Lindenhurst seeking resident input on video gambling

Though video gambling could generate some needed cash, Lindenhurst village officials want to hear more from residents before deciding whether to allow it in their town.

Trustee Tim Wayne said village leaders aren't sure gambling fits with the town's family oriented culture. The village board discussed the issue at its meeting Monday night.

"For us, it's a matter of whether or not gambling is an appropriate thing for our community," Wayne said Tuesday. "The machines would be placed in family restaurants where kids will be."

Getting exact revenue figures isn't possible yet, but estimates indicate the village could collect as much as $34,000 annually from the machines. Wayne noted there are only three businesses in town where they could be placed. The three restaurants are Las Palmas, Grande Jakes and RJ's Eatery.

Kristine Pelas, the general manager of RJ's Eatery, said having the machines at the 28-year-old business might be gamble itself.

"We've talked about the pros and cons. In one way, it could help us financially. But we don't want to hurt the image of this place either," Pelas said. "If we did place them, they would go into our sports bar section and be totally separate from the main restaurant and away from kids."

Mayor Susan Lahr expressed concern about folks who might risk the family budget.

"Even if the residents want this, we have to understand the social cost of having gambling in town," Lahr said Tuesday. "It's one thing to have a gambling destination like the river boats. It's another to be able to stop on your way home from work and gamble away your paycheck."

Lahr said the board will ask Police Chief Jack McKeever for his thoughts on the issue.

The village will survey the restaurant owners and also seek the public feedback in coming weeks. The question will be posed via the village Web site and the town's e-newsletter.

Video gambling is part of a package of revenue generators for a $31 billion public works program signed into law last month by Gov. Pat Quinn.

Lindenhurst joins Gurnee, Mettawa and Buffalo Grove as towns currently debating the issue.