Mere hours ago, the result from the unofficial election held in Palatine was announced. According to the data released on the website of Cook County Clerk Office, 61% of all voters gave their negative vote to the establishment of video gambling facilities in the area.
Palatine officials commented on the matter and said that they expected more residents to state their opinion on the issue and actively take part in the approval or rejection of the installation of gaming machines in venues granted liquor licenses.
Reid Ottesen, the Village Manager, announced that the issue about the video gambling has been on the agenda for quite some time. Several business owners have been asking Palatine officials to allow gambling machines in bars and pubs but little progress has been made since 2012 when the state of Illinois permitted the live video gambling facilities. During all that time residents seemed unwilling to take a stance on the matter.
Kollin Kozlowski, the council member who suggested a referendum about the video gambling to be held, also commented on the issue and said that the results from the elections were not surprising but yet, local communities do not seem to be too interested in actively opposing the video gaming machines installation.
However, he stated that the idea for video gambling facilities in Palatine is still alive, despite yesterday’s negative vote. The results from the election will be taken into consideration once gambling officials review the proposal for the aforementioned facilities in the area.
Owners of local businesses expressed their disappointment with the fact that residents are against video gambling. They pointed to the fact that their customers may opt for venues in the neighboring towns where gambling activities are allowed. Elk Grove Village and Hoffman Estates are the nearest towns where video gambling facilities can be found.
Yet, they stated they will try to convince Palatine residents that the availability of video gambling would be beneficial to the town and to the economy in particular.
According to preliminary information, if allowed on the territory of the town, video gambling would generate up to $70,000 on annual basis. Profits, generated by gambling machines in the state are transferred to local and state governments. Cert amounts are set aside for the provider and the maintenance needed.
