It's a gamble: Local bars sound off on pending video poker law

Nicolino's Trackside Sports, Spirits & Eatery owner Joe Bono is in favor of a new pending law awaiting Gov. Pat Quinn's signature, which would allow up to five video poker machines installed in every state bar and restaurant. Bono said, "It's just something else for responsible adults to be able to come in and play some games, while also putting money back into state coffers." (H. Rick Bamman - hbamman@@nwherald.com)

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If video poker becomes a reality in Illinois in the near future, several local bar owners are ready to take the reins in providing the first legal gaming machines in their establishments.

House Bill 255, which awaits Gov. Pat Quinn’s signature, would give every bar and restaurant in the state the opportunity to operate up to five video poker machines. Based on five-card draw poker, the casino game is played on a computerized console.

Joe Bono, who owns Nicolino’s Trackside Sports, Spirits & Eatery in McHenry, said he would take advantage of the pending law. Although his restaurant has been in business for 10 years, Nicolino’s was licensed in 2005 to serve as an off-track betting facility.

“We’re in favor of [the bill],” Bono said. “It’s just something else for responsible adults to be able to come in and play some g ames, while also putting money back into state coffers.”

But the legalization of video poker comes with a price.

Opponents, such as state Rep. Jack Franks, D-Marengo, say the large expansion of gambling promotes gambling addiction, and that there would be few resources to regulate the machines.

And although video poker would pay for about $300 million of the state’s $28.3 billion plan for construction projects, Quinn has refused to sign the bill until a significant income-tax increase is approved.

In the meantime, an alternate budget passed by the Illinois General Assembly required drastic cuts to social service programs to help erase a $9 billion deficit.

“There’s probably better ways to raise money than more gambling,” said Gary Reece, president of the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce.

Patrons also might not frequent an establishment just because it has video poker machines, Reece added. But in this economy, businesses need all the extra income they can get.

“I would imagine that some would get on the bandwagon to help some revenues,” Reece added. “From a business aspect, I’m sure it could be a good decision.”

Derek Brif, a manager of DC Cobbs in Woodstock, said he also supported the idea.

“If it brings people in, if it makes people happy, then yes,” Brif said. “I know a lot of people who are big into poker. I think that would be something to draw people in. I think it would be a good thing.”

While Bono waits for a decision from Quinn, Nicolino’s is continuing to see many visitors betting on races from all over the world, he said. And video poker might add a little extra to that experience.

“The city and county both get 1 percent of our handle that we bring in, and we’re wagering over $1 million a month,” Bono said. “We’ve got people, whether they’re blue collar, white collar – anything from taxicab drivers to lawyers – who come in here.”