Barrington Wants Input on Video Gaming

Should Barrington allow video gaming?

A handful of restaurant owners have asked Barrington’s Board of Trustees to allow video gaming in the village. The state of Illinois passed a law in 2009, but villages and cities must pass their own ordinance allowing video gaming terminals in businesses that hold a liquor license.

Barrington is looking for public input throughout the month on the issue. Village staff will give a presentation at the Village Board meeting on Monday, September 9. The public can offer comments at that meeting or the Monday, Sept. 23 meeting.

Additionally, comments can be emailed to Village President Karen Darch or may be made through the village’s website.

The Board is scheduled to vote on the issue in October.

The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) regulates video gaming and there are many guidelines businesses must follow, including have terminals in an area restricted to those aged 21 or older. The IGB also does a background check on liquor license holders and employees must be trained to monitor the terminals.

Illinois receives 30 percent of income generated by each video terminal and villages or cities receive some of the revenues.

Towns and cities receive 5 percent of the revenues generated by each terminal located within its borders. The total revenues in July were $32 million, compared to $23 million in May, the Illinois Gaming Board's website states.

There are 8,830 terminals throughout the state, according to the IGB’s website.

Neighboring towns like Fox River Grove, Hoffman Estates, Port Barrington, East Dundee, Carpentersville and Algonquin all allow video gaming, which, Barrington businesses say leaves them at a disadvantage.