The Windy City could open its doors to more gambling options in the near future
Chicago city leaders are considering expanding gambling options in a bid to generate additional revenue without raising taxes on residents. Two new ordinances have been proposed that would bring video gambling machines to O’Hare and Midway airports, as well as extend their availability to bars and restaurants across the city. The move aims to tap into underused gaming potential, but not all officials are convinced it will be beneficial.
Alderman Gilbert Villegas is championing the idea of installing hundreds of video gambling machines at the city’s two major airports. He argues that with so many travelers waiting for flights, the airports represent a prime opportunity to generate revenue. His proposal suggests charging a $10,000 licensing fee for each location, a $500 charge per terminal, and a $1,000 license per machine. Villegas estimates that if 400 machines at the airports average $800 per day in revenue, the city could rake in $116.8 million annually.
Alderman Anthony Beale takes the idea a step further, proposing a citywide rollout of video gambling machines in local bars, restaurants, and venues. Beale emphasizes that the city needs to find new ways to raise funds without burdening taxpayers. His proposal includes a $500 licensing fee per site and a $1,000 fee for each machine. He also criticized city leadership for not negotiating better tax terms with state lawmakers, which could increase revenue further.
However, the city’s finance department is skeptical about the potential earnings from such an expansion. Officials, including Chief Financial Officer Jill Jaworski, point to a study suggesting that video gambling might only bring in about $10 million annually. They also fear that new machines could siphon money away from the city’s downtown casino, which currently has higher tax rates.
Before any expansion, Alderman William Hall has called for the city to address the issue of illegal gambling machines, such as sweepstakes devices, that currently operate without regulation in some neighborhoods. Once these illegal machines are removed, Hall believes the legal market could support over 3,800 licensed terminals.
A public hearing is scheduled for next week, and the debate will continue as city officials weigh the potential benefits against the risks and challenges of expanding video gambling in Chicago.
