On Monday the Burr Ridge board considered whether to allow video gambling in the village. For years — since it’s been legal in Illinois — the village has revisited the issue but it’s never been popular.
Monday was no exception.
While the board took no vote on the matter, brought forward by Trustee Joe Snyder, Snyder himself seemed open to the idea and he said some businesses have spoken in favor of allowing gaming systems as a way to increase revenue and keep more customers local. As it stands, anyone who wants to engage in video gambling must go to a surrounding village. He said it could be a win for residents, businesses, the village and the state — all of whom would split revenue.
“Our businesses receive something and the state receives something,” Snyder said.
Snyder invited Andrew Rubenstein, CEO of Accel Entertainment, headquartered in Burr Ridge, to offer the board a proposed plan to introduce video gambling. The company has gaming systems around the country — but none at home.
“We are one of the largest employers in the municipality,” he said. “For us this is a really, really, really important topic because it’s our home.”
Past objection — and indeed most of the objection Monday — was aimed at gambling itself, which critics said would cheapen the village’s image and lead to gambling addiction. But Rubenstein said he had no interest in diminishing the reputation of the community he’s based in.
“Burr Ridge is a really special place and we don’t want to do anything with gaming that would disturb that experience,” he said.
Rather, he framed the argument in terms of basic economy. If people want to gamble, they’ll leave Burr Ridge to do it.
“We need to keep those dollars here,” he argued.
He said the average player only spends a few dozen dollars at a machine — anywhere from $15 to $50 in an evening. Even so, he said the board shouldn’t want to lose out on the income.
“I don’t think any of us want them taking their money outside the community if it’s already here,” he said.
He also added that, unlike in a casino, video gaming establishments don’t offer free drinks and it’s a 21-and-over age restricted program, with a penalty for a fine for any business owners that ignore that.
“We don’t want any criminal activity, zero. None,” Rubenstein said.
Even so, his presentation didn’t seem to sway too many on the board — and fewer still in the audience. Former Burr Ridge Mayor Mickey Straub, a longtime opponent of video gambling, showed up to his first meeting since leaving officer to speak out against it.
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“Burr Ridge is on strong financial footing and just finished one of its best years,” Straub said. “Approving video gaming looks like an act of desperation. Burr Ridge has a stellar reputation and a classy brand. … don’t gamble with it.”
Residents seemed to agree with the former mayor.
Jennifer McConahy, a resident, said she moved to the community because it was quiet and idyllic and called video gambling “the crack cocaine of gambling.”
“Illinois has more places to gamble than the state of Nevada and in my opinion Burr Ridge doesn’t need to be added to this.”
About a half dozen residents echoed similar sentiments.
However, the item was only ever up for consideration, so the board took no action. Mayor Gary Grasso — who had opposed video gambling in the past — said if board members wanted to get an actionable item on the agenda — an item for the board to vote on — they could request it but at least Monday, board members made no public effort to do this.
Jesse Wright is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.