Darien Gambling Tax Money Surging

DARIEN, IL – Darien collected nearly $260,000 in video gambling tax money in 2021, according to state statistics.

That was 18 percent more than 2019, which was the top year for local gambling tax collections.

If current rates continue this year, Darien is on track to collect about $315,000 for 2022. That would be a 20 percent annual increase.

In Illinois, 5 percent of video gambling proceeds go to local governments.

Eleven restaurants and bars in Darien have video gambling machines. The top five city tax generators in 2021 were Stella's ($57,577), Dotty's ($50,846), Zazzo's Pizza ($33,615), Q Bar ($30,092) and Darien VFW ($28,042).

Darien has used sources such as video gambling money to help keep its property tax levy the same for more than a decade. In 2020, gambling tax collections plunged in Darien, with the city getting $136,324. Because of the pandemic, the state suspended video gambling for five months that year.

Many suburbs do not allow video gambling. They include Downers Grove, Burr Ridge, Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, La Grange, Western Springs and Elmhurst.

Burr Ridge officials said this week they would like to reopen the discussion on whether to allow video gambling.

Here's what Darien has collected in video gambling money over the last nine years.

2021 $259,894
2020 $136,324
2019 $219,586
2018 $186,456
2017 $157,906
2016 $141,869
2015 $120,315
2014 $42,558
2013 $2,032

Source: Illinois Gaming Board