Illegal Gambling Machines In Elmhurst Removed: Police

ELMHURST, IL – An Elmhurst gas station removed gambling machines after local officers said they violated a city ordinance, police said.

The machines were at Power Market, 572 W. Lake St., according to a police report obtained by Patch.

Elmhurst bars gambling machines at businesses.

On Nov. 21, an officer was called to the gas station about the machines.

The clerk told the officer that the "sweepstakes" machines were installed a day earlier.

He said Orem, Utah-based Kiosk Guys rented the space for the machines and was responsible for them, the report said. He also said Kiosk Guys assured the station that it was licensed to install the equipment.

The officer ordered the station to unplug the machines until it obtained the proper license. The clerk agreed to do so.

The next day, the owner told police he signed a contract with Kiosk Guys and that the company said it would take care of all licensing, according to the police report.

A representative of Kiosk Guys told the police the machines were "sweepstakes promotional kiosks" and were not for gambling.

The representative also said Elmhurst does not have a ban on such machines under the state's sweepstakes law, the report said. He also said customers could play by paying money or for free.

Police determined the machines violated the city's ordinance on video gambling.

On Dec. 8, an officer found the machines were no longer at the station. The officer was told the owner wanted them gone if the city did not approve them.