MAMEWorld Forums - The Loony Bin - Re: Italie, make us rich will ya?

> http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/business/illinois-video-poker-173402711.html#ixzz28rrPAHOV

Oddly enough I was involved in this stuff some years back, providing that sort of equipment for bars using "private club" loopholes. I was still in that industry when the OTB thugs started partnering with (read:taking control of) struggling bars.

I have no problems with video gambling, but it is a pretty risky venture to get into. Villages are adopting bans locally almost overnight out of the same ill-based fears and stigmas that arcades are still stuck with.

It is a good revenue generator and doesn't really "draw" the elements villages seems to have issues with. It's been around illegally (and semi-legally) for years without issue here. It is, however, abused outright by people like the the OTB goons. Those goons are sweeping into the area with force (and have been), and will no doubt cast a shadow over the whole deal. No better place to hide money than video poker machines, and you wouldn't believe the lengths those slimy bastards go through to do it. To top it off, they are the WORST customers when things go wrong.