DuPage County Board approves zoning variance for Lucky 7 Bistro over resident objections

The DuPage County Board voted 15–3 on Feb. 24 to grant a zoning variance to Lucky 7 Bistro, allowing the restaurant to operate a video-gaming cafe within 1,000 feet of an existing gaming establishment.

The board reconsidered DCO 6-26 (zoning 2548), prompted by the petitioner’s claim that Lucky 7 obtained a building permit in November 2023, completed its build-out, received a certificate of occupancy on March 20, 2025, paid for and was issued a G1 gaming license application, and spent more than $200,000 on the project. Public commenter Mister Patel told the board 77 neighboring households support the business and asked for the variance so the restaurant could open with gaming terminals.

Opponents in public comment and several board members urged upholding the county’s 1,000-foot spacing rule. Glenn Nelson, a public commenter, argued the proliferation of video gaming harms financially vulnerable residents and cited local concerns about crime. Resident Jean Turner asked the board to deny the variance and urged countywide limits on the number and density of gaming facilities.

Supporters of the variance, including Member Ozog and Vice Chair Childress, said the petitioner relied on prior county actions and zoning approvals and described a legal and financial hardship created when county rules changed after Lucky 7’s permitting and construction. Member Tornatore summarized the procedural history: the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Development Committee had both recommended the variation; the county board had previously denied it and later took the motion to reconsider.

Members debated legal exposure if the county again refused relief; Member Krajewski noted past court rulings that favored applicants in similar circumstances. A states-attorney representative (not named in the record) told the board it could not predict a judge’s decision but acknowledged precedent that if facts show reliance and hardship a court could require relief.

After discussion, the roll call recorded 15 ayes and 3 nays, and the motion passed. Chair Deborah A. Conroy said the board would accept that outcome and move on to other agenda items.

The board’s action does not itself change state licensing processes for gaming terminals; members afterward urged the Development Committee and legal staff to review whether the county can or should pursue caps or other policy changes within the county’s authority.

Next steps: The petitioner may proceed under the variance approved by the board; board members signaled plans to review policy options and legal constraints on limiting gaming licenses.