Keep Forest Park Competitive: Video Gaming Will Allow Businesses to Prosper

Editor's note: This letter was provided by the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce and Development. It's in support of legalizing video gaming in local establishments, a matter that will be voted on in the April 9 election. The referendum asks, "Should video gaming continue to be prohibited in the Village of Forest Park?" So this letter urges a "No" vote. 

We are writing this letter to solicit your support for legalizing video gaming in Forest Park.

Much has been written both for and against allowing video gaming. First, the transition to video gaming where allowed has basically come off seamlessly. No negative scenarios have occurred.

Second, we own a karaoke bar and restaurant in another town that has opted to allow video gaming. Since the installation of machines our business has spiked up quite handsomely. Moreover some of the restaurants and other businesses are reporting a significant “coattails effect."

There are just more customers for all businesses because the games are available. We are observing that video gaming is helping the retail end of the villages where it exists. Conversely, in areas where video gaming has not been allowed, business is softer. Many of our Forest Park taverns and even restaurants are observing that their patrons are already visiting areas where gaming is welcomed.

Third, we recently received an unsolicited offer for our machine allowed business that exceeded what it was worth before the onset of the great recession. Contrast this with a recent purchase we completed of a Madison Street business. We bought this business at 30 percent of the price that the previous owner paid. In addition we were given a significant rent reduction.

Gaming, for right or wrong, will be a significant force in determining future real estate values.

Fourth, the issue is not whether people should be allowed to gamble. Any bar, bowling alley or gas station can install lottery machines. If people want to play video poker games, they can walk across Harlem Avenue- they can simply go to our neighboring villages, and play.

The fact of the matter is that the state has put us in a bind. If a village doesn’t acceptgaming, it is going to lose monetarily. This is not about gambling, the state already allows it. Rather, it’s whether the village will allow us to prosper like our neighbors. This is a matter of Keeping Forest Park Competitive.

Not allowing video gaming, because you oppose gambling, would be analogous to not allowing a McDonald's in town because you oppose childhood obesity. Both are noble gestures but both will make very little difference.

When the state passed video gaming, it has put us at a competitive disadvantage and a fight for survival. Many of us will not be around in a couple of years if we fail. If you will support us, we would greatly appreciate it. Video gaming will help all retail and commercial establishments, not just those with gaming machines.

It also will add significant revenue to the village; revenue that can repair streets and alleys and improve our town. Those improvements will help retain our current businesses and attract new investment.

We have signs you can put in your windows. We have petitions customers and members can sign. Most importantly, we need your vote, the votes of your employees and any local residents that are supportive of voting NO—lifting the ban on Video Gaming in Forest Park.

Thank you for your consideration.

—Marty and Lynn Sorice, 
On behalf of the Keep Forest Park Competitive group

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