Is Video Gambling in Quincy a Sure Bet??

Joe Raedle
Getty Images News

(Quincy, Ill)—The battle of a city seeking new revenue streams versus negative societal impact comes to center stage tomorrow night as Quincy alderman grapple with an ordinance allowing video gambling. Video gaming was approved in Illinois in 2009, but the snafu of red tape delayed implementation in the state until this year. Supporters say the gaming is tightly regulated with revenue earmarked for capital improvements in the state. Five percent of revenues are returned to municipalities. Opponents say gambling negatively affects a city’s quality of life and costs taxpayers three dollars in social services for every dollar of revenue collected. The Springfield, Illinois council recently approved video gambling in the capitol city. Although riverboat gambling is legal in Missouri, Marion County voters twice said “No” to proposed gaming in West Quincy. The nearest casino is located in La Grange, Mo.