DeKalb Times

At its March 27 meeting, the DeKalb City Council approved a proposed amendment to the city code regarding video gambling establishments (VGE). 

Councilmembers brought forth a motion that would limit the number of video gaming establishments to 10, plus the possible pending approval of one additional establishment by the state. The amendment would also prohibit gaming terminals in gas stations, food and fuel establishments, and liquor stores.

"This is a great compromise I think for everyone concerned that we are still allowing it to move forward," Mayor Cohen Barnes said. "We're just restricting a certain element of it. Future councils can always change it. This is just what we're deciding right now is what we believe is the best fit for the City of DeKalb. But I think it's perfect; it allows expansion, but it also allows limiting a certain component of it.”

The council uploaded a livestream of its public meeting to the city’s YouTube channel.

In the public comment portion of the meeting, resident John Dafara brought up the difficulty businesses have had over the past few years and the relief that video gaming consoles could be to businesses in the state of Illinois. He asked the council to consider working with him and the local businesses to determine the best route forward and not to rush any decisions.

Resident Duane Brown asked the city not to add any more restrictions on video gaming as it is already a regulated industry and relieves tax burdens on local businesses, who might seek to move elsewhere.

The council discussed the proposed options and the public comments, and brought up the five bar licenses in the city that would be eligible for some terminals, although not a full VGE license. They would be able to request them from the council in the future, and the council could change the VGE limit if they choose. The city could continue to gain gaming terminals as any bar with a liquor license can have a certain amount of terminals along with their license. 

Council member Mike Verbic brought up using some of the revenue from the gaming terminals to help address gambling addiction organizations.

In other business, the council discussed paying $22,054.76 to DeKalb Police Officer Elise Dusek for compensation after getting injured during work and sought medical treatment.

The council will meet again at 6 p.m. on Monday at the Public Library’s Yusuna meeting room on 309 Oak St.