Local debates needed on video poker

Are video poker machines the "crack cocaine" of gambling? Or will legalizing them help to regulate them and to gain needed money for state construction projects?

Unfortunately, the state Legislature, when it approved the legalization of approximately 45,000 video poker machines (and the potential of up to $400 million in state taxes), didn't address these questions fully.

Instead, they sent Gov. Patrick Quinn legislation that allows five machines of any kind of video gambling in every licensed liquor establishment (including restaurants), truck stop, fraternal club or veterans club. The video gaming is part of a larger bill that also increases taxes on beer, wine and liquor and increases vehicle fees to pay for a $29 billion construction spending plan.

There is no doubt the state needs a capital spending plan to improve roads and bridges and schools. But is this the way to do it? Were all options considered and studied. We question whether that's true.

But since the debate wasn't played out fully in Springfield, we urge every community to have that debate back home. The law, if signed by Quinn, allows communities to opt out of video poker and its lure of local revenue.

It would have been better, we believe, to have communities opt in rather than opt out - if they do nothing, the machines will be allowed - but we're satisfied that most suburban mayors plan to discuss the issue with their municipal boards or councils.

A story elsewhere in today's Daily Herald by political writer Joseph Ryan shows that many of the suburbs' top elected leaders are worried about this latest proliferation of gambling in the state and in their communities. Others don't have an opinion yet. Some also worry that if they say no and their neighbors allow video gaming, it puts businesses in their towns at a disadvantage.

"I just feel this is a bad idea," said Arlington Heights Mayor Arlene Mulder.

"Video poker is legal already," said Des Plaines Mayor Marty Moylan. "it's just that the payouts are not legalized."

Said Naperville Mayor George Pradel: "I think at this point this is really something new for us in a way. I would go to our legislators and business community before making a decision with our council. I think we need to hear from them and listen to them as far as what the ramifications would be for that and what the plusses and minuses would be."

We like that approach. Open up the discussion and make an informed decision. Have a vote in every community.

In Naperville, for example, state Rep. Darlene Senger voted yes on this legislation because she said Naperville would benefit by long-needed improvements to Route 59.

Will residents agree? Have a public forum and find out. The stakes are too high - both on the pro and con sides - not to debate this topic fully.