Sting operations help hold businesses accountable when it comes to serving minors, however some lawmakers say the state is cracking down too hard when it comes to gambling.
“We’re doing everything we can to follow the law,” said general manager of Don Carter Lanes Brad Sommer. “We just want a fair shake at it.”
Like a growing number of restaurants and bars around Illinois, Don Carter Lanes in Rockford offers video gaming for customers over the age of 21.
“These games have become such an important part of our business model now that we’re doing everything we can to keep minors out,” said Sommer.
But Sommer says his best efforts might not be enough in an undercover sting.
Under the law, sting operations can send in a minor to a bar or restaurant with video gaming. If the minor plays a machine before a waitress or manager can check their ID, lawmakers say that business could be fined up to $5,000.
“By the time they can walk over there and tell the person they have to leave, they could have easily gotten one bet in and that was never the intent,” said Republican Senator Dave Syverson.
That’s why Syverson is sponsoring a new bill to protect business owners from what he calls unfair practices.
