The Cary Committee of the Whole is set to discuss the possibility of upping the number of video game terminals allowed per establishment in its village ordinance.
This discussion is taking place so the village can be “proactive” before state law changes on Jan. 1, said Cary Mayor Mark Kownick.
Earlier this year, the state of Illinois passed the Video Gaming Act into law, which increases the amount of video gaming terminals allowed at licensed establishments. The Video Gaming Act allows establishments to have six gaming terminals instead of five. However, Cary’s village ordinance still states that “no more than five video gaming terminals may be located on the licensed premises.”
Because of the recent law change, local businesses and video gaming terminal operators have asked if the village will allow more gaming terminals per establishment.
“Obviously, there is some interest from folks to add the sixth terminal,” Village Administrator Jake Rife said.
Kownick said he doesn’t think changing the the amount of terminals allowed in the ordinance will be an issue.
“In my opinion, it’s just a standard operating procedure,” Kownick said. ” We have to stay above the fray when it comes to new laws.”
Interested establishments would be able to proceed with adding another terminal once the ordinance is approved by the village, Rife said.
The establishments with licensed gambling terminals in Cary are 750 Cucina Rustica, Coleman’s in the Park, Galati’s Hideaway, Kelli’s Cuckoo’s Nest, Kojak’s, Lucky Penny’s, Maple Tree Inn, Orchard Prime Meats, Tobacco Stop and Tracks Bar & Grill.
According to village documents, all of them currently have five terminals, except for Orchard Prime Meats, which has three.
Also on the committee’s agenda is another discussion on recreational marijuana in Cary. Although cannabis will be legal for adults 21 and older to possess and use statewide on Jan. 1, municipalities can determine whether or not they want to allow dispensaries within their corporate boundaries, and what zoning regulations to put on those businesses. They can also impose a local sales tax of up to 3% on marijuana sales.
The committee was given an overview of the new law by the village attorney and briefly discussed it at the Aug. 20 meeting.
“I think it would bring in additional revenue sources, but what other costs would we incur as a result of it?” Trustee Kim Covelli asked, pointing out that extra training for police could be expensive.
Rife said the revenue coming from cannabis could be “pretty significant,” especially as the village looks for ways to fund capital projects.
Kownick encouraged committee members to gather more information on the subject.
The Cary Village Board meets as a Committee of the Whole at 7 p.m. Tuesday, directly following the village board meeting at 6 p.m. at Village Hall, 655 Village Hall Drive.
