Video gaming machines will soon be available at many locations across Illinois.
Lawmakers legalized video poker in Illinois a few years ago. Now, state regulators are putting final touches on a system allowing the machines in restaurants, bars, and fraternal organizations that are licensed to serve alcohol.
Video poker is being tested in about seven communities and the gaming board expects it to soon be up and running statewide. So far, nearly 600 towns have said they want it in their area including Carbondale. Other approved applicants include locations in Saline, Washington, Marion, and Effingham counties. Under the video gaming regulations, the machine owners and organizations each receive 35% of revenue while the State of Illinois gets 30% . Of that 30% local municipalities would receive 5% or about 1.5-cents on the dollar. About 300 communities have decided against video gaming.
Video Gaming Ready to Roll
