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Clinton Faces Tough Decision Regarding New Gambling Regulations

A recent bill through the state of Illinois regarding video gambling has only recently been enacted.

The result is eminent changes to many establishments in Clinton and DeWitt County, but also all over the state. Clinton Mayor Carolyn Peters explains the idea is for all gaming machines to be hooked up to where the state can monitor them.

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According to Mayor Peters, under the imposed regulations, the proceeds from these video gambling machines will go towards the entity providing the machine, the establishment, the state and the town.

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Clinton currently allows for 'coin operated amusement devices', however, they also do not allow gambling. Mayor Peters explains they will approach this as the devices are already in the community and they are going to have to decide if they want them regulated or removed completely. The city does hold the option of maintaining the ban they have on gambling machines, which would result in these machines being removed from every establishment.

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The city will be meeting with owners of establishments to find out what effects the various options would have on their places of business. Mayor Peters feels gambling should not be allowed in Clinton, however, because the issue has not been monitored over time, it may be too far gone to remove them completely.

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The Mayor feels it would be easy to make this decision if these devices were not already in the community. She adds, she will be watching what other communities around the area do about this issue, because it will interesting to know if their circumstances mirror the circumstances in the Clinton community.

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