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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2017
State announces video gaming revenues outpace casinos for first time FOR THE BENSENVILLE INDEPENDENT
According to a report issued by the state legislature’s Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, video gaming has reached the point that it is now more profitable than casino gambling. The state reportedly made $296 million from the machines during the 2017 fiscal year that ended June 30. Meanwhile, Illinois’ 10 casinos generated just $270 million for the state, a $7 million drop from the previous fiscal year, according to the Commission’s report. It is the first time video gaming revenue has outpaced casino revenues since the machines began operating in 2012. Only Rivers Casino in Des Plaines and Hollywood Casino in Aurora made more money in 2017 than they did in the previous fiscal year, according to the report. “There’s no doubt video gambling has had a significant impact on riverboat casinos,” said Tom Swoik, executive director of the Illinois Casino Gaming Association. “The market is oversaturated and revenues are just shifting from one spot to another.” Admissions to the casinos, from which the state draws $2 per visitor, are down nearly 6 percent this year, costing the state almost $1.5 million in taxes. Video gambling has been a boon for the state at the casinos’ expense. The state’s video gaming revenue rose by $44 million in 2017, a 17.5 percent increase over the prior year. At the same time, there was only a 12.5 percent increase in the number of video gambling terminals across the state.
7.9 percent to $1.31 billion this year, the report said. The state’s horse racing revenue was stagnant at $6 million this year, generated from just three remaining tracks in the state, including Arlington Park. Lottery revenues remain the driver of the state’s gambling receipts, accounting for more than half of all state dollars generated through wagering. According to the Commission’s report, the state collected $738 million from lottery-related sales this year, an 8.5 percent increase from 2016.
Where the money goes Revenue from video gambling is split four ways among business owners, the state, local governments and the companies that actually own the machines, called terminal operators. Terminal operators and business owners each get 35 percent of all revenue, the state gets 25 percent, and the local government gets 5 percent. While there is a limit to how many casinos operate in the state, video gambling terminals face fewer restrictions. Essentially, any business with a license to sell alcohol for onsite consumption in a town or county that allows video gambling can install up to five machines. At the end of the 2017 fiscal year, there were 26,783 terminals in 6,124 establishments throughout the state. The most recent data from the Illinois Gaming Board -- just three months later -- showed there were 27,681 terminals in 6,249 businesses statewide.
Situation not helpful to those fighting addiction Comparing video gaming to Casino operators aren’t the only other gambling revenues ones concerned about the proliferaWhen combined with receipts tion of video gambling. from the lottery and horse racing, the “It’s especially dangerous for state’s gambling revenues climbed those who are having problems with
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gambling, and it’s very difficult for them to resist the temptation because it is so prevalent,” said Anita Bedell, executive director of the Illinois Church Action on Alcohol & Addic-
tion Problems. “People who might have only gambled when they went to Las Vegas, all they have to do now is walk down the street.” While the state gaming board
fought a losing battle to keep the machines to just bars, service clubs or veterans halls, video gambling terminals are now in family restaurants and some grocery stores.
CINDY KURMAN, KURMAN COMMUNICATIONS PHOTO Bensenville Independent
Freedom Golf Association holds ‘Honor Wounded Vets 5K Run/Walk’
Aaron Matheson (right) from Bensenville and Mariann Mapes from Elmhurst are pictured at the Freedom Golf Association’s “Honor Wounded Vets 5K Run/Walk.” The enthusiasm and good will were palpable at McDonald’s corporate campus in Oak Brook, Illinois on Sunday, Oct. 29 as the Freedom Golf Association’s (FGA) “Honor Wounded Vets 5K Run/Walk” succeeded in drawing attention to the fact that adaptive golf is clearly helping wounded vets return to normality after their military service. The more than 100 participants conquered the 5K course to show their support for the programs of the Freedom Golf Association, which is leading the way In Illinois in bringing the joy of golf to persons with physical, emotional and developmental needs.
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