Cities mull video gambling result

A study session questioning the possible impact of video gambling in Urbana and Champaign was held Thursday night at the Beckman Institute Auditorium. Though video gambling is legalized, the cities are considering banning it.

A panel made up of the members from Urbana and Champaign city councils, in addition to the Champaign County Board was present for the event. The panel provided supporters and opponents a place to voice their opinions. There is no deadline for banning video gambling, said Mike Monson, chief of staff for Urbana Mayor Laurel Prussing.

He said that based on his meeting with the Illinois State Gaming Board, Illinois will become the largest video gaming jurisdiction in the country.

“Most of the bar owners said they expect to offer it,” Monson said. “Video gambling is already well established in most bars. One owners told me he clears over $50,000 a year.”

He also said the gaming board is concerned with possible mob influence and need for various business establishments to pay protection money.

Eric Meyer, owner of Kam’s, 618 Daniel St., spoke in favor of installing video gaming. He dismissed criticism that video gambling is addicting, and said, “it is nothing more than entertainment.”

The food and beverage industry in Illinois could use a benefit from profits, he added.

Meyer said he is not sure whether he would place the machines in his bars, but would like to have the choice.

“It would be highly restricted 21 and older entry on these machines,” he added.

Alan Kurtz, District 7 Champaign County Board member who would vote to ban video gambling, said he questions Meyer’s comments about restricting entry.

“This is as bad as alcoholism. just as bad as drug addiction,” he added. “It is hard to get off gambling, just as it is hard to get off any other addiction.”

Bruce Brown, manager of American Legion Post 71, said he was concerned that his nonprofit business would go out of business if these machines were banned. He said that passing the ban would end any charitable contributions the legion provides to the Urbana-Champaign community, including funding college scholarships.

John Kindt, professor of business administration and gambling critic, cited a number of studies that demonstrated a need for banning gambling because of it negative impacts on society.

Kindt also said that it is a rumor that it is untrue that counties than ban video gambling will not receive funds from the capital bill funding construction projects in the community.s