DuPage County May Lift Video Gambling Ban

WHEATON, IL — On Tuesday, DuPage County officials will meet to discuss whether or not to end a ban on video gambling throughout the county. Video game gambling has been banned in DuPage County since 2009, but some local business owners think video gambling machines could be an economic asset to the community.

The DuPage County finance committee is set to meet Tuesday, June 13 at 7:30 a.m. to discuss the matter. According to Daily Herald, the committee may take a vote on a recommendation that same day. The initial ban came soon after Illinois legalized video gambling, at a time when officials worried it could lead to social issues.

Now, the finance committee must consider the additional income video gambling could bring to the area, as the county would yield a mandatory 5% of annual revenue from participating venues. The Daily Herald reports that the county could gain up to $250,000 in additional revenue if the ban on video gambling machines is lifted.

Several bars and restaurants throughout the county could benefit from the business generated by video gambling, proponents argue, but opponents worry that the welfare of local residents is at stake, Chicago Tribune reported.

Do you think the video gambling ban should be lifted? Let us know in the comments.

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