Chicago Council Votes Against Sweepstakes Ban

Chicago’s City Council narrowly rejected a ban on sweepstakes machines—those flashy game-like devices that hand out free plays or coupons—by a 33-15 vote, leaving them legally untouched for now. Alderman Anthony Beale pushed for the ban, arguing thousands of these machines violate state law and could be taxed if shifted toward legal video gaming terminals. But Alderman Jason Ervin countered they’re “amusement devices,” not gambling machines, and banning them could hurt taxpayers. Meanwhile, the city already relies on $6.8 million from legal video terminals and $4 million annually from Bally’s Casino, which warned that expanding gaming could cost the city hundreds of millions more than any tax revenue would bring. The vote keeps the door open for future tax debates while navigating legal, financial, and political complexities. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/ca6ad84115a10a76