Oswego board deadlocks on early gaming license for Nash Vegas; directs staff to draft 6‑month downtown exception

The Village of Oswego Board of Trustees failed to approve an immediate video‑gaming license for Nash Vegas but voted to direct staff to return a downtown‑only ordinance change that would reduce the current one‑year waiting period to six months.

Board President Ryan Kaufman presided over the March 18 meeting where staff presented two options: adopt an ordinance granting Nash Vegas a license effective Aug. 2, 2025, or send a text amendment back to the board that would eliminate or shorten the one‑year waiting requirement for downtown Oswego and certain ancillary or nonprofit establishments.

Why it matters: Trustees said video gaming is a modest revenue stream for some restaurants and bars and argued the downtown TIF district needs businesses to remain viable. Opponents said the one‑year rule was part of prior negotiations intended to prevent stand‑alone gaming cafes and to ensure establishments were operating primarily as restaurants before adding gaming.

At the meeting staff member Tina explained the ordinance background and options under consideration. Nash Vegas owner Jonas…