Murphysboro council adopts zoning change to curb new video-gaming parlors

The Murphysboro City Council voted to amend the city zoning code to add a definition for "video gaming parlors" and to limit where new such establishments may locate.

Zoning staff member Richard told the council the draft definition treats an establishment as a video-gaming parlor if "51% or more of their revenue is from video gaming," and proposed that new parlors be prohibited in most B1 (downtown) districts while allowing them in B2 areas outside the core. Richard said enforcement would involve records requests and review of liquor-license documentation.

Council members questioned the practicality of an income-based test, noting a new business has no prior sales history and that classification could be uncertain during its first year. The council discussed alternatives, including a building-to-building distance measure, and debated whether 250 feet would provide adequate protection for nearby residences and property values.

Don Glad and others emphasized protecting residential neighborhoods, saying the distance-to-residence provision was a key element to address community concerns. The council also discussed grandfathering existing businesses and how the ordinance would treat establishments that hold liquor licenses primarily to host gaming rather than to operate as bars or restaurants.

After debate and a motion to adopt the ordinance, the council voted in favor and moved the measure forward (the ordinance was approved as presented). The change adds an enforceable zoning definition tied to revenue and establishes setback rules aimed at keeping new gambling-focused businesses out of downtown and close residential areas.

What happens next: the ordinance will be incorporated into the zoning code and enforced through the city’s zoning administrator and liquor-control review processes.