Video gaming terminals are a major source of revenue according to Scot Wrighton, City Manager of Decatur. Jon Kindseth, the Deputy City Manager of Decatur, said certain indoor activities, video gaming included, could start reopening no sooner than January or February of 2021 but this timeframe might be subject to changes. Revenue from Gambling Machines Reached Record Highs in July The main idea behind the shift of the licensing fees is to help small businesses survive until life goes back to normal and the vaccine against the novel coronavirus is broadly rolled out. The video gambling industry should not be pitied as it has generated over $100 million in revenue from the city of Decatur alone, one councilman stressed. Different options were discussed but the majority of council members eventually decided in favor of transferring the charges to the machines’ operators.

The new rules on licensing fees are expected to remain in force for at least one year. Video gambling is naturally also disallowed on their premises for the time being. These businesses were forced to cease their indoor services. The decision primarily aims to lessen the financial burden local restaurants and bars have to cope with due to the coronavirus shutdowns. The members of the City Council have now agreed to transfer these taxes to the gaming machines’ operators themselves, which are often based outside Decatur. Each of the 440 or so gaming machines in the city is subject to a $500 fee, paid by the establishments that house the terminals. The Decatur City Council voted in favor of refunding businesses that have already paid their fees for next year.

The authorities of Illinois’ city of Decatur decided yesterday to relieve local businesses from having to pay license fees on their video gambling machines.

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