The Chicago City Council voted 33-15 Wednesday to reject a ban on so-called sweepstakes machines, heeding the objections of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration.
Approximately 7,000 unpermitted sweepstakes machines operate in all kinds of businesses across the city — including in bars, restaurants, gas stations, laundromats and convenience stores — but are concentrated on the South and West sides.
Ald. Anthony Beale (9th Ward), the author of the proposed ban, called it a “slam dunk” that would speed up efforts by bar and restaurant owners to offer licensed video gambling, which he said will mean tens of millions of dollars in new revenue for the city and a boost for struggling businesses.
