Lame Duck legislative session resumes in Springfield…

Illinois state lawmakers are returning to Springfield for another 8 days to finish off the 96th General Assembly Session. Since this legislative session includes lame duck lawmakers, including retiring and defeated members, anything is possible.

One of the proposals making their priority list is a massive gambling bill (SB 737) that would create five new casinos in the Land of Lincoln, including one in Chicago. Sponsored by State Represenative Lou Lang (D-Skokie), this 350+ page bill would also create “racinos” — video slot machines at the state’s six horse race tracks.

In other words, adding to the 10 casinos we currently have in Illinois, residents of this state face the prospect of having 21 casino or casino-like establishments in the near future, making Illinois a top contender for the most anti-family and predatory gambling state in the nation.

Take ACTION: Don’t delay in speaking out! This and the other gambling bills are moving fast! Tell your lawmakers “NO MORE GAMBLING — PERIOD.”

The problems with gambling are not just with those who lose financially — that’s obvious — but the wider community also loses as gamblers engage in destructive behavior: they commit crimes, run up large debts, damage relationships with family and friends, and commit suicide at rates alarmingly higher than the rest of society.

Gambling is no economic panacea — even in Illinois’ big cities. It would actually add to the homeless problem, bring increases in crime, suicide, domestic abuse, and alcohol abuse while creating broken families and new addictions.

It cannot be overstated — the social costs of gambling far outweigh the perceived financial benefits.

This massive gambling bill must be stopped in the Illinois House. In the November Veto Session, the Illinois Senate passed this gambling expansion bill sponsored by State Senator Terry Link (D-Lake Bluff). If the bill does not pass in the House by noon on January 12th, state legislators will have to start from scratch by introducing this legislation again after the newly elected lawmakers are sworn in to office.

Contact your state lawmakers today. Please tell them “NO MORE GAMBLING — PERIOD.”

Read more:

Bet on casinos won’t pay off (The News Gazette)

Our Opinion: Nix illogical expansion of gambling (State Journal-Register)

Report says Vegas has world’s fifth-worst economy (Casino City Times)