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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Nicholas Richard, Deputy Chief of Staff
DATE: September 22, 2025
SUBJECT:
An Ordinance amending Sec. 8-131 of the Code of Ordinances, pertaining to video gaming terminal regulations.
PURPOSE:
To amend the City Code to align with state law and increase the number of video gaming terminals permitted in the City of Aurora. This revision will support local businesses by allowing them to expand their revenue opportunities while also generating additional tax revenue for the city.
BACKGROUND:
In 2018, the City of Aurora enacted an ordinance to regulate video gaming terminals in accordance with the Illinois Video Gaming Act. The initial ordinance limited the number of terminals and established a minimum distance between licensed establishments. Over time, the City Council has revisited and amended these regulations to address new challenges and to align with the city's broader planning goals. These revisions have sought to balance economic opportunities for local businesses with public safety and responsible growth.
DISCUSSION:
The amendment makes several key revisions to the city's video gaming regulations. The primary change is the increase in the number of video gaming terminals permitted in the city from 200 to 240, and the number of machines per licensed location from five to six. This change is projected to generate approximately $56,000 in additional annual revenue for the city, which will be deposited into the gaming fund.
This initiative is a response to direct requests from local business owners who seek to increase their revenue streams and improve their competitiveness. It also brings the city's ordinance up to date with the new Illinois state law, which allows for six machines per location. There are no direct costs to the city associated with this ordinance. No new vendors are being considered. This is not a sole-source matter, and no funds transfer is required. The new revenue will be incorporated into the next fisc...
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