A Chicago alderman took steps on Wednesday to promote the licensing of video gambling terminals following the City Council’s decision to lift a longstanding ban, intensifying a conflict with Mayor Brandon Johnson, who has yet to begin the approval process.
Chicago’s $16.6 billion budget, ratified by the City Council in December, officially eliminated the citywide ban on video gambling terminals. However, Johnson has not informed the Illinois Gaming Board to start accepting license applications, raising concerns among some aldermen that the administration might attempt to reverse this decision.
Anthony Beale, the representative for the 9th Ward, announced he would write a letter to the gaming board confirming the ban’s removal and calling on regulators to commence the licensing procedure. The letter, which has the endorsement of at least 15 other council members, includes a certified copy of the revenue ordinance that permits video gambling.
The ordinance forecasts $6.8 million in revenue by 2026, assuming that around 80% of Chicago’s 3,300 eligible liquor-licensed establishments would apply for licenses, with a processing time of six to eight months.
Consulting attorneys, Beale stated that the gaming board’s notification obligation does not solely depend on the mayor and can instead come from other city officials, provided it accompanies the certified ordinance.
“The mayor is hesitant to take the necessary steps to support bars and restaurants,” Beale remarked, as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times. “Every day he delays is a day we miss out on revenue. He can try to repeal it, but we are advancing. We urge the gaming board to begin accepting applications as soon as they receive this letter.”
When asked at a City Hall press conference about potential votes to repeal the video gambling provision, Johnson refrained from commenting, stating only that discussions are in progress.
“I acknowledge that several aldermen have voiced their concerns, and it’s critical that I address these issues,” Johnson remarked, adding that no final decision has been reached. “I have shared my concerns. A decision on repeal has not yet been made. Nonetheless, it’s vital to ensure that we handle this correctly, especially since various levels of government are working to determine how gambling can generate revenue for both municipalities and the state government.”
Support for the repeal has surfaced among certain council members. Walter Burnett expressed his disapproval of the measure, citing public safety issues, gambling addiction, and the potential negative impact on casino revenues. Burnett indicated that a repeal vote could take place as soon as February 18 or during the March City Council meeting.
Johnson’s office has acknowledged that repeal is one of the options being considered. Senior adviser Jason Lee mentioned that officials are exploring strategies to tackle concerns related to zoning, equity, and finances, with repeal being one of the potential solutions.
Video gambling has faced opposition from Bally’s, which is in the process of constructing a $1.7 billion casino in Chicago. Bally’s has cautioned that permitting terminals citywide might result in a loss of $74 million annually for Chicago and jeopardize up to 1,050 jobs, while also necessitating renegotiations of its host agreement and diminishing funding linked to police and fire pension obligations.