Illinois: Skokie delays video gaming decision as board weighs revenue, social costs

Officials of Skokie, a village in Cook County, Illinois, are expected to hold off on any decision about video gaming terminals until at least late 2026, after Mayor Ann Tennes asked village staff to prepare a report on the issue by the end of the year.

The machines, also known as electronic slot machines, are currently banned in Skokie bars and establishments. Evanston, Wilmette and Glenview also do not allow video gaming, while other nearby suburbs have permitted the machines since Illinois legalized the business in 2012.

The potential revenue was a key issue during the Village Board’s Committee of the Whole discussion on Monday, June 15. In 2025, Prospect Heights collected more than $390,000, Morton Grove received more than $442,000, Wheeling secured more than $679,000, and Niles has taken in more than $1 million.

Skokie could potentially generate revenue within that range, though village officials noted that Chicago’s February decision to allow video gaming may reduce annual collections in north suburban municipalities.

“What I want to see is, is there overwhelming evidence that the financial benefit from this outweighs the massive, massive social ills?” Trustee Lissa Levy asked, as reported by The Record North Shore.

Village staff were directed to examine possible uses for new revenue, administrative oversight costs, and restrictions used by neighboring suburbs. According to village documents, Illinois’ Video Gaming Act allows wagers of up to $4 per spin, with a maximum single payout of $1,199.

Licensed establishments are typically limited to six terminals, and the machines are allowed only in bars and restaurants serving liquor, fraternal establishments, veterans’ establishments and large truck stops.

Net terminal income is split among several parties, with 33% going to the state, 29% to the terminal operator, 29% to the licensed establishment and 5% to the county. Skokie Community Development Director Johanna Nyden said municipalities may impose additional licensing fees and controls, including zoning rules, limits on visibility and screen brightness requirements.

Trustee Jim Iverson raised concerns about the “moral hazard” of gambling but said revenue could help the village and local “businesses that need help to survive.” Tennes said “a handful” of local businesses told her video gaming revenue would be “essential to their continued operation” in Skokie.

Village Manager John Lockerby said Skokie has more than 2,000 licensed businesses, including several hundred restaurants, that could potentially host machines. Trustee James Robinson said residents should be heard and suggested a possible referendum. 

Levy said Skokie has a “financial obligation” to residents but questioned whether variable revenue could justify costs tied to gambling addiction and rehousing people whose “lives were destroyed.”

Trustee Kimani Levy said more information was needed on municipal lessons and social services, while Trustee Gail Schechter said she preferred finding other ways to help struggling businesses.

“What do we want our community to look like?” Tennes asked. “How could this, (gaming machines) and allowing video gaming in Skokie, how does that fit in with the look of our community? This is a very abstract concept. Does that reflect our community? I don’t know.”