Judge halts Rockford's efforts to limit video gaming terminals
17th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Fabiano issued the ruling in response to a lawsuit brought by Kelly Quinby, the proprietor of Spinning Slots, at 1625 Sandy Hollow Road, after the city refused to license a 6th video gaming terminal (VGT) at the location, despite allowances by the Illinois Gaming Board to do so.
The state's 2009 Video Gaming Act allows any business licensed to serve liquor to install up to six slot machines.
However, to slow the growth of gambling machines within the city, Aldermen passed an ordinance that would require venues to derive at least 50% of total revenue from food and alcohol sales.
The ordinance was to help existing bars and restaurants that wanted to add gambling terminals as a source of extra income, and discourage independent operators from opening establishments where gambling was the primary source of revenue.
According to the lawsuit, the city refused to license Spinning Slots' 6th gaming terminal, despite its authorization by the Illinois Gaming Board, and denied renewal of its liquor license because the establishment did not meet the 50% income threshold.
On Thursday, the court ruled that the City lacked the authority to regulate video gaming establishments, as this power resides with the state.
The ruling prevents the City from enforcing any local ordinances that limit the number of video game terminals in the city.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Yahoo
Multiple people arrested after investigation into 3 armed robberies
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford Police arrested multiple people on several charges stemming from an investigation into a series of armed robberies. Officers received reports of three different armed robberies spanning from December 28, 2024, to February 6, 2025. Victims told officials their phones and money were taken from them when they were held at gunpoint. One of the incidents involved an arranged meeting to sell cannabis, authorities reported. Officials connected all three incidents to each other after the investigation. Police determined Elijah Woodson, 22, and Marquel Woodson, 21, were the suspects. Officers found the suspects in the 1200 block of 6th Avenue during a search. Authorities found two loaded firearms and cannabis during the search. During the search, Maurice Woodson, 23, Swennekia Woodson, 18, and Omareon Loper, 22, were all arrested as well. Marquel Woodson is charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit armed robbery, possession of a machine gun and possession of a firearm without a FOID card. The machine gun charge comes from a warrant in Indiana. Elijah Woodson is charged with armed robbery and vehicle theft. The theft charge comes from a warrant in Cook County. Maurice Woodson is charged with unlawful use of a weapon by a felon and obstructing justice. Swennekia Woodson is charged with possession of cannabis with intent to deliver. Loper is charged with failure to appear in court for a DUI charge in Winnebago County. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Yahoo
Wanted Rockford man in custody after drug and weapons raid by US Marshals
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford Police arrested Stormi Dixon, 41, after raiding his residence on Thursday. Around 12:30 p.m., US Marshals and RPD went to the 600 block of 3rd. Street to search for Dixon, who was wanted for delivering cocaine and having a firearm while being a felon. Authorities forced their way into the apartment and took Dixon into custody after he was found in the attic. Officers found cocaine, digital scales, a loaded handgun and over $1,000 in cash. Dixon successfully evaded officers in a Chevy Tahoe and on foot on May 2nd. Dixon is charged with possession of a weapon by a felon, manufacturing and delivering cocaine, aggravated fleeing from police while driving 21 miles per hour over the limit and resisting an officer. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Yahoo
Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan sentenced to 7.5 years in prison
CHICAGO, Ill. (WTVO) — Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan has been sentenced to 7 and a half years in prison on bribery and corruption charges. A jury convicted Madigan earlier this year of conspiracy, bribery, and wire fraud in a high-profile corruption trial. He was also ordered to pay a $2.5 million fine. The jury could not reach a decision on six of the 23 counts against him, including an overarching racketeering conspiracy charge, after deliberations that lasted more than 10 days. Ultimately, he was convicted on 10 counts of bribery, conspiracy, and wire fraud. Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual called it a 'historic' conviction, ranking high among top public corruption cases tried in Chicago's federal courthouse. He said that Illinois residents have a right to trust in their government.' The trial, which began in October, featured more than 60 witnesses, including a congresswoman, business leaders and former state legislators. Madigan, 83, served as House speaker for more than 30 years, becoming the longest serving U.S. legislator, and earned the nickname the 'Velvet Hammer' for his forceful yet quiet leadership style. He left political office in 2021 while under investigation and was indicted the following year. First elected to the Legislature in 1970, Madigan was speaker of the state House from 1983 to 2021, except for two years when Republicans were in control. He set much of Illinois' political agenda by deciding which legislation would be voted on and by controlling several campaign funds. He also oversaw political mapmaking. Among his crimes: Madigan used his influence to pass legislation that benefited companies like ComEd, which gave kickbacks, jobs, and contracts to Madigan loyalists in return. Rep. John Cabello (R-Machesney Park) reacted to the sentencing, saying, 'I hope the entirety of his trial sends a message to every corrupt politician watching: The people of Illinois deserve better—not the corrupt cesspool Madigan and his cronies created. Sadly, there are currently 57 state lawmakers, including those from the Rockford area, who received funding from or maintain ties with Madigan. Another reason that Illinois needs real ethics reform now.' Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) said, 'No one is above the law. Speaker Madigan was found guilty of gaming the system for personal gain. The people of Illinois expect more from their leaders and deserve an ethical state government. We need to stop the culture of pay-to-play politics that has allowed corruption to run rampant in Illinois for decades'. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
