Evanston Debates Regulating Sweepstakes Machines

City committee discusses options to ban or regulate gambling-adjacent terminals.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:36am

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A photorealistic painting of a solitary sweepstakes machine sitting on a counter in a dimly lit convenience store, with warm sunlight streaming in through the windows and deep shadows cast across the scene, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and the complex issues surrounding the regulation of these machines.The debate over regulating or banning sweepstakes machines in Evanston highlights the challenges cities face in addressing emerging forms of gambling-adjacent technology.Evanston Today

The Evanston City Council's Human Services Committee held a discussion on whether to regulate or ban 'sweepstakes' machines, a form of gambling-adjacent video terminals that currently operate unregulated in the city. Committee members expressed a range of views, with some favoring a ban and others preferring stricter regulations.

Why it matters

Sweepstakes machines have become increasingly prevalent in Evanston, operating in gas stations, convenience stores, and even the local American Legion post. While not technically considered video gambling under state law, these terminals raise concerns about their potential for compulsive use and negative social impacts. The city must decide whether to ban them outright or implement new regulations.

The details

The committee discussed a range of potential regulations proposed by Councilmember Bobby Burns, including requirements that sweepstakes entries be tied to real products, that results be predetermined, and that the devices not simulate gambling. Other members, like Councilmember Matt Rodgers, were hesitant to impose overly burdensome regulations, fearing it could drive businesses to neighboring communities. Ultimately, the committee directed city staff to explore both a potential ban and regulatory options, which will be considered further in the coming months.

  • The Human Services Committee discussed the issue at a meeting on Monday, April 6, 2026.
  • City staff will explore ban and regulatory options in the coming months.
  • The committee plans to revisit the topic early this summer to consider draft language.

The players

Bobby Burns

Fifth Ward Councilmember who asked for the topic to be discussed at the committee meeting.

Krissie Harris

Second Ward Councilmember who favored banning the sweepstakes machines.

Shawn Iles

Third Ward Councilmember who also supported banning the machines.

Matt Rodgers

Eighth Ward Councilmember who preferred more limited restrictions on the machines.

Ike Ogbo

Evanston's Health and Human Services Director, who will explore ban and regulatory options.

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What they’re saying

“I just want to be clear to the public — this is something that's already in our community, and I think it's been here for several years now.”

— Bobby Burns, Fifth Ward Councilmember

“I think if we make it so burdensome on them [machine owners], then we ought to just ban them.”

— Matt Rodgers, Eighth Ward Councilmember

“I heard from a few constituents about this, and I tend to agree with them that the negative impact outweighs any sort of financial gain. We might have, I think, a harmful, compulsive social cost involved with this.”

— Shawn Iles, Third Ward Councilmember

What’s next

In the coming months, Health and Human Services Director Ike Ogbo plans to explore what a ban or ordinance amendment to video gaming rules would look like based on the committee's direction. The committee will return to the topic early this summer to consider draft language on either banning or regulating the machines.

The takeaway

Evanston's debate over sweepstakes machines highlights the challenges cities face in regulating emerging forms of gambling-adjacent technology. While the machines may generate some revenue, the potential social costs and compulsive use concerns have led some city leaders to favor an outright ban, while others seek a more nuanced regulatory approach.