There are more than 20 businesses in Kewanee that have gambling machines. And when it comes to gaming parlors, Mayor Gary Moore thinks enough is enough.

At the end of Monday’s City Council meeting, Moore said the city is “inundated with gambling parlors,” and asked whether the council might consider limiting the number of city licenses for the machines.

While some of the gaming establishments are owned by local business people, others are owned by out-of-town corporations with more resources. This, the mayor said, puts the local entrepreneurs at a disadvantage.

“I personally am in favor of putting a limit on the number of gambling establishments allowed in the city of Kewanee,” Moore said.

Councilman Mike Komnick pointed out that there is a limit on how many liquor licenses may be issued in the city. And that limit should control the spread of gaming parlors, since the parlors are required by state law to have liquor licenses.

While he doesn’t favor imposing a limit on gaming parlors at this time, Komnick said, he would be in favor of the council discussing the issue.

“I would like to hear what our citizens have to say on that particular matter,” the mayor said. “It’s a question that’s brought to me quite often.”

Moore pointed out that while the city receives a share of the revenue from the gaming machines, it’s considerably less than what the state takes.

***This article was edited to correct the number of Kewanee businesses with gambling machines.