Its kind of crazy and sad at the same time. I am pretty sure many of the people dumping money into those machines don't have a lot to spare.

Look, I know the State is broke and I'm not self-righteous, (in fact I'm quite the opposite), but I must say when you see these poker machines in just about every pub & restaurant, it makes Illinois look incredibly sleazy. Even my favorite restaurant, Sky Harbor, now has a dedicated area for the hard-core gamblers. To me, it makes the place less classy. I guess I'm ok putting the machines in taverns that caters simply to drinkers. But do they have to put these things in restaurants where families go to enjoy a meal?

As a result, I was told, thst business on the boat in East Peoria is way down. Even the buffet there is now closed Monday and Tuesday. A number of people have started to wonder if the boat will still be around in about 5 years or so.

@Astonished :I think they are responding to demand, there are people who want to dump money into those machines, that do not want to go to a bar... the little old lady dumping her social security check into the machine wants a different type of place....

I think it was a bad decision to allow theseSad

@joepyeweed Yes, I know "why" restaurateurs, like Daryl at Sky Harbor, have added these machines. There is a demand for them and these machines bring in the cash. (And I'd probably be tempted to do the same if I owned a restaurant). One poker machine alone probably pays his Ameren Cilco bill for the month. However I still think these poker machines taint the atmosphere, especially in restaurants. They give off a slimy appeal. (just my opinion)

Its been years ago but we would go from bar to bar and get paid off these machines. Use to have a blast. I never drink so always was the driver of o bunch of intoxicated fools. They changed up the system of the machines after that. Haven't played in10 years.

Doesn't each city have the right to ban video poker? If you don't like video poker, look to your local officials.

Morton has banned them.

@joepyeweed You probably cant mow your grass on your John Deere tractor while drinking a beer on Sunday in Morton, either. BTW, which direction do you have to mow your grass this week

@Astonished Not going to name a restaurant, but when they first opened I went there a few times. Lined up against the wall were probably a half dozen machines. Nobody was playing them yet people were waiting for tables.

I never thought this would happen, but I agree with V. If bars want to have these machines that's fine with me as I spend little to no time in bars. I just would rather they not be in places we consider to be "special" dining spots like Sky Harbor and the Lariat. I understand why my buddy Daryl and others have gone there, but it takes away from the whole experience for us. My idea of gambling is choosing between a ribeye and and new york strip

At some point in life we realize that we cant always have what we like.Many are going this way just to get patrons in the door. I like to think of what will come out of the kitchen more that what's playing in the corner.More than likely ones waiting in line at the door is a good thing. Really I would hope its coming from service or foods At a restaurant.IMO