Chicago Bars and Restaurants Cleared to Operate Video Gambling Machines

City Council overrides mayor's delay, paving way for new revenue stream

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Video gambling machines are coming to Chicago's bars and restaurants after the City Council overrode Mayor Brandon Johnson's delay in notifying state regulators. The state of Illinois has now begun accepting applications from businesses that want to operate the machines, which were legalized as part of the city's 2026 budget despite the mayor's opposition. Alderman Anthony Beale, a key proponent, says the machines will generate hundreds of millions in much-needed revenue for the city, while opponents warn of issues like gambling addiction and a spike in burglaries targeting the machines.

Why it matters

The legalization of video gambling machines in Chicago has become a contentious political issue, pitting the mayor against some City Council members. It represents a major expansion of gambling in the city, coming just a few years after the opening of the Bally's temporary casino downtown. The machines could provide a new revenue stream, but critics argue they could also lead to social problems like addiction and crime.

The details

The state of Illinois began accepting applications on Thursday for Chicago businesses to operate video gambling machines, after City Clerk Anna Valencia notified the Illinois Gaming Board that the city had legalized the machines as part of its 2026 budget. Mayor Brandon Johnson had delayed sending the notice for weeks in an apparent effort to pressure aldermen to change the plan, but his opponents on the City Council passed a resolution compelling Valencia to send the notice. Alderman Anthony Beale, a top proponent, says the machines will generate hundreds of millions in revenue that the city desperately needs. However, the legalization has faced pushback, with some aldermen moving to ban the machines in their wards due to concerns about gambling addiction and a spike in burglaries targeting the machines in other parts of the state.

  • The Illinois Gaming Board began accepting applications from Chicago businesses on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
  • City Clerk Anna Valencia notified the Illinois Gaming Board on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 that the city had legalized video gambling machines.

The players

Brandon Johnson

The mayor of Chicago who opposed the legalization of video gambling machines in the city.

Anna Valencia

The City Clerk of Chicago who notified the Illinois Gaming Board that the city had legalized video gambling machines.

Anthony Beale

A Chicago alderman and top proponent of legalizing video gambling machines, who says they will generate hundreds of millions in much-needed revenue for the city.

Walter "Red" Burnett

A Chicago alderman appointed by Mayor Johnson who opposes the legalization of video gambling machines and also wants to ban "sweepstakes" gambling terminals that already operate in the city.

Cecilia Brown

A spokesperson for the Chicago Video Gaming Business Association, a group of video gambling terminal operators and other businesses hoping to profit from legalization.

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What they’re saying

“We know we need the revenue, and this is a huge revenue stream. The quicker we can get all these applications online, we can start recouping hundreds of millions of dollars here in the city.”

— Anthony Beale, Alderman (Chicago Tribune)

“There's over 3,000 illegal sweepstakes machines in the city of Chicago right now. Nobody said anything about those... I'm trying to legalize them and get legitimate revenue that we need. It's just amazing, the hypocrisy when we want to do something legally.”

— Anthony Beale, Alderman (Chicago Tribune)

“We have to do better to actually protect our city. It's ridiculous. If people really want to get something done, we actually have to get to work.”

— Walter "Red" Burnett, Alderman (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

The Illinois Gaming Board will begin processing applications from Chicago businesses that want to operate video gambling machines now that the city has officially notified the state of the legalization.

The takeaway

The legalization of video gambling machines in Chicago has become a politically charged issue, with the mayor opposing the move while some City Council members see it as a much-needed revenue source. The debate highlights the complex tradeoffs between the potential economic benefits and social costs of expanded gambling in the city.