East Dundee may go to voters for advice on video gambling

East Dundee residents may have a say in whether the village should ban video gambling in places like restaurants, bars, taverns and truck stops.

Some trustees at a committee of the whole meeting this week suggested holding an advisory referendum at the next general election to gauge public opinion. Others, though, say the issue is not referendum material and would prefer the village board make the call with the help of residents.

The village board will discuss the proposed ballot measure at its next board meeting, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21.

State lawmakers approved the use of video gambling machines beyond casinos as a way to fund the state's $31 billion capital improvement plan.

Municipalities and counties that control unincorporated areas may ban the machines at a local level, either by ordinance or ballot measure. Should the village board opt to prohibit the machines, the community would forgo a 5-percent take in revenues.

It is estimated each establishment that chose to install machines could generate about $11,000 a year for the host municipality based on state estimates. East Dundee has at least six eligible businesses.

"We are absolutely challenged for revenue, but the type of revenue you get from gambling is not revenue we would be most proud of receiving," Village President Jerald Bartels said. "Rather than make a decision and ban it, this is the type of decision that's best to get some input from residents."

However, trustees argued there are other avenues the village could use to encourage public input.

"I don't see the purpose of a referendum. This is not referendum-worthy," Trustee Michael Ruffulo said. "I would like to hear from the residents and want them to interact with the village board through e-mail or at board meetings. Unless I hear great outcry from the residents, then I would probably vote for (having video gambling)."

While Trustee Jeff Lynam also supports public debate and says a ballot measure is unneeded, he urged the board to ban video gambling.

"The cost to society is far greater than the revenues it is expected to bring in," Lynam said. "The potential harm it could cause is not worth it. The idea is to raise revenue by tapping into people's weaknesses. There are people dealing with economic hardship and this is like dangling a carrot in front of them."

So far, communities including Naperville, Rosemont, Elburn and Country Club Hills have outlawed the video gambling machines. DuPage County also banned the machines from unincorporated areas.