Chicago Area: More Than 200 Towns Now Allow Video Gambling
United States.- 7 October 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com Video gambling continues to expand across the Chicago metropolitan area, where more than 200 municipalities now allow gaming terminals in bars, restaurants and other authorised establishments.
The model is available in close to 80% of communities across the region, prompting renewed debate over how far local governments should continue allowing the sector to grow.
From Illegal Activity to Major Network
The shift is particularly striking given that video gambling was illegal in Illinois less than two decades ago.
The state legalised Video Gaming Terminals, VGTs, in 2009, with machines becoming available to the public in 2012.
Since then, the system has developed into one of the world’s largest regulated distributed video gaming networks.
More Than 50,000 Terminals
By early September 2026, Illinois had:
- 8,799 licensed gaming locations.
- 50,049 Video Gaming Terminals.
The expansion has made video gaming one of the most significant components of the state’s regulated gambling market.
$3.19 Billion in Net Terminal Income
During 2025, more than 49,000 machines generated approximately $3.19 billion in Net Terminal Income.
That activity produced close to $1.12 billion in taxes for state and local governments.
More Than $111 Million for Municipalities
The fiscal impact has continued through 2026.
By August, Illinois communities had received more than $111 million in video gambling tax revenue.
The state had collected close to $685 million.
Uneven Expansion Across Chicago Area
Growth has not been uniform throughout the metropolitan area.
Video gambling is permitted in almost every municipality across:
- Kane County.
- McHenry County.
- Will County.
Bans remain more common in Cook, DuPage and Lake counties.
North Chicago Tightens Rules
Some communities are beginning to reconsider the concentration of gambling businesses.
North Chicago introduced tighter restrictions after officials concluded that gaming had become too concentrated.
New establishments must now generate at least two-thirds of their revenue from non-gaming activities.
Limits on New Locations
North Chicago will also prevent new video gambling businesses from opening directly next to existing ones.
Greg Jackson, chief of staff to Mayor Leon Rockingham Jr., said the objective is to reduce reliance on gaming while promoting other forms of economic development.
Bolingbrook Moves the Other Way
Other communities continue to expand access.
Bolingbrook recently lifted its longstanding ban after an advisory referendum indicated local support for allowing video gambling.
Officials said machines will be permitted on a limited basis.
Saturation Debate
The expansion is forcing municipalities to consider how much gambling individual communities can absorb.
While tax revenue remains attractive to local governments, concerns are increasing over the visibility and concentration of machines in bars and small businesses.
Sweepstakes Machines Raise Concerns
The Illinois Gaming Board has also warned about the spread of so-called sweepstakes machines.
The regulator considers these devices illegal gambling products because they operate without:
- Licensing.
- Taxation.
- Regulatory oversight.
- Consumer protections.
Responsible Gambling
The rapid growth of terminals has also increased attention on gambling-related harm.
The Illinois Gaming Board is working to incorporate video gaming into its statewide voluntary Self-Exclusion Program, broadening protection tools available to players.
Security Issues
Critics have also pointed to burglaries involving establishments that host gaming terminals.
The combination of cash, extended operating hours and regular player traffic has led some municipalities to reconsider requirements imposed on licensed businesses.
Next Steps or Impact
Video gambling is now deeply embedded in Illinois’ local economy, but its expansion is entering a new phase.
While some municipalities are still legalising terminals in pursuit of tax revenue, others are introducing limits designed to prevent excessive concentration.
The debate across the Chicago area is increasingly shifting from whether to allow video gambling to how much video gambling each community is prepared to accept.
Editó: @fonta
