Illinois village delays gaming law

Orland Park village in Illinois State could allow a casino to boost the tourism industry.

US.- Earlier this year the Illinois Senate agreed to debate installing new casinos in different counties, considering Rockford, Danville cities, Lake County and Orland Park, Oak Lawn and Chicago Heights as potential hosts. This week, however, authorities of Orland Park decided to delay the debate.

Currently, video gaming operations in Orland Park village is prohibited under the state’s law, but the new amendment could set new rules. According to the official document, the local proposal would limit video gambling operations to bars and restaurants that have a Class A liquor license. However, two advisory referendum questions issued last month showed that residents are firmly opposed to legalising casino industry in the village.

“The ordinance, as written, incorporates many of the same limits that were part of a previous draft measure, including restricting licenses to Class A license holders that have been in business for 18 consecutive months — meant as an obstacle to video gambling cafes that offer limited food and beverage menus — and requiring video monitoring of gambling activities and imposing hefty licence fees on businesses,” explains the statement.

The new Illinois gaming framework would demand Rockford gaming establishment hand over five per cent of any revenues to be invested among local area communities, although the host city would keep 70 per cent of the amount. Winnebago County would receive 20 per cent of the total revenue, whilst Machesney Park and Loves Park communities would split the rest equally.