Village Hears From Business Owners; Will Talk Further

Six years after its ban in Mount Prospect, village officials are giving second thought to allowing video gambling.

At a committee of the whole meeting in May, village trustees are expected to be presented with a draft ordinance on what it would take to allow video gambling in Mount Prospect establishments that serve alcohol.

“As part of our due diligence, we will reach out to various communities that do not allow gaming and find out why,” Village Manager Michael Cassady said. The topic will be reviewed with members of the Economic Development Commission (EDC), he added.

Owners of Mount Prospect bars and restaurants have requested the village allow video gambling in order to remain competitive with businesses in towns where video gambling is allowed.

“These business owners are saying they are at a competitive disadvantage because patrons could go a couple blocks south into Elk Grove Village or north to Prospect Heights…these business owners see having video gaming as a competitive component,” Cassady said.

Cassady said the draft ordinance would include regulations on how the village would permit video gambling. He said no decision has been made and more discussion will need to occur before any type of formal approval. The topic of taking the question to voters through a referendum may also be discussed.

“I would support going to referendum to allow video gaming in the community,” Trustee Paul Hoefert said. “I am not sure if gaming in establishments is family oriented, but on the other hand, this type of activity is limited to restaurants that have bars and bars.”

Hoefert said what he has heard over the years from other communities that allow video gambling, is that it is a “muted” activity and some patrons do not even realize video gambling terminals are inside establishments where allowed.

“I am not a big believer in gambling because of the psychological level it plays on people, but if it’s done right and the community wants it, it can be a revenue generator,” he said. “But I never make a decision based on revenue.”

The village in recent years conducted a survey gathering input from residents and business leaders on the issue. Based on the survey results, the village approved an ordinance prohibiting video gambling in July 2012.

The Illinois General Assembly approved video gambling legislation in 2009.