BLOOMINGTON ( 25News Now ) - The City of Bloomington will be able to approve more video gaming licenses, reducing a waiting list of businesses wanting to put gambling machines in their establishments.

The city council voted 7-2 Monday night to raise the maximum number of license holders to 75, from 60. It’s the first increase in six years, according to city officials.

City staffers called the expansion “modest,” enabling 12 businesses on the waiting list to be considered for a gaming license. Staffers see the change as supporting economic development, and potentially increasing tax revenue.

The city collects annual fees of up to $500 for each gaming machine. Licensed establishments can each have up to five terminals.

Illinois’ Video Gaming Act does not allow municipalities like Bloom

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