Mackinaw Bar First in Tazewell Co. to Add Gambling Machines
By: Eugene Daniel
Updated: October 9, 2012
MACKINAW - The Hideaway in Mackinaw installed five video gaming machines Tuesday,
It is the first bar or restaurant in Tazewell County to get to be approved by the State Gaming Board to use the machines. Owner Don Meyer said his place was much busier than usual, and he did not know the machines would be installed until that morning.
Many people in the area anticipated the machines since Meyer applied for the machines in May. He thinks the new additions will off-set heavy sales and liquor taxes and hopefully collect thousands of dollars per month.
"We're glad the state of Illinois has 'ok'd' them, because it will help make the businesses survive," Meyer said.
"I'm trying to play as much as I can until it's time to start working," said Mackinaw resident and bartender Carla Capps.
Thirty percent of money from video gambling machines will go to state and local government. The remaining 70 percent will be split between the bar owners and companies that operate the machines.
It is the first bar or restaurant in Tazewell County to get to be approved by the State Gaming Board to use the machines. Owner Don Meyer said his place was much busier than usual, and he did not know the machines would be installed until that morning.
Many people in the area anticipated the machines since Meyer applied for the machines in May. He thinks the new additions will off-set heavy sales and liquor taxes and hopefully collect thousands of dollars per month.
"We're glad the state of Illinois has 'ok'd' them, because it will help make the businesses survive," Meyer said.
"I'm trying to play as much as I can until it's time to start working," said Mackinaw resident and bartender Carla Capps.
Thirty percent of money from video gambling machines will go to state and local government. The remaining 70 percent will be split between the bar owners and companies that operate the machines.
