Carol Stream unofficially bans video poker

Carol Stream will wait to see the state's hand before making a decision on video gambling.

That means establishments looking to install such machines in the village will have to fold their plans - at least temporarily.

Carol Stream trustees passed an ordinance this week prohibiting the games without village board approval.

"The idea is to prevent anybody from installing them until the rules are in place and the village has the opportunity to assess those rules," Village Manager Joe Breinig said.

Since the Illinois Video Gaming Act legalized video gambling on July 13, the Illinois Gaming Board has been busy trying to meet a Friday deadline to establish rules to implement the law. However, the chairman of the board, Aaron Jaffe, recently said the board would work at its own pace to avoid any careless mistakes.

He estimated it could take 12 to 18 months to create the rules.

As a result, Breinig said it makes sense to delay any talk about allowing the machines.

"It's a very important issue and it deserves thoughtful consideration," he said.

Elburn already has banned the machines while Gurnee is considering it. DuPage County last month approved a ban that affects unincorporated areas.

Carol Stream officials voiced concerns that some might try to install the machines at establishments while the state board works on the rules.

Breinig said because there is support from both sides of the issue, it was important to make a preliminary decision.

"You don't want to leave this thing hanging in the balance," he said.