Nearly 50 area bars and restaurants have already been given permission to apply to have betting kiosks at their place of business when the state begins legal sports gambling next year.

The decision to apply for a sports betting kiosk was an easy one for Little York Tavern & Pizza in Vandalia, General Manager Thomas Heil said.

“We definitely jumped on the KENO bandwagon when it was new, so this was another opportunity for us to branch out,” Heil said. “I think a lot of people see us as an entertainment destination for our live music, trivia and things like that, so this will add another layer and gives people another reason to come out and enjoy the atmosphere.”