January 4, 2016—The Illinois Supreme Court ruled on unpaid taxes regarding the Des Plaines’ Rivers Casino. Cook County can collect approximately $3 million in back taxes. The county will also collect $1 million per year in annual tax revenue from Midwest Gaming, which owns and operates the casino. A separate state appellate court ruling has upheld Cook County’s legal right to charge taxes on gambling machines.
The court battle over these taxes has been ongoing since 2012. The decision has finally ended a three-year battle. The Supreme Court has also denied a petition to appeal regarding the gambling machine taxes. Midwest Gaming entered the appeal soon after the appellate court made the ruling.
The gambling machine tax case was originally lost in the circuit court; however, the appellate court overturned the decision. As a result of both cases the Department of Revenue expects a onetime payment of $3 million from Midwest Gaming, which will cover tax years: 2013, 2014, and 2015.
Cook County Board President, Toni Preckwinkle, stated, “We are pleased with the Supreme Court’s decision confirming our long-held belief that the county’s tax on video gaming machines is legitimate and lawful. The revenue generated from the gambling tax will help provide important funding for critical public safety services to county residents.”
Dennis Culloton, Rivers Casino spokersman disagreed, “We respectfully disagree with the court’s ruling, and we are considering our options.”
The statement was emailed to public news sources.
Des Plaines City Manager Michael Bartholomew was asked for his opinion. He stated the city is aware of the court battle, but did not feel it had any bearing on the city. He did state the tax revenue will be remitted to the state and not the county.
State Representative Marty Moylan opposed a 1 percent sales tax increase the Cook County board approved and will oppose tax increases that hurt the local economy and middle class families. However, he did not say anything about the gambling machine tax.