Video gaming passes first step

Comments (...)

E-mail this story

Print this story

Comments

Share

GENEVA – Kane County is one step closer to video gambling after a reluctant panel recommendation.

With three members of the County Board’s Video Gaming Task Force present, they voted 2-1 to allow video gambling in unincorporated Kane County.

Member Drew Frasz, R-Elburn, cast the one dissenting vote.

He expressed concerns that a casual trip to the local bar for a few drinks could cost patrons their grocery money if they act on impulse just because the gambling machines are available.

Casinos on the other hand, he said, “are a destination; people plan a trip there.”

“For me, I think of the movie ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’” Frasz said, referring to the movie’s two towns, the idyllic Bedford Falls and the greedy Pottersville.

“The people in my district [Elburn] would rather be Bedford Falls.”

Jesse Vazquez, D-Montgomery, who represents parts of Aurora, said he has not received any negative feedback from his constituents and that taxing video gaming could help boost revenues the way the riverboat casinos have.

Vazquez said the casinos pay 34 percent in state tax, returning 20 percent back to the communities. 

Though he voted in favor, member Robert Kudlicki, R-Hampshire, stated he did so reluctantly.

“It’s unfortunate that we have to go to gaming to raise money,” he said, “but it seems to be the situation.”

The task force recommendation now goes to the county’s Executive Committee, which is scheduled to meet Nov. 4.

The full County Board must approve the measure and could consider it before the end of the year.

Comments