Batavia panel opposes video gambling ban

A Batavia council committee has decided not to recommend the city ban video gambling.

The government services committee this week voted 5-2 on the matter. Aldermen Victor Dietz and Forrest Nelson cast the "nay" votes.

The discussion now moves to the full city council, which next meets Oct. 19.

The committee invited bar, restaurant, lodge and club owners to speak to it, since these are the places where video gambling is allowed, under a state law passed earlier this year.

The state law gives municipalities a limited time in which to ban the machines.

Nelson said he opposes allowing video gambling "mostly based on the social cost. I do not think in a bedroom community, it is appropriate in restaurants," he said. Constituents who have spoken to him have uniformly said they don't want the machines in town.

He does see why it could be attractive for other aldermen, however. "On the revenue side, it's a pretty good deal for the city," he said of video gambling. A portion of each machine's proceeds would go to the city; based on estimates supplied by the state, that could mean $230,000 for Batavia's general fund, according to a staff memo.

In other business Tuesday, the committee recommended that city liquor laws be changed to match state liquor laws regarding whether felons can get liquor licenses. The city attorney advised there could be constitutional problems, because Batavia code does not allow felons to even apply for a license, unlike the state.

If the city council approves the change, "Now you can apply. You still may not get one," Nelson said. The measure passed unanimously and it moves to the council.