Ill. rings up $1M from video gambling in Nov.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois and local cities and towns are starting to cash in on new video gambling terminals.

The Southern Illinoisan reports that the state took in nearly $1 million in additional income in November from more than 1,400 video terminals.

More than $191,000 was distributed to towns and cities where the machines are located.

Video gambling became legal in bars, clubs and truck stops in October.

November’s totals are nearly three times the amount generated in October, when just 714 terminals were operating across the state. And more terminals are on the way.

Early projections show the state could eventually see an estimated $375 million in annual income from the machines.

The state’s proceeds are earmarked for construction projects. There are no restrictions on how cities use the money.