Urbana, IL, increases VGT capacity

The proposal was passed by 4-1 after a request by sixteen local businesses.

US.- The Urbana City Council in Illinois has increased the number of video gambling terminals (VGTs) permitted in bars and restaurants from five to six.

Sixteen businesses in the county had requested the change to local legislatures on July 27, arguing that tax and fee benefits would increase by $20,520 in annual machine fees and $70,00 in annual new incremental tax revenues.

The proposal passed by  4-1. Alderwoman Maryalice Wu did not vote and Alderman Bill Brown voted against the decree.

Alderman Dennis Roberts, who voted in favour, commented: “The cat’s out of the bag as far as local gambling in Urbana. I don’t want to encourage it, but I don’t think that the city can necessarily legislate morals.”

Local tavern owner Ben Manns was pleased about the outcome of the vote. He said: “The best thing has been that the City of Urbana has been really proactive in helping local businesses, restaurants, bars in navigating this pandemic and doing everything that they can within the guidelines to keep us afloat.”