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Aurora council approves expansion of video-gaming terminals for social clubs and small businesses
Summary
Council adopted an ordinance amending Section 8-131 to allow an additional video-gaming terminal for qualifying social clubs and small businesses. Supporters said the change helps local businesses; the casino opposed it. Council approved the ordinance with an 8–1 roll-call vote.
Aurora City Council voted to amend local regulations to allow an additional video-gaming terminal in certain social clubs and small businesses, a change proponents said would bolster small establishments while opponents warned of potential impacts on existing gaming venues.
Deputy Chief of Staff Nicholas Roussar Thompson presented the ordinance (amending Section 8-131), telling the council that stakeholders including social clubs and restaurants requested the expansion. Thompson said the casino formally opposed the change in writing, arguing it could interrupt economic activity. "They want to shoot it down," Thompson said, summarizing the casino’s written opposition.
Alderman Franco and other supporters said research suggests the expansion would primarily affect incidental, recreational play at bars and social clubs and not the casino's destination clientele. "The research doesn't suggest they're going to lose any major economic activity," Thompson said, arguing the expansion could be a lifeline for small businesses.
Council discussed distance and grandfathering provisions. Exhibit language limits new licenses in proximity to existing establishments (the ordinance references a 2,640-foot restriction between licensed establishments and a separate 1,000-foot standoff from casinos). Aldermen asked staff to clarify how the ordinance treats existing sites and new businesses in proximity to the casino.
City staff also presented revenue estimates; one estimate cited during discussion anticipated roughly $155,000 in new total revenue if local establishments add terminals, while licensing and fee estimates cited in the presentation accounted for about $56,000 in licensing revenue plus per-machine fees and distributor fees.
After discussion, the council called the question and adopted the ordinance on roll call, 8–1 (one no vote recorded). The mayor asked staff to upload the presentation materials to Legistar for member review.
Next steps: Staff will upload supporting materials and implement ordinance amendments in city code enforcement and licensing processes.
