Julie Darling and John Bosca: Video gambling terminals spell bad news for Chicago
Chicago's legalization of video gambling terminals threatens casino revenue, city funds, and public safety, according to Casino Community Advisory Council members.Summary
The Chicago City Council's recent decision to legalize video gambling terminals is criticized by Julie Darling and John Bosca as a detrimental move for the city. They argue this legalization jeopardizes the agreement with Bally’s casino, potentially losing $4 million annually and a possible $260 million in casino tax revenue due to a predicted 37% reduction in gaming revenue, ultimately burdening taxpayers. The city will only gain 5.15% of revenue from terminals compared to 22.3% from the casino. Furthermore, the move undermines Chicago’s reputation as a reliable partner for businesses, potentially impacting future investments and community benefits promised by Bally’s. A significant concern is the lack of security measures in video gambling terminals compared to casinos, which could lead to increased crime and necessitate additional police resources without a plan for funding.
(Source：Chicago Tribune)