Thousands of Illinois bars are placing their bets on video gaming. The state gaming board has announced the first 18 bars that will receive the machines. The bars are spread out all over the state of Illinois, including one bar in Oquawka.
"It's like a dream," says Lucky's Owner Nancy Tennant, "It's a dream come true."
Tennant followed her dream and opened her Oquawka bar, "Lucky's", in May.
"I spent a lot of years of working in other establishments for other people. To have my own that's successful so far, it's very, very good," says Tennant.
The video gaming act was passed back in 2009, but the Illinois Gaming Board just started accepting applications. Tennant decided to apply and she was one of 18-bars with a winning hand.
"I was pretty excited," adds Tennant, "It was a good feeling,"
Lucky's will have 5 gaming machines starting on August 1st. The terminal operator has set up spots for where the machines will go. In addition to the five video gaming machines, there will be a vault where people take their winning tickets.
"The vault will say what the player just received and then they will go get their money dispensed to them," says Tennant.
Oquawka only has a few bars and if people want to gamble they drive across the river to Burlington. Tennant is hoping her machines will draw people to town.
"People do travel and it will save them the trip," says Tennant, "It can be a stop on the way."
The video gaming machines is not the only thing Tennant is trying her luck on. She wants to expand her bar.
"Down the line, really shortly, I would like to get a kitchen operating with some good home cooking and I hope it's a success."
The video gaming law requires approval from cities before a bar can apply. Fulton, Sterling, Rock Falls, Rock Island, East Moline and Dixon recently approved video gaming. Colona and Moline will make their decisions on allowing the machines next week.
