Truck Stops · Illinois · November 12, 2026

DeKalb, Illinois Creates a Liquor License for a New Pilot Truck Stop and Allows Up to 10 Video Gaming Machines

By Big Rig Daily Staff

DeKalb, Illinois has cleared the way for a new truck stop to sell packaged liquor and run up to 10 video gaming machines. The city council voted 6 to 1 this week, twice, the Daily Chronicle reports.

What the council approved

The council created a new liquor license category just for large truck stops. It also approved rules allowing video gaming.

City leaders say the rules are meant for one place only: a new Pilot Travel Center planned at Peace Road and Fairview Drive.

Why the city says it acted

The city says it agreed to this in a Jan. 26 annexation agreement, and that not approving it would have been a breach of contract, according to the Daily Chronicle. Under that agreement, the Pilot Travel Center can sell packaged liquor for off-premises consumption and receive a city license for up to 10 video gaming terminals.

City Manager Bill Nicklas said the classification is unique. "It applies only to this one," he said. "It doesn't apply to all gas stations."

The no vote

Sixth Ward Alderman Mike Verbic voted no both times. He asked whether the change opens "Pandora's Box" for every gas station in town. City Attorney John Donahue said it would take "a much larger facility than what you typically see in a gas station" to qualify.

The truck stop is expected to open this year.

Why it matters to truckers

A new large travel center can mean more parking and fuel options on the route. Of course, truckers cannot drink on duty, so the liquor and gaming are aimed at a broader set of customers. Stops along a route can be found on the Big Rig Daily truck stop and weigh station map.

A question for readers

So who are those gaming machines really for?

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