Coutesy of Morguefile
Coutesy of Morguefile
Illinois might be feeling the sting of this summer's 32 percent hike in personal income taxes, but you'd never know it if you talked with the Illinois Gaming Board, according to figures published recently by the State Journal-Register.
Between July 1, 2016, and June 30, 2017, video gambling machines in the state brought in $300.5 million in taxes, and the number of machines has grown from 61 five years ago to more than 26,000 today.
With 635 machines, Springfield has the most of any city, and proceeds are used for infrastructure work, on roads, sidewalks and more.
City Budget Director Bill McCarty told the newspaper that Springfield collects approximately $130,000 a month from gambling, not including fees and taxes.
"We continue to add terminals around the city," McCarty said.
The 2017 "Wagering in Illinois" report from the Illinois Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability reveals the restrictions on establishments allowed to operate video gambling terminals, including a limit of five terminals.
Business owners must apply for a license from the gaming board and pay an annual fee, part of which goes to the Department of Human Services for compulsive gambling treatment. The rest to the state for administering the program.
At least one city, Champaign, has extended a moratorium on new installations of machines until Jan. 23, 2018.
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