Council approves liquor license for Gold Mine Gaming after debate over 60/40 revenue rule

The Springfield City Council approved on final passage an ordinance to add a Class A liquor license for Old‑Fashioned Inc., doing business as Gold Mine Gaming, at 3126 South 6th Street.

Council members questioned how the city enforces a long-standing 60/40 rule that requires new gaming-related establishments to derive at least 60% of revenue from non-gaming activities. "Anytime that we have what is perceived as an establishment that isn't going to meet our 60% rule, we have... a rule in place," Alderman Donlin said, urging clarity on enforcement and audits.

Corporation counsel explained the rule is tied to renewals: the city’s code places the 60/40 audit in section 90.24 and requires a year of revenues before the city can conduct the audit and a mandatory second audit the following year if a violation is found. "So that's why it's... a year then a mandatory second audit," counsel said, describing how the renewal process structures compliance checks.

The applicant’s representative, Mr. Hamilton, told the council the business is aware of the 60/40 obligation and "is going into this business with every intention of complying." He added that if the business cannot comply, it would not remain in operation.

After public discussion and brief questions from aldermen, the council voted to approve the license. The clerk noted one member did not take a vote; the motion passed with nine voting yes.

The ordinance increases the number of class A licenses by one and will allow Old‑Fashioned Inc. to operate at the stated address. Council members who raised enforcement concerns said they may pursue changes to audit timing or renewal procedures in future code amendments.