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- Slot Machine At Starved Rock N Roll
- Slot Machine At Starved Rockies
- Slot Machine At Starved Rock River
The Streator City Council is looking at banning video gambling machines not regulated by the state, commonly known as sweepstakes machines.
Slot Machine At Starved Rock N Roll
The Chicago Sun-Times reported in August on these machines that the Illinois Gaming Board has said are illegal but has legal roadblocks in enforcing. The Sun-Times article also listed two Streator establishments — Cali's and 50-Yard Line — as having them, along with others in the Chicago area.
These machines operate similarly to the state-licensed slot machines or video poker, among other games of chance, with cash prizes, but the businesses don't pay local or state taxes on them. The profits stay with the businesses.
Licensed video gambling businesses must pay 25 percent of profits to the state and 5 percent to the local government.
From the beginning of this year to October 2018, the city of Streator has received a share of $228,230.98 from 157 licensed machines in 34 establishments.
The City Council will discuss maintaining video gambling, but prohibiting sweepstakes machines by ordinance at a 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, study session at City Hall. Council members brought up the issue at a previous meeting, asking the city manager to research and draw up an ordinance that prohibits the non-licensed machines.
A lawyer told the Chicago Sun-Times sweepstakes machines are legally no different than any other corporate sweepstakes, because users have the option to play the machines without wagering.
Another difference between sweepstakes and video poker machines the article noted is sweepstakes machines issue winners coupons, which can be exchanged for prizes instead of cash.
Sweepstakes machines are not limited to particular businesses, showing up at laundromats in the Chicago area. They also are not regulated in how they pay out or the age of the players.
Slot Machine At Starved Rockies
While the Illinois General Assembly has been unsuccessful in regulating sweepstakes machines due to legal loopholes, municipalities can prohibit them by ordinance.
The City Council will look at an ordinance passed by the village of Flossmoor, which is a non-home rule village that allows video gambling, but prohibits sweepstakes machines.
Flossmoor's ordinance bans sweepstakes machines that 'contain an electronic screen which upon insertion of money offers an individual a random chance at winning cash or merchandise as a prize through simulations of slot machines, poker, keno and other similar gambling games. ... Once an individual has completed use of the sweepstakes machine, a ticket reflecting credits is printed and can be exchanged for cash or merchandise as a prize at the location hosting said machine or through internet services ... '
The City Council's discussion Tuesday will be during a study session, which means they will not vote on the matter until a regular meeting. Council members also will consider possible Brownfields grants for 2019 through the EPA and municipal aggregation of power utility.
Prior to the study session, the City Council will host its 2019 budget hearing.