Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Business Regulation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council deadlocks on sweepstakes kiosks; issue reconsidered and placed on hold
Summary
Council considered two competing ordinances on electronic sweepstakes kiosks—one to regulate and one to ban. Introduction of the regulatory ordinance failed to get the necessary votes; after procedural review the council reconsidered and placed both items on hold pending further review and potential grandfathering language.
Evanston City Council members on July 13 debated rival proposals to regulate or ban electronic product‑promotion sweepstakes kiosks used by some convenience stores and small businesses.
Council member Hejicades moved to introduce an ordinance to regulate the machines; others advocated instead for an outright ban. In a roll call the regulatory‑ordinance introduction failed to receive the votes required for introduction (4–2), and council took a procedural pause to confirm whether introduction requires a majority of all council members in office. After a motion to reconsider carried, council members moved to hold the matter so staff and members can examine options including grandfathering existing kiosks and further legal guidance.
Supporters of regulation said permitting and limits (two machines per facility, a 20‑machine citywide cap any year) would allow small businesses to keep a revenue stream while avoiding proliferation. Opponents cited social costs and Illinois Gaming Commission guidance favoring bans. Council did not adopt either ordinance at the meeting and sent the issue for additional study and possible amendment.
