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Marion business owner warns 1¢ “push” gaming tax could hurt small shops
Summary
A Marion business owner told the council the city’s 1¢ per button‑push gaming tax (enacted in 2021) risks pushing customers to larger casinos and nearby towns; the mayor said courts recently affirmed municipalities’ authority and described enforcement options if operators fail to collect the tax.
A Marion business owner told the City Council during public comment that the city’s newly enforced “push” gaming tax — a 1¢ charge per push of a video terminal button, adopted by ordinance in 2021 — is already driving customers away from small local businesses and toward larger casinos and neighboring towns.
The commenter, who identified herself as a Marion native and small-business owner, said she learned only days ago that the tax was being collected at local gaming terminals and blamed the change for an immediate decline in out‑of‑town and casual customers. “Since the push tax has been implemented in gaming facilities, all that has caused is negative thoughts . . . not towards my business, but towards the city commissioners and the mayor,” she said, adding that machine “tip” change previously funded charitable activities and small local support efforts.
Mayor Absher explained the council did not newly pass the tax this week: the ordinance was enacted in 2021 and was held in abeyance while legal challenges from video gaming terminal operators worked through the courts. “Those challenges have wound their way through the courts, and they have weighed in favor of the municipalities as to the validity and constitutionality of this tax,” Absher said, noting the city has not yet collected the anticipated revenue. He estimated compliance could yield substantial revenue if the machines’ play levels match historical patterns.
Absher also warned that if the required amount is not collected, the city has enforcement options. “We will enforce the ordinance,” he said, naming remedies that include administrative hearings with video terminal operators and, ultimately, suspension of machines at establishments that do not comply.
Council members acknowledged the business owner’s concerns and said they will monitor local collection and enforcement. Absher said councilors have differing views — some favor eliminating video gaming in Marion entirely — but emphasized the legal framework and local ordinance remain in place unless the council chooses to act formally.
The council did not take action on the push tax during the meeting; the comment was heard as part of the public-comment period.
