Instead of driving to the nearest casino, residents throughout McHenry County could find gaming opportunities at local bars by the end of the year.

Within recent months, communities across the county have debated the merits of allowing video gaming machines at liquor-licensed establishments.

The state approved the Video Gaming Act in 2009, making electronic gaming such as video poker legal in establishments such as bars, truck stops and veterans posts. The law designates the Illinois Gaming Board with the responsibility of implementing and regulating gaming.