Chicago discards proposed ban on unregulated ‘sweepstakes machines’

(The Center Square) – The Chicago City Council voted down a proposed ban on a type of prevalent gaming machines, which are not regulated or taxed by either the city or state due to what officials have described as a legal grey area.

The 15-33 vote leaves room for the body to potentially tax sweepstakes machines, bringing in more revenue for the city that has been strapped for cash.

Chicago Alderman Anthony Beale, representing the 9th Ward, revived an effort this week to impose a ban on the machines in the city, which appear similar to other video gambling terminals, but are unregulated because they offer free plays, coupons, and other prizes – as opposed to cash payouts.

Beale told fellow aldermen that the city is aware of at least 7,000 sweepstakes machines operating within city limits, which he said are illegal based on his interpretation of state law and court rulings.

“I talked to a high-ranking state official yesterday and he affirmed to me again that there is no ...