Video gambling machine legalization in Chicago clears hurdle, state says
Chicago's legalization of video gambling machines has advanced after Mayor Johnson allowed the measure to proceed, prompting the state to begin accepting applications.Summary
The legalization of video gambling machines in Chicago has overcome a significant obstacle as Illinois began accepting applications from businesses seeking to operate them. This followed City Clerk Anna Valencia’s notification to the Illinois Gaming Board after Mayor Brandon Johnson refrained from vetoing the plan, which was approved by the City Council as part of the 2026 budget. The move is expected to generate substantial revenue for the city, estimated in the hundreds of millions of dollars, according to Alderman Anthony Beale. However, the legalization has faced opposition, particularly from those concerned about potential negative impacts such as gambling addiction, increased burglaries, and competition with the Bally’s Casino, which threatened to reduce its annual payments to the city. Alderman Walter Burnett has also called for regulations to address safety and mental health concerns, and to ban sweepstakes machines operating illegally in the city. Despite these concerns, proponents argue that legalizing and regulating the machines will provide much-needed revenue and displace illegal gambling operations.
(Source：Chicago Tribune)