Danville leery of gambling cafes
DANVILLE - Video gambling has been a boon to social groups such as the American Legion in the eastern Illinois city of Danville. But some city leaders are less eager to allow commercially oriented gambling cafes.
Danville Mayor Scott Eisenhauer says he worries gambling cafes that some other cities allow would hurt groups such as the Knights of Columbus and the Elks.
American Legion post Commander Tom Morris says gambling machines keep the post's doors open. State reports show the machines generate about $10,000 a month.
In Champaign, one of the top gambling establishments is the commercial Lacy's Place. It has generated nearly $1.7 million in a year.
Eisenhauer says several developers are interested opening gambling cafes in Danville.
He worries gamblers might go to those establishments and skip the social clubs.