Gambling Action Alert
HB 5227 will expand gambling in every community
February 16, 2006
The House will vote on a HB 5227 to expand gambling in every community statewide. By changing the definition of "skill" bars would be allowed to give money or prizes for video machine tournaments, pinball, pool, darts, and any number of "contests". The language is so vague; HB 5227 could also be used to legalize gambling for betting on "contests" at restaurants, convenience stores, bowling alleys, etc.
HB 5227 also increases the prize limit on crane games, like the ones with stuffed animals, from $5 to $100. Watches, rings, and higher priced items will replace stuffed animals in an attempt to get children and adults to lose even more money.
For Immediate Action
- Call your State Representative (217-782-2000) and ask him/her to Vote NO on HB 5227.
- Share this Action Alert with your church, synagogue, or mosque.
- Forward to 6 others.
Talking Points
- HB 5227 will expand gambling in every community statewide.
- HB 5227 will be used to legalize gambling in bars. By changing the definition of "skill", bars would be allowed to give money or prizes for video machine tournaments, pinball, pool, darts, and any number of "contests".
- Research has shown that gamblers take more risks and play longer when they are drinking. Gambling in bars will encourage people to stay in the bars longer to gamble and drink.
- The language in HB 5227 is so vague, it could be used to legalize gambling for "contests" at locations other than bars—restaurants, clubs, and truck stops with video machines, bowling alleys, etc.
- HB 5227 is so broad and far-reaching that it could legalize betting on sports and on the Internet.
- HB 5227 increases the amount of prizes on a "crane game" from a maximum of 7 times the cost charged to play the game or $5, whichever is less, to $100. Increasing the prize level will increase the number of people who gamble on these machines. This will result in an increase in problem and pathological gambling.
- "Crane games" are located in grocery stores, restaurants, bowling alleys, convenience stores, Bingo halls and other locations in communities statewide. Children play these machines or ask their parents to play so they can win stuffed animals. If the rate is increased to prizes up to $100, children and young adults will lose more money by gambling to win a large prize.