Illinois Senators Overwhelmingly Support Expanded Gambling

It seems like every state these days is looking into some form of expanded gambling. What once was a taboo subject, has become one of the most popular debates of this legislative year.

In Illinois, the debate centered around video gambling machines. State senators this week voted overwhelmingly in favor of legalizing these machines. They would be authorized in bars and truck stops.

The senators vote was 47-12 in favor of the expanded gambling. Former Governor Rod Blagojevich was strongly opposed to any form of gambling expansion, but with him out of the way, senators moved quickly on passing the new Bill.

Earlier in the week CGW wrote on Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart's ongoing attacks on the video gambling currently taking place illegally in Illinois. Dart did not have a positive reaction to the Senate vote.

"What a mistake. This is a horrible idea because this is a form of gambling that by its very nature is very addictive...You are going to have guys dropping their whole paycheck at the bar," said Dart, after hearing about the vote.

The senators, however, have a different vision of the video machines. It is estimated that $400 million a year could be given to the state if the machines are legalized. That is money that proponents of the Bill feel could go a long way towards helping education and other programs that are currently short on funds.

"The machines already exist, so there will not be a crazy increase in the amount of money being spent on them," said observer Tammy Brethens, "The only difference will be that the state will receive a portion of the money instead of the bar owners keeping it all."

May 21, 2009
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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