On July 13, Governor Quinn signed the bills that comprise the capital bill. One aspect of the bill is the Video Gaming Act which provides for the introduction of video gaming at licensed liquor establishments where liquor is served for consumption, veterans and fraternal organizations and truck stops.

Below are some highlights of the act.

• Each eligible establishment is allowed to have up to five video gaming machines (unless the Illinois Gaming Board allows more).
• A municipality may opt out of allowing video gaming in their jurisdiction through:
  • Passage of an ordinance
  • Ballot referendum (next election cycle - February)
• A gaming license will be required and will only be allowed in liquor pouring establishments.
• Gaming devices must be located in an area restricted to persons over 21 years of age the entrance to which is within the view of at least one employee who is over 21 years of age.
• No gaming is allowed within 100 feet of a school or place of worship.
• Of the 51 total licensed liquor establishments within Mount Prospect (not including package liquor sales) all meet the geographic criteria of the law (not within 100 feet of school or place of worship).
• Some establishments may be unable to meet the "21 Years of Age" restrictions due to their interior physical layout.

The projected revenue for the Village would be $175,000 to $270,000 annually (amount based on typical return of similar machines in another state).

As a result of discussions at the September 8, 2009 Committee of the Whole meeting, it was the consensus of the Village Board to adopt an ordinance establishing a moratorium on the use of said terminals within Mount Prospect until such time as the State Gaming Board issues final rules pursuant to the act.

The Village Board is seeking input from residents and business owners on this subject. We ask that only RESIDENTS or BUSINESS OWNERS of Mount Prospect respond to the survey.

Click Here to take survey