More video gaming terminals coming to Utica

Village also modifies illuminated, mural signs as part of ongoing overhaul

The name stayed with the video gambling business and now, there are two Charley’s Video Gaming parlors.

Ibarra said there are three entities that work in the business together – the business housing the terminals, whether it is a restaurant, bar or café; the company that owns and operates the terminals; and the state.

Through August – the most recent available data – the state has collected almost $1 billion, and another nearly $200 million in video gambling tax has been distributed to municipalities. Illinois has collected $8.1 million from DeKalb County video gambling.

Utica could get four to six new video gaming terminals, increasing the village total to 50 or more.

Thursday, the Utica Planning Commission unanimously recommended a special use be granted to Dale Senica to operate a bar with video gaming. His bar, Alley Cat’s, would be in the rear of 142 Mill St. — between Mill Street Market and Canal Port — accessible through the alley.

“I just want to bring back a neighborhood bar where a guy can come through the back alley and have a beer,” Senica said, adding later, “It’s going to look great when I get done.”

Thursday’s vote was only a recommendation; Senica needs the approval of the Utica Village Board, which meets Thursday, July 14. If approved, gaming terminals in Utica would climb by 10%.

The Illinois Department of Revenue reported Utica had 10 establishments with 46 gaming terminals, as of May 2022. Last year, the village collected a revenue share of more than $70,000.

Separately, the Planning Commission continues to tweak the sign ordinance and advanced two proposals.

One is intended to limit flashing or illuminated signs. The commission proposes that any sign with a “changing message” — an LED sign, for example — requires a special use before it can be raised anywhere in the village.

The commission also modified the rules governing murals or wall signs. The ordinance now governs any wall facing a public street or alley.

The sign discussion resumes Thursday, July 28.