Arlington Heights board split on video gambling

Arlington Heights village board members are at a stalemate over whether to legalize video gambling in town.

A 4-4-1 informal vote — with Trustee Greg Zyck serving as a swing vote — came late Monday at the end of a lengthy committee meeting with public testimony both pro and con.

Restaurateurs for months have lobbied village officials for the right to install the video machines, which they say would provide an extra revenue stream to stay afloat in a tough business climate. But residents and some other business owners in the downtown contend it would be a bad image for the village.

Mayor Jim Tinaglia last year appointed Trustees Jim Bertucci and Tom Schwingbeck to co-chair a special task force to examine the issue, though critics argued the panel was primarily composed of gambling proponents.

Meanwhile, the village’s board of health recommended in January a decision on video gambling be delayed until further research on public health risks was completed and reviewed.

Zyck on Monday said his initial gut reaction was “this isn’t the right thing for Arlington Heights.” But as a business executive who has been tasked with finding new revenue streams and growing bottom lines, he said he can sympathize with business owners.

“I would like to help the businesses,” Zyck said, “but I cannot ignore the ramifications of the social aspect of this.”

While Zyck said he wasn’t ready to vote yeah or nay, the other board members stood firm on their positions.

Bertucci said restaurant owners are looking for a “fair advantage” since American Legion Post 208 is allowed to have gambling terminals and neighboring towns allow them. He argued wagering was a long-accepted practice over the near-century Arlington Park racecourse was in operation.

“Arlington Heights’ reputation in the area is one of doing gambling in a very respectable way,” Bertucci said. “People brought their families there. There’s no reason why we can’t create that in some of the restaurants that we have.”

Tinaglia added that the proposed Bears stadium redevelopment of the 326-acre former racetrack includes a proposed sportsbook.

He said video gambling would give restaurants “a tool for their toolbox” to help offset rising costs, while also benefiting village coffers to the tune of $400,000 a year in added tax revenue.

Tinaglia, Bertucci, Schwingbeck and Colin Gilbert voted in favor of the added gambling. Those opposed to the measure were Bill Manganaro, Carina Santa Maria, Robin LaBedz and Wendy Dunnington.

Dunnington said of the other suburbs with “thriving” downtowns — including Barrington, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Evanston, Glen Ellyn, La Grange, Libertyville, Naperville, Oak Park and Park Ridge — none of them allow video gambling.

“That’s what we should emulate as well,” she said. “Bringing gaming to Arlington Heights doesn’t make us unique or special. Instead it just makes us like the other towns around us.”