Politics & Government
Video Gambling: Ordinance to Benefit VFW, American Legion
The first reading of a proposed amendment to the village's video gambling ordinance makes an exception for the VFW and the American Legion.
Mayor Tim Baldermann introduced the first reading of an amendment to the video gambling ordinance at the regular Village Board meeting Monday. The amendment makes an exception to the village's ban on video gambling by allowing fraternal organizations-only to operate video gaming in their establishments.
The proposed amendment works to circumvent a previous decision by the board to opt out of a collaborative partnership with the state. Last June, trustees voted 3-2 to opt out of a partnership with the Illinois General Assembly that would allow video gambling as long as the state got a cut.
A 2009 state program allowed businesses to keep between 30 and 35 percent of the profit; the village would get 5 percent, and the rest would be designated for state construction projects.
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Opponents of the state collaboration feared a state-village partnership. " said trustee Annette Bowden.
The reality of the ban was hard to swallow
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The consequences of the ban were tough to bear. In January, the VFW held an "After New Year's Party" to raise funds to support their ongoing veterans and community outreach programs. Frank Novak, VFW chief financial officer, said the ban on video games made a tight financial situation worse.
Having listened to their concerns, Village officials have put together an option to permit only licensed fraternal establishment and licensed veteran's establishments to operate or use video gaming terminals.
The mayor said he had been in talks with representatives of the VFW and the American Legion and recognizes their plight. "And it's the vets. They fought for our freedom," and deserve the opportunity to play video games in the confines of the hall.
Readers might like:
- VWF 'After New Year's Party' Fundraiser: Filling in the Shortfall after Ban on Video Gaming
Do you approve of the exception for the VFW and the American Legion? Tell us in the comments.
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