Villa Park joins growing list of towns banning video gambling

Villa Park is the latest on a growing list of communities that don't want video gambling.

The village board voted unanimously Monday to outlaw the machines. Trustees had considered a moratorium until the state issues its regulations, but decided instead on an outright ban.

"We're all kind of stuck because we weren't given an lot of information (by the state)," said Village President Tom Cullerton. "While the state says it could be a catchall or a fix-all, we haven't been shown how yet."

In July, Gov. Pat Quinn approved a $31 billion capital improvement package that allows video gambling unless towns take the step to ban it. Municipalities would get 5 percent of the profit from each machine.

West Chicago is holding a public discussion on video gambling at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, in City Hall, 475 Main Street. Addison voted to ban the machines until the state regulations come through, which could take 12 to 18 months. Wheaton and Winfield have already prohibited video gambling, and Warrenville's public safety and legislative committee has recommended a ban. Naperville passed a video gambling ban as well.

Cullerton said, in addition to questions about state regulations and how much revenue video gambling would actually raise, there is concern it would have "too much of a negative social effect on the town."

This doesn't mean there won't be any gambling in Villa Park, however.

The board previously gave the go-ahead to an off-track betting establishment, slated to open at North Avenue and Addison Road as early as next summer. "It's not in any of our neighborhoods; it's (near one of) the busiest intersections (North Avenue and Route 83) in Illinois," Cullerton said.

"We know who is in charge; we have more control and more authority. It's connected with a (Salerno's) restaurant. It's a whole different deal."