October 9, 2007
Dear Senator:
Illinois Church Action on Alcohol and Addiction Problems and our statewide network to oppose the expansion of gambling encourages you to SUPPORT the VETO of HB 1124. While this legislation is somewhat confusing, even the Governor recognized the potential for harm and vetoed HB 1124.
HB 1124 changes the criminal code regarding gambling and legalizes electronic video games simulating a contest requiring skill, experience dexterity, and precision in which the element of chance does not predominate. Some lobbyists are telling you this merely codifies the law. Instead, HB 1124 expands gambling in every community statewide.
Organized crime and money laundering are real concerns. Florida and Ohio are experiencing problems with illegal gambling after legalizing certain video games of skill.
Florida state law allows businesses to have games of skill and prohibits games of chance. Detectives raided a gambling room in Orange Park, Florida in May and seized 52 Las Vegas-style machines. First Coast News, May 19, 2007 HB 1124 does not specify the games which be excluded from gambling, such as Golden Tee. If payouts are legal for some video game "contests", people will expect a payout on ALL electronic machines at bars, truck stops, etc.
The Ohio Attorney General filed complaints seeking preliminary injunctions against gambling parlors in two counties. The complaints allege that the operators of the parlors are violating Ohio law by claiming their machines are "skill based" when in fact, they are not. Investigators found more than 90 gambling machines at four separate locations. Games in operation at the locations included Crazy Bugs, Fruit Bars, Cherry Master, Magic Bomb, Triple Fever, Triple Jack, Halloween Party, and Money Machine. All of these machines offer cash prizes as prizes.
On August 22, 2007, the Governor issued an executive order declaring the influx of gambling machines into Ohio an "emergency" with "devastating effects". That allowed the Attorney General to institute new rules to clarify the definition of "skill-based" amusement machines. The Attorney General is asking Ohioans to join in the effort to drive illegal electronic gaming out of the state. Sept. 4, 2007 http://www.allamericanpatriots.com/48731258_ohio_ohio_attorney_general_dann_files_suit_against_gambling_parlors_belmont_and_licking_cou
HB 1124 will make it impossible to police establishments to determine if there is illegal gambling. Gamblers will expect a payout on all electronic video games in bars, restaurants, truck stops, bowling alleys, restaurants, and convenience stores. Please SUPPORT the VETO of HB 1124 to protect children and families in Illinois.
Sincerely,
Anita R. Bedell
Executive Director