Skokie Trustees Lean Toward Allowing Video Gaming Terminals
A majority of the Skokie Village Board has signalled support for continuing to explore legalizing video gaming terminals in the Illinois village, setting up a public input process this fall before any final decision.
Trustees took a straw poll during an October 5 Committee of the Whole session, according to The Record North Shore, with four trustees voicing interest in bringing electronic slot machines to the village and two opposed.
Up To $823,890 A Year Possible Under State Caps
Under Illinois' Video Gaming Act, terminals can only be stationed at bars or restaurants that serve liquor, fraternal and veterans' establishments, and large truck stops. Village staff found 46 Skokie restaurants would technically qualify, though only 29 are likely candidates once brand restrictions and other factors are considered.
If all 29 hosted the state maximum of six terminals each and paid Skokie's proposed $500 annual licence fee per machine, the village could gain $823,890 a year, staff estimated.
A more conservative scenario matching the regional average of 18 participating establishments would generate $511,380, while the five restaurants that have so far expressed interest would bring in just $142,050.
Police And Health Officials Weigh In
Police chief Jesse Barnes said video gambling venues can draw commercial burglaries as cash businesses, but other Illinois communities with gaming terminals "do not see a huge spike in calls for service."
Health and Human Services director Mike Charley said the village's social workers can continue referring residents to help resources without added staffing costs. Illinois' statewide gambling helpline logged just 12 calls from identified Skokie residents between January 2025 and June 2026.
Trustee Gail Schechter argued that permitting the machines would run counter to Skokie's mission statement affirming it as a "diverse, safe community." Fellow trustee Lissa Levy said she remains unconvinced the projected revenue "outweighs the potential damage to our community."
Public Input Process Planned For This Fall
Trustee Alison Pure Slovin countered that the village already permits alcohol and cannabis sales, while Mayor Ann Tennes noted the terminal revenue would not be enough to fund a new fire station, though it could help service debt on bonds.
With four trustees wanting to keep discussing the proposal, Tennes said the next step is gathering community input, potentially including a ballot referendum, after the board already has a separate public input process under way on accessory dwelling units.
Staff are expected to return with a community-input plan after Thanksgiving. "So let us think about that, and more to come," Tennes said.
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