Chicago aldermen took bold action Monday to speed up permits for video gambling terminals in city bars and restaurants. The move clears a path for hundreds of these controversial machines to arrive soon, despite fierce pushback. Businesses can now snag quick city approval while the state drags its feet on final okay. This step unlocks key revenue the city needs bad.
The City Council’s License and Consumer Protection Committee gave the plan a green light with a quick voice vote. Ald. Bennett Lawson of the 44th Ward led the charge. He stressed the need to move fast.
Lawson said the state process will take time. But local approval lets the city collect fees right away. The ordinance heads to the full council Wednesday for a final say.
One alderman tried to pump the brakes. Ald. David Moore wanted more delay. His push lost 11-3.
Roots of Chicago’s Video Gambling Battle
Illinois greenlit video gambling terminals back in 2012. They popped up statewide in bars and truck stops. Chicago stayed out with a long ban.
That changed in December 2025. Lawmakers tucked legalization into the $16.6 billion 2026 budget. It passed over Mayor Brandon Johnson’s strong no.
The mayor sat on telling the state for months. Critics called it a stall. City Clerk Anna Valencia finally notified the Illinois Gaming Board in February 2026.
| Key Milestones in Chicago Video Gambling |
|---|
| 2012: State launches terminals |
| Dec 2025: City ban lifted in budget |
| Feb 2026: State notified |
| Mar 2026: Ward bans blocked |
| Apr 13, 2026: Conditional permits advance |
This table shows the rocky road to rollout.
Foes Warn of Crime and Lost Casino Jobs
Not everyone cheers. Bally’s Chicago casino fights hard. They say terminals will spark crime and gut their business.
Elizabeth Suever from Bally’s told the committee it risks a $4 million yearly city payment. She pegs city revenue loss at $70 million a year. Casino taxes run higher than terminal rates.
A city study backs some fears. It flags up to 400 job cuts at the casino.
Mayor Johnson still opposes. His team worries about addiction in neighborhoods. The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection gripes about rushed setup too.
Bars Eye Revenue Lifeline from Slots
Supporters see big wins for spots hit hard by tough times. Pat Doerr of the Hospitality Business Association says suburbs already cash in. Chicago bars lag behind.
Statewide, terminals raked in $3.19 billion in gross gaming revenue last year. Average spots pull over $100,000 yearly.
Chicago banks on $6.8 million from fees and taxes in 2026. Already 222 applications sit with the state. Quick city permits mean more apps and cash flow.
Here are wins for local owners:
- Up to six machines per bar
- Steady extra income for rent and staff
- Edge over suburban rivals
Ivan Capifali, city business commissioner, flags setup strains. Still, the push rolls on.
As terminals near Chicago taverns, they promise cash but stir deep divides. Bars could thrive with fresh funds to fight slim margins and rising costs. Yet crime worries and casino hits loom large for families and workers. This saga tests city leaders on balancing bucks and community good.
