|
|
Posted: Tuesday, 11 August 2009 1:48PM
DuPage County bans video poker machines
|
WHEATON, Ill. (STNG) -- The DuPage County Board on Tuesday approved an ordinance that bans video gambling machines in unincorporated areas, making it the first county in Illinois to enact such a restriction.
The ordinance, which takes effect immediately, was drafted and brought forward by Board Member Brien Sheahan and will affect 35 establishments in unincorporated areas of the county, according to a release from the board.
"I applaud the County Board for approving this ordinance and for protecting our residents from the negative effects of video gambling," Board Chairman Bob Schillerstrom said in the release.
"Our families should be able to go to dinner without addressing legalized gambling and video gambling machines. The state passed this bill without weighing the consequences, without an implementation plan or budget, and without reliable revenue estimates.
The legislation is reckless at best, making it incumbent on County and Municipal governments to stand up and say 'no'."
Under Section 27 of the state's Video Gaming Act, which was enacted July 13, a municipality can pass an ordinance prohibiting video gaming within the corporate limits, while a county board can do so for unincorporated areas.
"I brought this initiative forward because I believe video gambling would have an adverse effect on county government and our citizens," Sheahan said.
|
Copyright 2009 STNG Wire, The Chicago Sun-Times. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
|
|
|
|