May 15, 2007

Gambling Action Alert

DeKalb County Board to hold Public Input Session Thursday Regarding Tribal Bingo Hall

It is important for everyone living in DeKalb County to attend a meeting on Thursday, May 17, at 7:00 pm in the Indian Creek High School gym to give public input about tribal gambling. The Prairie Band Potawatomi wants to build a 24-hour bingo hall on land they purchased in Shabbona.

The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) has authorized tribes without compacts with state governments to have an unlimited number of bingo slot machines. Since these devices are "virtually indistinguishable from video slots" with current technology, bingo halls increasingly look like casinos. (I. Nelson Rose, "Gambling and the Law: Is it Bingo or a Slot Machine?" Gaming Law Review, vol. 7, no. 2, 2003, p. 99.

In accordance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988, proposed off-reservation casinos to be located on land not yet placed into federal trust, must factor in community detriment and environmental impacts. Now is the time to speak out about the impact of more gambling in your community.

For Immediate Action

If you live in DeKalb County, attend the Public Meeting on Thursday, May 17, at 7:00 p.m.
If you know anyone living in DeKalb County, invite them to attend the meeting.
Forward to 8 others.