Illinois town considers limits on video gaming to reduce proliferation of VGTs

Tuesday, November 5, 2024 6:39 PM
  • Jay Redfern, WGIL radio

A concern over Galesburg’s number of video gaming machines per capita has the City Council considering the need to put a cap on the number of terminals.

There are currently 33 establishments offering gaming in Galesburg, with a total of 190 gaming terminals within the city. The number of gaming machines in Galesburg ranks higher than cities such as Danville (166), Moline (165), Elgin (165), East Moline (141), East Peoria (136), Normal (111), Urbana (108), Schaumburg (106), Crystal Lake (101) and Rock Island (90).

Based upon discussions with aldermen regarding the consideration of any additional gaming licenses, the City Council will be asked to approve a moratorium be put in place that would direct City staff not to accept any new applications for video gaming.