Libertyville latest to ban video gambling

You can add Libertyville to the "no" column when it comes to video gambling.

The village board on Tuesday unanimously approved a ban on video poker machines or similar devices.

It's the latest government agency in the area to adopt such a prohibition and the second to do so Tuesday. The Lake County Board approved such a ban for unincorporated areas earlier in the day.

Buffalo Grove, Kildeer, Mettawa and Hawthorn Woods are among the local communities that have taken similar steps. Outside of Lake County, the Naperville, Elmhurst and Rosemont boards and the DuPage County Board are among those with new bans.

The local actions were prompted by state lawmakers' decision this summer to legalize video gambling in bars, clubs and restaurants to help fund a $31 billion public-improvement plan.

The Libertyville board's 6-0 vote followed recommendations from the village's license and permits committee and from village administrators.

Although Police Chief Pat Carey had said the machines likely wouldn't noticeably increase crime in town, some officials had said the machines' revenue wouldn't be worth the potential problems they might bring.

No one from the public spoke about the proposal before the vote, Village Administrator Kevin Bowens said.