Batavia approves ban on video gambling

Batavia, too, is banning video gambling.

Not so much because the city council has issues with the morals of gambling, but rather because it doesn't like the way the state is regulating the industry and that the state has turned to gambling to solve the problem of paying for capital improvements such as road and bridge repairs.

The city council voted 10-4 in favor of the ban Monday night. Aldermen Alan Wolf, Lisa Clark, Garran Sparks and Dave Brown voted against the measure.

"It is a very poor way to pay for the necessary infrastructure improvements in this state," because it just redistributes money instead of generating it, Alderman Jim Volk said.

Alderman Victor Dietz said he doesn't trust the state right now to adequately regulate video gambling.

"The legislature gambled we would be as greedy as they are to rush for the easy money of video poker. They are simply not a trustworthy partner for a gambling venture," Dietz said.

The Illinois Gaming Board is responsible for coming up with rules, establishing an electronic monitoring system and licensing the machines. Bars, lodges, truck stops and restaurants with liquor licenses could have up to five machines apiece. A bill appropriating money to do so awaits the Gov. Pat Quinn's signature.

Mayor Jeff Schielke and Volk both said Batavia's vote should "send a message" to state legislators.

"This thing just represents a huge discombobulation on the part of Illinois that there is going to be this revenue source to pay that $31 billion bond issue. ... It should cause some reality checks to take place down in the Capitol dome, " Schielke said.

But Wolf said he wanted more information about how the state is going to regulate video gambling before voting for or against it; he also doubts the state ever will get around to coming up with the electronic system required to monitor the machines, their operators and the customers.

Alderman Michael O'Brien worries Batavia bars, restaurants and lodges might be at a competitive disadvantage if neighboring towns don't ban the machines.

Neither North Aurora nor Geneva have discussed the matter. Elburn has banned it, as has DuPage County. Kane County's video gambling task force has recommended the county board allow the machines.

O'Brien reluctantly voted for the ban after being reassured the city could rescind the ban later.