Libertyville asked to delay video gambling decision

The possibility of video gambling in Libertyville has stirred debate, and village officials are being asked to wait a month before making a decision.

An ordinance amending regulations to allow video gambling is on the village board agenda for tonight, but Mayor Terry Weppler said he will ask that a vote be delayed.

"We've gotten a lot of input and I'm going to ask the board to defer the decision for 30 days," Weppler said Monday. "A lot of people are concerned and want us to look at it further before we make a decision."

Ten pastors have signed a letter to the village board saying video gambling has the potential to diminish the "quality and character of the kind of community we seek to foster." The pastors say they "discourage approval" of the measure and at the least want a delay to discuss it with area leaders.

"Our concern has to do with the character of the community more than the particulars of financial gain," said Brian Paulson, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Libertyville.

"The issue is what kind of community do we have here?"

Weppler said he has received dozens of emails and phone calls on the issue, which surfaced in July when the board's license and permits committee considered a request by Ed Downing, owner of Downing's Tavern, 431 S. Milwaukee Ave., to install the machines.

Trustees discussed the committee's findings a month ago and directed the village staff to prepare the paperwork to allow video gambling. The Illinois Video Gaming Act allows the practice at licensed businesses where liquor is served on premises and at truck stops and fraternal or veterans establishments.

Trustees at the time did not tip their hands, but board member Drew Cullum said his biggest concern was signage.

As prepared, the ordinance says no signs identifying the "existence or availability" of video gambling terminals should be visible from outside an establishment.

It also calls for the licensee to file with the village clerk a copy of its agreement with the terminal operator, and it says any violations of the Video Gaming Act could lead to revocation of the license.

Weppler said bar owners were given time to make their presentation and the general public should get the same consideration.

"It's been all the way from 'Please reconsider' to 'If you approve that we won't go to any restaurants,'" Weppler said about the comments he's heard.

Anita Bedell, executive director of the Illinois Church Action on Alcohol & Addiction Problems, said machine owners and the establishments, which split 70 percent of the take, stand to benefit the most.

Communities receive 5 percent of the revenue.

"That won't begin to pay for the cost to the families and the community," she said.

Libertyville officials estimate five to 10 businesses in town might apply for a video gambling license.