12 to 18 months it will take for the state to adopt regulations. If the village does not opt out, citizens can call for a referendum.

If Antioch allows it, the businesses seeking to qualify for machines need to do more than pay for a license, said Parks.

"Each establishment will become a mini-casino in the eyes of the state, and each will have to pass an FBI character check, not just a background check. It appears the state will regulate this carefully," Parks said. "We are a long way off from this becoming a reality. It is a revenue source, but there will be added costs to the community."

"Video gaming is not real. I am not feeling the love for this," said George Sakas. "Our legislators in Springfield could not provide us with a budget, so at the last minute they said let's throw some gaming in there, and this is supposed to solve our capital improvement program in Illinois. I see it as dangerous."

"We know the county has opted out and most indications are it is a lousy way to take care of incompetent management in Springfield," said Trustee Dennis Crosby. "I am disappointed with this state for even trying to make this happen."

"We need to talk about it. Now we know our thoughts and concerns," said Hanson. "We are out in the open and not hiding from it. There are a lot of issues to consider and at this point it looks like a doubled edged sword."