Chicago Weighs Video Gaming Expansion as Gambling Concerns Grow

Illinois is at a pivotal point in its gambling expansion as Chicago moves closer to lifting its ban on video gaming terminals (VGTs). The city’s approved 2026 budget includes revenue from legalizing the machines in bars and restaurants, prompting warnings from mental health experts, local officials, and casino operators.

Gambling expanded statewide in 2019 after Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed legislation that boosted Illinois sports betting and casino growth. Since then, treatment providers report more residents seeking help for gambling-related issues, raising concerns about adding another high-access betting option in Chicago.

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Revenue Push Sparks Political and Industry Pushback

Supporters say VGTs could generate millions in tax revenue and help small businesses. However, the plan is still being negotiated by Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City Council.

Opponents argue the expansion would flood neighborhoods with what some describe as “mini-casinos.” Ald. Jessie Fuentes warned that gambling addiction harms families and community mental health.

Bally’s Chicago, which is preparing to open the city’s first permanent casino, has also criticized the plan. The company says widespread video gaming could cut into casino revenue, threaten union jobs, and weaken the project’s long-term viability.

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Addiction Trends and Safeguards Under Scrutiny

State data shows nearly 4% of Illinois residents were affected by problem gambling as of 2021. That same year, providers conducted more than 13,000 gambling-related assessments, a 440% increase from the previous year.

Nationally, the National Council on Problem Gambling estimates about 20 million U.S. adults experienced repeated gambling-related problems last year. Experts warn that VGTs, which allow fast, continuous play, could accelerate those trends.

Illinois offers a self-exclusion program that allows people to block themselves from casinos and Illinois sports betting apps. More than 16,000 residents have enrolled so far. However, regulators have not clarified how enforcement would work if video gaming spreads across hundreds of neighborhood bars and restaurants.