October 23, 2023
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The Village of Downer's Grove has been contemplating expanding its business reach to allow more video gaming terminals in more businesses by issuing more video gaming licenses. The extra licenses issued will bring in additional revenue for the village.
The video game ordinance was initially implemented in 2009, and the Village of Downers Grove Council proposed an amendment on October 19, 2021. On June 6, 2023, the Village of Downers Grove Council had another meeting to finalize more details about the long-in-the-works gaming ordinance proposal.
On June 6, 2023, the purpose of the council's meeting was to amend Section 3.33 of the Downers Grove Municipal Code. In compliance with Section 27(b) of the Illinois Video Gaming Act, the amendment would allow specific qualifying fraternal organizations and veterans organizations to participate in the gaming industry by operating gaming terminals.
In 2009, the Illinois Video Gaming Act was introduced. It permitted video gaming only in places with a license for on-site liquor consumption. However, municipalities could ban video gaming within their boundaries. Downers Grove adopted this ban in 2009. Then, in 2022, an amendment to the Act allowed certain fraternal and veterans organizations to have video gaming even in municipalities with a video gaming ban. In Downers Grove, only the Moose, VFW, and the American Legion qualify under this amendment. However, the Downers Grove Municipal Code still banned video gaming at locations licensed to sell alcohol.
On June 13, 2023, Downers Grove decided to amend their municipal code to allow qualified fraternal and veterans organizations to have video gaming. The changes specify that gambling and video gaming are unlawful on alcohol-selling premises unless they align with certain provisions. Notably, this includes the aforementioned fraternal and veterans organizations. The ordinance also details other prohibited activities on these premises, such as specific adult content and entertainment. Lastly, any conflicting older ordinances are repealed, and this new ordinance is in effect post-adoption.
To learn more read the report from the village of Downers Grove.
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