Legislative Wins And Losses In Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, IL - (Posted June 3) A bill legalizing operator-run, payoff video poker machines failed to achieve passage by the Illinois legislature before lawmakers adjourned for the summer on June 8. Leaders of the Illinois Coin Machine Association termed the outcome "extremely disappointing," but said lawmakers may consider legalizing such a poker market this fall during a possible special session. The state faces a $5 billion budget shortfall this year; other gambling initiatives that did pass may not make up the gap. ICMOA was successful in preventing a 600% increase in per-machine annual licensing fees. The fee, set at $15 last year, will be doubled to $30 next year. The state's governor had proposed raising it to $100.