Gaming, alcohol coming with theater

Video Gaming caused quite a stir in Harrisburg this week.

Locals were surprised to find out as the sign went up on the front of the building that Showplace Cinema will be offering the service onsite.

"The existing theaters in the area are remodeling with the same concept," Mayor Dale Fowler said. "They are investing millions in our community and have to exhaust all options for revenue to survive."

Showplace Cinemas is slated to open in Harrisburg on Jan. 8 and will definitely fill a void that was left when AMC Theaters decided to close the four-screen theater in November 2010.

For five years, moviegoers have opted to drive to Marion, Carbondale, or even Evansville, Ind., or Paducah, Ky., to get their big screen fix. Some have said they will continue to travel due to the type of amenities that Showplace Cinema will offer.

"The bar and gaming will be segregated from the theater area," Fowler said. "I feel after everyone has a chance to see it personally they will be more comfortable."

The nine-screen theater complex comes complete with stadium seating, a 50-seat VIP 'Royal Suite' theater, which offers wait staff, a full bar and now video gaming.

According to the Illinois Gaming Board, as of Nov. 30, the people spent about $10.3 billion on gaming with a payout of $9.5 billion. The actual difference is $828 million in gaming profit.

Saline County now hosts 30 gaming license holders, 22 of those reside in Harrisburg.

Concern continues to grow as the locals express their anxiety with both of the new family-geared businesses coming to Harrisburg, Showplace and Z-Factor, offering the sale of alcohol.

Business owners, however, have said they do not seem worried about the concern and feel it will be business as usual once the doors open.