Title
Joint resolution approving the Program Year (PY) 2024 Video Gaming Revenue grant funding recommendations in the amount of $755,000.
Staff Summary
• The Lake County Board annually acts on the Video Gaming Revenue (VGR) award recommendations that are developed based on the VGR policy. The policy outlines procedures for: capturing video gaming administrative, legal, and enforcement costs; and evaluating and possibly funding social programs, projects (excluding capital improvements), and/or services that benefit Lake County residents.
• In December 2023, Community Development received application requests for VGR funds totaling $829,100.
• On March 13,2024, the Housing and Community Development Commission (HCDC) approved VGR funding recommendations detailed in the attached table, totaling $755,000 for the following: 211 information and referral services $125,000; gambling education and outreach $100,000; gambling addiction services $100,000; financial literacy services $14,000; and behavioral health services $416,000.
Body
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Illinois Video Gaming Act (230 ILCS 40) establishes a 30 percent tax on gross terminal revenue, of which one-sixth is distributed to the governing body where the revenue was generated; and
WHEREAS, on August 13, 2013, the Lake County Board adopted the Lake County Video Gaming Ordinance, thereby permitting lawful video gaming within unincorporated areas of Lake County; and
WHEREAS, on September 12, 2023, the Lake County Board adopted the amended Video Gaming Revenue (VGR) Policy to standardize the reinvestment of video gaming revenue stipulating some specific uses: for the purposes of 211 information and referral services and gambling awareness, education, and treatment of gambling disorders while the balance is to help residents who suffer from gambling addiction and other behavioral health issues through a competitive award process; and
WHEREAS, on March 13, 2024, Housing and Community Development Commission approved recommended reinvestment of $755,000 in VGR into gambling addiction and capacity-building grants to behavioral health service agencies.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by this County Board of Lake County, Illinois, that the Video Gaming Revenue grants recommended for PY 2024 be approved; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Board Chair or their designee is hereby authorized to execute all necessary documents including grant agreements and other administrative documents necessary to carry out the Video Gaming Revenue projects.
DATED at Waukegan, Illinois, on April 9, 2024.