Video gaming will add jobs, revenue

For the first time in a quarter century, Illinois' unemployment rate has climbed above the 10 percent. Few viable solutions have been presented that will guarantee job creation and economic rebound.

That changed when Governor Quinn signed into law Senate Bill 349 which launches a $31 billion capital construction plan. A key component to fund this plan is the legalization of video gaming terminals (VGTs) in liquor pouring establishments.

I would like to address some of the misconceptions and ease some concerns regarding this legislation. Five percent of the revenues will go to local counties or municipalities on a per-capita basis. Studies indicate that a municipality with a population of 100,000 will receive between $450,000 and $675,000 annually in new revenues.

The Illinois Gaming Board will have full authority to regulate video gaming. The board has demonstrated its ability to control other gaming industries in Illinois and this measure will guarantee the tax revenues and the integrity of the system. The new law requires extensive criminal and financial background investigations of manufacturers, distributors, operators and locations; similar to those already in place for riverboat owners and operators.

The bill has strict age controls in place to ensure access only to adults 21 years of age and older and limits each location to a maximum of five. Failures in other states were directly related to the lack of restrictions. Finally, there is no evidence the introduction of video gaming has affected revenues of existing gaming income.

In fact, Louisiana's, gaming revenues are up since video poker was introduced in 2000 - the state lottery by 35 percent, racetracks by 300 percent, casinos by 75 percent, and riverboats by 26 percent. It's imperative that the citizens of Illinois support this legislation. It will help our state economy rebound, provide much needed jobs, and create a new source of revenue for our local governments while rebuilding our state's deteriorating infrastructure.

Tom Fiedler

President

Illinois Coin Machine Operators Association