Lockport council votes 4-3 to allow sixth gaming machine in restaurants
City officials approved the change following a heated debate over the impact on local dining spaces.
By Aiko Sato ·
The Lockport City Council voted 4-3 on Oct. 21 to permit restaurants to install a sixth electronic gaming machine.
The measure responds to a petition from Coom’s Corner Sports Grill, which sought to expand its gaming operations to match recent state regulations.
Illinois law originally limited gaming machines in licensed establishments to five units. The state recently raised that cap to six, prompting local businesses to ask the city to update its own ordinance.
Mayor Steven Streit, who also serves as the city’s liquor commissioner, expressed concern during the meeting. He stated that the city originally set the limit at five to prevent the gaming industry from redefining the character of local restaurants.
“We didn’t want the gaming industry to redefine our restaurants,” Streit said.
Representatives for Coom’s Corner argued that the additional machine would benefit businesses struggling in the current economy. The company’s attorney noted that the existing five machines often reach capacity during peak dinner hours.
City documents estimate that allowing the extra machines will generate approximately $36,000 in additional revenue for the municipality. Aldermen raised questions about potential security risks, noting that gaming terminals can attract robberies or smash-and-grab thefts, though the city reported this has not been a major issue in Lockport to date.
The debate intensified when Streit proposed forming a committee to review the topic further. Aldermen JR Gillogly and Darren Deskin criticized the mayor’s approach, with Deskin calling it “bullying.”
“Enough with the moral crap,” Deskin said in response to discussions about the character of downtown businesses.
Deskin also suggested Streit had a bias due to an association with a downtown restaurant, an accusation the mayor denied.
After more than an hour of discussion, the council approved the change. Restaurants holding a C-1 or C-2 liquor license may now install a sixth terminal if they prove to the liquor commissioner that the new machine will not reduce seating for dining patrons.
Aldermen Pugh, Bergbower, Gillogly, and Deskin voted in favor of the motion. Aldermen Lif, Bartelsen, and Cardamone voted against. Alderwoman Susan King was absent from the meeting.
