Elburn joins ban on video gambling

Elburn has joined the list of communities banning video gambling.

The village board voted 4-2 Tuesday to do so. Trustees Gordon Dierschow and Jerry Schmidt voted against the measure.

Bars that already have video game machines that can be played only for entertainment, not for a payout, will be allowed to keep those machines, village President David Anderson said.

Trustee William Grabarek proposed Elburn's ban. He said he worries the state may take away towns' ability to ban the machines, the revenue expected has been overstated, and the state hasn't figured out how it would regulate the machines.

He also doesn't think it fits with Elburn's effort to be a wholesome, family oriented town. If Elburn is later satisfied with the state's plans, it could repeal the ban, he said.

The state legislature this summer authorized video gaming in businesses, clubs and fraternal organizations that have a liquor license, with a portion of revenues going to pay for capital improvements throughout the state.

The state gaming board was given a 60-day deadline to come up with how it is going to regulate the gaming, and cities and villages were given 90 days to enact a ban if they wished. State gaming officials have said they think it could take at least 18 months to formulate their regulations, however.