Gambling Action Alert

February 23, 2006

Your calls are making a difference - Calls Needed to the House!

The Internet Lottery Bill (SB 2378) was referred to the Rules Committee and will not be called for a vote!

The "Wild About Animals" Scratch Off Lottery ticket bill (HB 4363) is ready for a vote in the House.

Call your State Representative TODAY (217-782-2000) and ask him/her to VOTE NO ON HB 4363.
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The government should not use "compassion for animals" to entice people to gamble on the Lottery.
The Lottery is a regressive tax and an unstable source of revenue. Studies have shown that 51 percent of Lottery tickets are purchased by 5 percent of the people who play the Lottery.
Voters approved the Illinois Lottery over 30 years ago because they believed all the revenue would be used for education. This is the third special scratch-off Lottery bill to fund a program other than education, and it will not be the last. Each new scratch-off Lottery ticket means less money for education.
Illinois residents can already donate money for endangered species through a check-off on their state income tax, with 100 percent of the money going to that cause.
The revenue generated from the sale of this scratch-off ticket will be divided three ways:
- 1/3 for maintenance of wildlife rehabilitation facilities for endangered species
- 1/3 for character and humane education programs in schools
- 1/3 for pet population control
When a person buys a $1 Lottery ticket, 56 cents is used for prizes, 6 cents goes to vendors, 4 cents is used for operating expenses, and 34 cents goes to the Common School Fund. HB 4363 divides this net revenue in thirds, which will result in higher administrative costs.