Island Lake not rushing into video gambling

Island Lake trustees have decided to wait and see how well video gambling works for other Illinois communities before they commit one way or the other.

Trustees discussed the issue at Thursday’s board meeting and decided to delay a decision. Illinois legalized video gambling 2009 as a way to generate revenue, with villages making 5 percent of the profit they generate.

The law allows municipalities to opt out if they don’t want gambling in their town or if they have an ordinance prohibiting it.

Island Lake trustee Charles Cermak said he brought the matter to the board because of questions he’s been receiving from residents.

Mayor Debbie Herrmann said Island Lake trustees discussed video gambling in 2009. At that time, the board did not favor it. Thirty-five communities in Lake County have banned video gambling; only two — Lake Villa and Round Lake Heights — will allow it.

Trustee Connie Mascillino doesn’t believe video gambling would benefit the community.

“I’m just not in favor of it at all at this point,” she said.

Trustee Shannon Fox said she would need a lot more information before making up her own mind — she wants to hear the regulations set down by the Illinois Gaming Board and the pros and cons of localized gambling.

The board did not set another date to discuss it again.

“Time will tell if it’s good for our community or not,” Cermak said.