Post 42 installs new video game terminals in Evanston

Four new video game terminals went on Monday in the Evanston American Legion Post 42 in the 1030 Central Street next to the Chandler-Newberger Recreation Center and to the Evans at the Canal Shores Golf Course. It has been one of the oldest American legion posts in the nation since 1919 veterans and the community.

The decision to apply to the Illinois Gaming Board for a license for the operation of video game machines at Post 42

“It's a new era,” said Candelario.

Evanston Post 42 Commandant Christine Candelario cuts a band to the officially opened video game department of Post 42 with the support of Robert Bady from Universal Gem Gaming. Credit: Heidi Randhava

The legislation adopted in 2022 enables fraternal and veteran organizations in Illinois to apply directly to a license for a license to enable video games, even in communities, including practice, including Evanston.

In June 2024, Evanston voted city council members with 5: 2 against a regulation that would have approved up to three video gambling terminals (VGTS) in up to nine Evanston facilities with licenses for spirits. According to the regulation, VGTS would have been “accessories functions” and not a central source of income for a bar or a restaurant. The proposal did not allow casinos or independent gaming cafes.

'The only game in the city''

Post 42 Board members consider the installation of the gambling terminals to increase the income and membership after membership after being a proposal by Robert Bady, resident of Evanston, the business development manager for Universal Gem Gaming, LLC. Bady said that many post members at the time would not have known that veteran groups were excluded from the local ban on VGTS.

In addition, Bady said: “Post -members were transparent in making their own Due Diligence with the city and inquiring to the city council and the city's lawyers to ensure that this is something they could do.”

Almost a year later, on April 29, the gaming terminals were installed in the post 42 Club Room, an inviting bar and a lounge in which every available wall is a historical homage to US military service members, which is carefully with black and white photographs, service medals, paintings, an awe-inspiring slaughter ship, Mural, Mural, Plaques memorabilia is set up.

Bady, Candelario and other members of the Post 42 management team were on site on site for the last step of the process -approval of an Illinois Gaming Board agent, and confirmed that the state standards for the operation of video gaming terminals were met.

An informal ceremony for cutting ligaments was held to commemorate the opportunity – a premiere in the city of Evanston.

“Since we are the only game in the city, many people will come in,” said Candelario, who served as a Kaplan of Post 42 before being appointed commander in 2024.

“We are trying to do this in a responsible way,” said Candelario when she placed signage that limits the use of the game terminals to those who are from the age of 21. “I want this to be a win-win situation for everyone involved.”

Bady said the maximum bet was 4 US dollars. The VGTS only accept cash. Victories are paid in the form of a ticket that can be redeemed on the redemption connection that includes an ATM and is located in the club room.

Pizza, drinks and camaraderie in Tavern style are available on most days in the mail room of the post office in the club room in the club room

Post 42 welcomes partners and booster

Evanston Post 42 welcomed and serves to those who are connected to the post, including legionnaires (US military service members who served and were honored for a day of active service), sons of the American legion; and members of the American Legion Auxiliary organizations. Post also has “booster” members who do not have to belong. The annual fee for Booster is 50 US dollars, and their membership is entitled to enjoy discounted beverage and rental prices.

The walls of the club room of Post 42 are lined with military memorabilia, paintings and photos. Credit: Heidi Randhava

Bady said the money from the game terminals would help continue his philanthropic work for veterans and their families. “As a citizen of Evanston, I am also looking forward to the fact that Swiss Post has this opportunity in connection with the city because it will get 5% of the state out of the money in the city,” he said.

Bady explained that the income is divided into three parts. The terminal operator, Universal Gem Gaming, LLC and the location according to 42, each receives almost a third of the proceeds, and the state will receive a little more than a third of the proceeds. “Every quarter,” said Bady, “the city of Evanston will get 5% of what the state of Illinois did.”

Several members of the Board of Director of Post said that they believe that a new form of entertainment is increasing membership. “We want to bring in younger veterans that we realize that they are currently starting new careers and families,” said Candelario. She emphasized that the contribution has a lot of busy young veterans to offer.

“We have many advantages for our veterans and our experienced families. In summer we have our family picnic with all kinds of activities for the children. This will make the veterans come together with families and know each other and build a relationship,” she said.

Candelario concluded her comments with a clear message about the mission of the American Legion Evanston Post 42.

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