Video Gaming Referendum
On November 5, 2024. the following non-binding Advisory Referendum question will appear on the General Election ballot:
Background
On October 24, 2023, An Ordinance Establishing Video Gaming Regulations was passed. The ordinance allows businesses that hold a Class R (restaurant) , Class REC (recreational facility), or Class C (club or private facility) liquor license to operate video gaming terminals, as provided in the ordinance.
The effective date of the ordinance is January 1, 2025.
About the Ordinance
- The ordinance allows restaurants and recreational/club/private facilities to operate video gaming terminals.
- A video gaming license from the State and the Village is required to operate gaming terminals.
- Video gaming licenses are available for restaurants outside of the downtown area, recreational facilities, and club (American Legion, VFW and Moose Lodge) liquor license classifications.
- Video gaming licenses in the downtown area are available to establishments holding Class C and REC liquor licenses, only. (Currently the Moose and Tivoli Bowl).
- Only ten video gaming licenses will be available.
- The ordinance does not allow Video Gaming Cafés. (An establishment where the primary business focus is video gaming and the sale of food and alcohol/beverages is incidental.)
Eligibility and Rules under the Ordinance
- An establishment must have held a Village liquor license, in good standing, for at least 12 months .
- A maximum of 6 video gaming terminals per licensed establishment are permitted.
- The video gaming terminals must be placed in a room separate from the main business/dining area, such that noise from the machines cannot be heard in other areas of the business.
- Signs prohibiting anyone under 21 years of age to enter the room, and warning about the dangers and providing resources for gambling addiction, must be posted.
Timeline
November 21, 2023
The Village Council passed a resolution initiating the submission of an Advisory Referendum on the November 5, 2024 ballot to solicit resident input regarding video gaming.
November 5, 2024
An Advisory Referendum question will appear on the General Election ballot.
by January 1, 2025
The Village Council shall consider the results of the Advisory Referendum, with respect to any future action concerning this ordinance.
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