Three years after lawmakers legalized video gambling, state regulators are preparing to roll it out.
The Illinois Gaming Board’s spokesman predicts it’ll be ready sometime next month.
But only for bars, restaurants, truck stops and fraternal organizations that have gotten regulators’ approval.
So far that’s only about 90 establishments.
Another 1300 or so are waiting to be licensed. Like the American Legion in Springfield.
Mike Walton’s the financial officer. He says although some members aren’t fans of gambling, they approved it because it will generate cash.
WALTON “We help with Honor Flight, we support the troops in the War on Terror, we do Toys for Tots, there are so many children and youth activities we’re involved in, we’re involved in scholarships. And all of this money that comes in from these machines will help us to continue those activities.”
The state and local governments also get a cut of the profits.
The Gaming Board is expected to give more places the O-K to have video poker machines when it meets again mid August. (Amanda Vinicky)
