Following the DeKalb City Council’s decision to allow video gambling, several local businesses have begun the process of installing these machines.

The process begins with an application to the Illinois Gaming Board.

“We’ve filled out our applications with the state,” said Earl Sullivan, joint owner of Sullivan’s Tavern, 722 E. Lincoln Highway. “They’ve taken our fingerprints and now we’re just waiting to hear back from them.”

The gaming board takes applications on a first-come, first-served basis, so businesses must wait to hear the result.

“This process can take a month or longer,” Sullivan said. “Now that DeKalb has opted to allow video gambling, we are moving ahead.”

After the license is approved, businesses create an arrangement with a supplier of video gambling machines.

“We’ve met with the suppliers,” Sullivan said. “We’ve evaluated our area and we have an idea where we will want to put the machines.”

Sullivan said the machines will communicate with a satellite. The satellite allows the company and the establishment to monitor what happens with them and verifies when people win.

The entire process takes several months.

“We’re looking to have our machines up in November or December,” Sullivan said.

DeKalb Mayor Kris Povlsen said businesses will see the bulk of the revenues from the machines.

“For the city, this will probably be revenue neutral,” Povlsen said. “But we are creating good business relationships with our liquor establishments. These businesses will get a financial boost and are more likely to remain in operation.”

The city of DeKalb will indirectly see some of the revenues from these machines.

“The businesses get a cut out of the profits after payout,” said Second Ward Alderman Tom Teresinski. “The state of Illinois will get some revenues, to fund capital projects. DeKalb can expect to benefit from these newly funded projects.”