Video gambling machines are one major step closer to opening in Chicago’s bars and restaurants after clearing a key hurdle this week as elected officials sent notice to state regulators after Mayor Brandon Johnson took no action.
The state of Illinois began accepting applications Thursday afternoon from businesses that hope to operate the machines. The green light came because City Clerk Anna Valencia notified the Illinois Gaming Board Tuesday that the city had legalized the controversial gambling machines.
Johnson had not sent the notice for weeks in an apparent effort to pressure aldermen to change the legalization plan they approved as a part of the 2026 city budget they passed in December against his will.
