Many towns already ban video gambling

While many towns are adopting ordinances to specifically ban video gambling within their borders, as provided for in the recent act authorizing video gambling in Illinois, in many cases their existing ordinances broadly banning forms of gambling would serve the same purpose. This is because, in their haste to pass this act, the authors did not pre-empt home rule authority to override those towns' existing ordinances which would seemingly ban video gambling.

While I encourage every town to adopt an ordinance specifically banning video gambling, it will be interesting to see how the Illinois Gaming Board will view the matter. After all, they will be the ones to license establishments hoping to offer this activity. Will they consider an ordinance that fails to specifically mention "video gaming" in its broad language banning forms of gambling to deny an applicant? If not, you can surely bet (no pun intended) that the Gaming Board would be challenged in court.

In short, this act is just another example of an ill-conceived, poorly written, hastily crafted piece of legislation. If they had taken the time to sufficiently debate the issue and solicit public opinion before ramming it through in lightning speed, they would not be facing the backlash they are facing now. They should save themselves further embarrassment by simply repealing this law and try to learn from their mistakes.

Mark Evenson

Palatine