Chicago Council Breaks Tradition, Allows VGTs in Six Wards

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-03-17

So, here's what just happened in Chicago. It's a story about tradition, money, and a whole lot of political tension. A key panel in the Chicago City Council just made a move that's left some people absolutely furious. They voted to reject ordinances that would have banned video gambling terminals, or VGTs, in six specific wards. That means bars and restaurants in those areas can now apply to have these slot-like machines. It's a big deal because it breaks what's been called "a decades-old tradition." For years, the local alderperson had the final say on licensing matters in their own ward. This vote bypassed that completely. Mayor Brandon Johnson and many residents in those six wards fought hard to keep the VGTs out, arguing they'd worsen addiction and hurt the quality of life. But their efforts came to nothing. ### The Vote That Changed Everything On Thursday, the Council's License and Consumer Protection Committee voted down the proposed bans for the 26th, 27th, 28th, 33rd, 35th, and 49th wards. The votes weren't even close—16-2 and 14-3 in favor of allowing the machines. The reaction from opponents was, well, intense. Alderman Jason Ervin, a key ally of the mayor, called it a "whole new era" and reportedly left the meeting "in disgust. He later told reporters that in his 15 years on the council, he'd never seen a ward-based matter handled this way. "This is highly unusual," he said. The chair of the committee, Debra Silverstein, decided to put the issue to a full committee vote instead of letting the local aldermen decide. That simple procedural shift changed the entire game. ### Why the Sudden Push for VGTs? It really boils down to two things: revenue and competition. The city's budget is counting on it. Chicago's $16.6 billion spending plan for 2026 is banking on $6.8 million from these newly legalized VGTs. For some aldermen, that potential income is too important to pass up, especially for businesses struggling at the city's edges. Alderman Anthony Napolitano, who represents the 41st Ward, put it bluntly. "This is an economic increase to our deflated economy," he argued. "As a border ward, I'm being destroyed by my surrounding suburbs that already have VGTs actively running." He sees it as a way to level the playing field and keep revenue within the city limits. Others, like Alderman Anthony Beale, called the attempt to ban the machines a "maneuver to try and blow a hole in the budget." The city forecasts that a whopping 80% of roughly 3,300 eligible establishments will apply for a VGT license. That's a lot of potential tax dollars. - **The Budget Factor:** The city needs the money, plain and simple. $6.8 million is a line item in a massive budget. - **Business Competition:** Border wards feel they're losing customers to suburbs with VGTs. - **Application Wave:** The Illinois Gaming Board has already received 207 applications from Chicago bars and restaurants, and that's just the start. ### What Happens Next? The winds have clearly shifted. Last month, a resolution was approved to trigger the Illinois Gaming Board to start processing applications. The regulator is now open for business. For supporters, it's a win for local businesses and the city's coffers. For opponents, it's a dangerous precedent that prioritizes money over community well-being. It's one of those messy, real-world policy fights. It pits immediate financial needs against long-term social concerns. And it shows how quickly traditions can fall when budgets are tight. The machines are coming to those six wards, and this vote has undoubtedly rewritten some of the unwritten rules of how Chicago politics works.