The Anniversary of Video Gambling in Illinois


Proponents say the state has earned millions for its capital budget through video gambling, in addition to local businesses finding an additional source of revenue. But, critics say the Vegas-like machines aren't bringing in the cash that was promised when the legislation was passed in 2009, and there's a loophole that's being exploited.


Two years into legalized video gambling in Illinois, 924 municipalities allow it, 37 allow limited video gambling, 176 municipalities prohibit it outright, and 388 municipalities have an unknown position on the matter.

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The graphs below show the tax distribution for video gambling terminals, beginning in Sept. 2012 when data was first reported.  The data was generated by the Illinois Gaming Board.

The top blue line on both graphs refers to Net Terminal Income, or “money put into a video gaming terminal minus credits paid out to players,” according to the legislation. The NTI Tax Rate is 30 percent, which is shared between the state and municipalities.

 

 

--Graphs by Travis Corenjo.

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