Cook County Blog

Chicago Breaking News

Scores of people are at today's Cook County Board meeting to protest the expected passage of a measure that tweaks the county's already existing video-gambling ban in unincorporated areas.

The protesters, not all of whom could get into the meeting because of fire-code occupancy limits, were organized by the 130-member Illinois Coin Machine Operators Association, said Tom Fiedler, the group's president.

The protesters, who are unlikely to get a chance to speak because a public hearing on the issue was held last week, are wearing white T-shirts that say "JOBS, JOBS, JOBS" on the front, and "DON'T OPT OUT" on the back.

Fiedler said the protesters include his members, restaurant and bar owners that would benefit from video gambling, as well as union representatives.

This short article refers to Clout Street for more so let's go over there for a moment.

By passing the measure, Cook County joined scores of municipalities and counties across Illinois that have banned the machines. Opponents contend they are “the crack cocaine” of gambling, have been linked to the Chicago Outfit and would be difficult and expensive to regulate.

But regulating is what they're doing with it, isn't it?

The Cook County Board today tweaked its ban on video gambling to ensure the betting machines won’t be allowed in unincorporated areas under Gov. Pat Quinn’s statewide construction plan.

But as mentioned before, it's the Casinos that are behind this because video gambling would take a bite out of their "take". This is a fight for a cut of the "take".

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Cook County Commissioners to vote on overriding Cook County President's veto requirements; Video Poker

Casino donations tied to sponsor of video gaming machine ban