Illinois Readies Itself for Video Gambling Machines

A number of small businesses within the Chicago and greater Illinois area are going to be receiving the first legal video gambling machines available. However, it is not necessarily the businesses that you would think it would be. One of the first locations that is going to receive the video gambling machine is Chino’s Pizzeria, a small but popular pizza shop in the Chicago area. When the bill was first introduced, it was assumed by most that these video gambling machines would see most used in casinos, and similar establishments. However, since the passing of the bill, it has become clear that the state is looking to increase revenue by placing these machines in stores and establishments that are unrelated to gambling.

It was just three years ago that Illinois approved video gambling, and the necessary construction projects in order to make it a reality. Other establishments that are going to be able to have the video gambling machines include bars, bowling alleys, another highly popular establishments.

Most business owners were in favor of the idea, stating that they thought that it would help them to attract new customers, and also keep customers coming back. Within weeks, the machine should be ready to play, although each video gambling machine is going to undergo rigorous track testing before being allowed to be played by the general public. It is estimated that as many as 75,000 machines could be installed statewide in the initial run, with upwards of 100,000 machines being available in the coming years. The machines themselves are going to help fund construction within the state, and are estimated to bring in about $375 million yearly for the state of Illinois.

Although the bill was passed three years ago, the change has been slow, and the progress looks as if it will be quite slow moving into the future as well. A number of issues arose after the passing of the bill including issues with the contract bidding between contractors, and issues with the employees at the gaming board staff. If successful in Illinois, you can bet that other states will follow suit in placing video gambling machines and establishments that make sense.