Roselle residents speak out on video gambling

As Roselle residents speak for and against video gambling, village officials agree they must do more research before deciding whether to pass a ban in Roselle.

The Roselle village board met Monday to begin its first discussions on the measure, which could potentially bring in up to $120,000 in state-mandated revenue from the machine's profits, officials said.

Six local residents attended the meeting, with four decrying the gambling machines and two supporting the measure's revenue benefits.

Paul Goodwin, commander of American Legion Post 1084, argued the revenue could boost funds for the legion's charity endeavors for veterans, such as the Gifts to the Yanks program, and sponsorship of village events like the Rose Parade.

"Post 1084 is a private club. We have controlled access, so safety and security issues that affect other establishments would not apply," Goodwin said.

In Illinois, video gambling is allowed under a massive capital improvement package approved in July by Gov. Pat Quinn. The machines are expected to bring in $367 million annually to help pay for infrastructure projects.

Roselle has 16 establishments with liquor licenses that each would be eligible for five machines.

Village President Gayle Smolinski said a more realistic revenue projection is $40,000 to $80,000 per year, since it is unlikely all 16 businesses would opt for five machines.

Smolinski and Trustee Terrence Wittman both agreed they hoped Roselle could create an ordinance exempting veterans' groups from a video gambling ban, since they already are permitted to have pull tab gambling in their posts. Village attorney James Knippen said he will research the possibilities.

"The presentation by the American Legion makes sense and they already have a precedent since they have the pull tabs," Wittman said. "I don't know if we can tweak it or allow it for a private establishment that has a controlled membership. But if we say yes (villagewide), we would be the island that would be allowing it, and I don't know if we want that."

But several residents, including Julie Cox, are concerned about the potential social consequences of video gambling, such as addiction and crime.

"I think it's a very slippery slope," she said. "I'd like to see if we could find another way to earn the money."

The village board agreed to make a decision on a ban before Jan. 1.