Video gaming not right for Arlington Heights

On Dec. 8, the Arlington Heights Village Board exhibited significant openness to permitting video gaming in our bars and restaurants. I want to urge village leaders and neighbors to keep video gaming out of our community. While I understand the desire to open new revenue streams for local businesses, video gaming carries costs to our long-term brand and residents that far outweigh any short-term gains.

Arlington Heights is already a destination — for residents, visitors and prospective partners. Towns that turn to video gaming often do so because they lack broader assets. We are fortunate to have a thriving downtown, highly rated schools, performing arts, a strong restaurant scene and the kind of community profile many suburbs envy.

When considering whether video gaming aligns with our future, we should look not just to our immediate neighbors but to other family-oriented communities that have high-performing downtowns and regularly draw visitors: Naperville, Hinsdale, Oak Park, Park Ridge, Libertyville, Lake Forest. These communities have made a strategic choice to protect a brand built on quality, safety and long-term appeal. Arlington Heights belongs in that group.

Video gaming disproportionately impacts poor and minority communities, produces marginal village revenue and leaves a lasting impact on our image.

Comparisons to dispensaries — a common stalking horse in the village meeting — are off point. We have two dispensaries, zoned with intention and minors are not allowed. Our neighbors that allow video gaming average 19 gaming venues (each with up to six gaming terminals) spread throughout town.

Video gaming sends the wrong signal. It suggests we are willing to trade long-term economic vision for a modest and unpredictable revenue patch. It changes the culture of establishments, diminishes neighborhood character, and does little to strengthen community life. It might be right for others, but not for Arlington Heights.

Ernest L. Rose

Arlington Heights