For months, debates over the controversial growth of “sweepstakes” machines in Evanston has divided aldermen if the gambling-like kiosks should be allowed to stay, be regulated or banned. While many neighboring towns have banned them, Evanston City Council decided that it will be better to allow and regulate them. However, officials in other towns view these sweepstakes machines as operating inside a legal gray area and operating according to state gambling laws. Sweepstakes machines operate this way: players convert their cash into gift cards or credits they can use as game entries, which bypasses Illinois law by not necessitating a direct purchase to enter. A final ruling on regulating sweepstakes machines is expected back on the agenda at the next City Council meeting scheduled for Aug. 24.