Plainfield Rejects Video Gaming Ordinance

PLAINFIELD, IL — It's an issue that comes up every few years: Should Plainfield allow video gaming in local businesses? And on Monday — just as they've done several times in recent history — Plainfield village trustees voted against allowing video gambling terminals. The 4-2 vote came after a lengthy discussion and a proposal from one trustee to approve a gaming ordinance with additional restrictions.

Plainfield Village President Mike Collins urged the board to take action on the proposal on Monday "so we're not bringing it up every every election cycle."

Trustee Ed O'Rourke suggested approving an existing proposal to allow gaming with three additional restrictions that would ban video cafes in Plainfield, require businesses to operate in the village for 18 months before becoming eligible to apply for video gaming and restricting businesses to a single sign no larger than 12" by 18" advertising video gaming.

O'Rourke and trustee Cally Larson were ultimately the only two to vote in favor of the ordinance. "I would like to see (video gaming) move forward," Larson said. "I think our business owners are owed the opportunity."

Trustee Margie Bonuchi doubled down on her opposition to video gaming. "I just think this is wrong for the village of Plainfield and I don't support it," she said.

The issue of video gaming has resurfaced multiple times since 2012 in Plainfield. Last month, trustees were scheduled to vote on a gaming ordinance but tabled the vote until January.

Patch file photo by Lorraine Swanson/Patch staff