The number of video gaming machines in Decatur has skyrocketed. Now city leaders are looking at ways to slow that growth.
Both bar and parlor owners voiced their concerns. Right now there are over 350 video gaming machines throughout the city of Decatur.
 The state of Illinois has more video gambling machines than Nevada. That’s more than any other country in world. However, bars and parlors opinions generally differed on what decision the city council should make.
 "It becomes an over saturation factor and then the pie is just getting divided into so many slices that you know that eventually places are going to start closing," Kim Logan Owner of Sundown Lounge in Decatur. She suggested that before City Council raise fee’s associated with video gambling, they should wait until businesses have had the machines for 5 years. That way they can tell how much revenue a business is gaining or losing.
Majority of Parlor owners that spoke at the city council meeting disagreed.
"I believe in a free market if they put in 30 more parlors, I guess I'll try to compete," Said Chris Johns who own Jakes Video Gaming.
Those who own video gaming parlors pay more for their registration and licensing fees than bars and restaurants. Both bar owners and parlors owners agreed that the council shouldn't increase the fee's associated with video gaming.
The Decatur City Council didn't vote on whether or not to make changes to the current regulations... however they are expected to come a conclusion on the matter at the next city council meeting.
