Hoffman Estates urged to ban lottery vending machines like vape machines

The Village Board of Hoffman Estates convened on July 7, 2025, to discuss various community issues, with public comments taking center stage during the meeting. Mayor McLeod opened the floor for public input, inviting residents to share their thoughts with the board and village staff.

Kathy Gilroy, a resident, addressed the board, commending them for their recent decision to ban vape vending machines in the village. She highlighted the unanimous vote by the board and praised Village Manager Eric Palm's statement regarding the inappropriateness of such machines being accessible to minors.

However, Gilroy shifted the focus of her comments to another pressing issue: the rising rate of youth gambling addiction. She pointed out that while the village has taken steps to protect youth from nicotine addiction, lottery vending machines remain in place, posing a similar risk. Gilroy recounted her own investigation, where she found minors easily purchasing lottery tickets from these machines, despite existing laws prohibiting such sales to individuals under 18.

She urged the board to consider banning lottery vending machines in Hoffman Estates, drawing parallels between the risks associated with both types of machines. Gilroy emphasized the need for proactive measures to protect youth from gambling addiction, suggesting that the village could extend its leadership by addressing this issue in a manner similar to the vape ban.

The board members listened attentively to Gilroy's concerns, and while no immediate decisions were made during the public comment segment, her remarks highlighted a significant community issue that may warrant further discussion in future meetings. The meeting concluded with an acknowledgment of Gilroy's input, reflecting the board's commitment to considering resident concerns in their decision-making processes.