The License Committee of the Chicago City Council voted on Thursday to dismiss two proposed ordinances aimed at banning video gambling machines in several wards, marking a significant shift from the council's usual practice of deferring to local aldermen on district matters.
The proposals in question targeted the 26th, 27th, 28th, 33rd, 35th, and 49th wards. Alderman Jason Ervin from the 28th Ward and Alderman Walter “Red” Burnett from the 27th Ward had put forth these ordinances to prevent the operation of video gambling machines in their areas.
During the committee session, both aldermen requested that their proposals be postponed rather than voted on immediately. However, these requests were denied by Alderman Debra Silverstein, the chair of the License Committee. This decision marked a deviation from the traditional practice where the council usually aligns with the elected alderman’s stance on local issues.
Alderman Jason Ervin expressed his surprise at the committee's decision, stating, “I don't know what the rush is. This is unprecedented for this body. Just understand this: I have never in my 15 years in council seen a ward-based matter handled in this way. So this is highly unusual.”
The committee's vote comes at a time when Chicago is moving forward with plans to allow video gambling machines throughout the city. In December 2025, the City Council had approved a $16.6 billion budget that included the legalization of video gambling as a means of generating revenue.
Proponents of citywide legalization are generally hesitant to permit individual wards to opt out, fearing that such exclusions could diminish the expected revenue from the initiative.
Last month, Alderman Anthony Beale passed a resolution instructing the City Clerk to communicate with the Illinois Gaming Board, allowing the state to start processing gambling-related applications from Chicago.
Concerns have been raised regarding the potential social and public safety implications of expanding gambling, particularly issues related to addiction and crime.
Conversely, some argue that the council has previously overridden local aldermen's wishes in certain instances. Alderman Anthony Napolitano noted, “There was indeed precedent for the body to overrule the local alderman, referencing an affordable housing project in his ward that passed through the council in 2022 against his wishes with the backing of Mayor Lori Lightfoot.”
Mayor Lightfoot’s administration has also contributed to the discussion, with her team suggesting that legalized video gambling machines might yield less revenue than initially anticipated.