“It’s an exciting opportunity,” stated Toby Lindeman on Tuesday, December 11, 2012. He is owner of Fat Boy’s, 201 E. Main Street, Morrison, IL, where Lindeman recently installed the first video gaming machines in the City. “I would certainly hope that they’ll increase my business.”
On Friday, December 7, five “State-run gambling machines” became available to his patrons age 21 and older. Currently one is not functioning, but it will soon be repaired by Gold Rush Amusements, Inc. of Glendale Heights, IL. Service is of utmost importance to the company, which bought out the Sterling-based Blackhawk Music Company.
“There is over $100,000 worth of equipment in the place,” he estimated.
The machines below are shown Tuesday, prior to being turned on automatically. They are controlled remotely by the State. Computers turn them on at 10:00 a.m. and off at 2:00 a.m.
Lindeman listed financial advantages to himself, the City of Morrison, the State, and Gold Rush Amusements, Inc. All entities “will share a percentage of the net profit.” Both he and Gold Rush will receive about 35%; the City of Morrison will capture 5%; the State will receive 25%. Scientific Games receives a minimal percentage of all machines.
“Scientific Games keeps track [of the payouts] with a program. Information is transferred through a cellular modem each evening, all across the State.” He is “not wanting to handle the money” that he will earn from this new entertainment.
His machines below came to electrical life shortly after 10:00.
He filed application with the State of Illinois for a license in June 2012; it cost $100. All other local bar owners have filed, but none has received a license yet he said. His was issued in September, and the machines were turned on Friday, December 7. Men and women have been trying them in about equal numbers.
For someone new to video gaming machines, Lindeman stated “a little advice would be good. [However,] it’s fairly straightforward.” He is knowledgeable enough to answer questions.
When you have completed play, the machine will print out a ticket listing your accumulated winnings. This is taken to the “m3t” payout machine, at the far left of the bank of video gaming machines. After inserting the ticket, your money will be dispensed. These winninigs tickets can only be redeemed at the Fat Boy’s m3t machine.
There is an etiquette involved if one must leave a comfortable chair before ending play. To hold your place, Gold Rush supplied large, plastic cards which state, “Be right back. This machine is currntly being used. Please try another machine.”
Lindeman estimated those chairs cost $500 each. Comfortable gamblers probably play longer.
Small-stakes wagers from five cents up to $2 can be placed on a wide variety of poker and slots games with 25 options. All it takes is one push of a button. One slot option has 40 lines of potential wins–or losses–all determined by computer. There are games that are interactive, too.
State-run gambling in his bar is no different than State-run gambling at a service station, convenience store, or grocery store–all of which sell lottery tickets–or at casinos. He is required to locate his machines “in plain sight of the bartender.”
“You’re providing a place to make money,” he concluded.
More importantly, that money will support the City, encourage business at Fat Boys’ and three other bars in town, and likely keep video gaming fans in Morrison, rather that driving patrons to the casino across the Mississippi River.
