Patrons In Mchenry County Spend $294m On Video Gaming

Patrons spent more than $294 million gambling on McHenry County video gaming machines in the past year, although municipalities and businesses only see a portion of the profits. That report is based on gaming numbers provided by the Illinois Gaming Board from July 2017 to July 2018. The Illinois Video Gaming Act went into effect in 2012, and businesses rapidly began offering gaming terminals at bars, restaurants, veterans clubs, liquor stores and gas stations. Some residents and city officials countywide have expressed concerns about allowing the machines, worried about rowdy clientele, visual appeal, gambling addictions and whether a business with gaming is considered family-friendly. The Grove Mart in Lake in the Hills generated the most revenue in the county from video gaming in the past year.