Publication Date

Fall 2017

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Administration

Department

Public Administration

First Advisor

Natalia Ermasova, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Mary D. Bruce, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Cheryl Hague, M.A.

Fourth Advisor

MPA

Abstract

In 2009, the Illinois General Assembly passed the Video Gaming Act, the largest gambling expansion in the state’s history. That expansion allowed locations within Illinois to have five Video Gaming Terminals (VGT) within their business, similar to the slot machines previously only seen at state casinos. These terminals arrived under much scrutiny, as scholars and citizens alike were concerned with the social negatives attached to gambling facilities. Previous research points out many of the societal connotations that comes along with Video Gaming such as negative externalities associated with bankruptcy and addiction, but has yet to analyze the impact on the municipalities that receive 5% of the losses wagered on each terminal. This writing shows that video gaming has not led to an increase in municipal services through an expansion in capital projects, services provided, special events, and increased village staff based on interviews with municipal finance staff. Earmarks for addiction services programs and an increased police presence in areas with a high density of video gaming establishments are suggested as an alternative to the current municipal revenue allocation.

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