The Kewanee City Council is currently evaluating new restrictions to regulate the expansion of local gambling
Local officials in Kewanee, IL, are considering significant changes to the way gaming machines and parlors operate within the community. During a recent meeting, the city council addressed the rapid growth of the gambling sector, which generated $6.4 million in total profits last year.
While the city benefits from these activities through a tax share that provided approximately $350,000 to the municipal budget, there are growing concerns about the saturation of the market. The mayor and council members are now debating whether to tighten the current limits on machines and licenses to ensure the town remains balanced.
A primary focus of the discussion involves the total number of video gaming terminals allowed in the area. Current ordinances permit up to 150 machines and the city manager noted that recent orders will soon fill all remaining available spots. Some council members expressed a desire to prevent the city from becoming overly dependent on gambling revenue.
There is a specific concern regarding businesses that exist solely to host gaming machines without providing other services or products to the public. Currently, seven such establishments operate within the city limits and may face new requirements in the future.
One proposed solution involves a diversification mandate that would force gaming parlors to offer additional services to stay in business. This strategy has been implemented in other regions to ensure that local businesses contribute more to the community than just gambling opportunities.
While some officials believe this would encourage a healthier business environment, others worry that it would place an unfair financial burden on small business owners. No official action was taken during the latest session but the council plans to continue exploring these regulatory options.
