May 24, 2007
OPPOSE HB 1124
Change to Criminal Code Gambling - Video Games
HB 1124 will legalize gambling in bars. This is Gambling Expansion!
- HB 1124 legalizes gambling in bars, clubs, and retail liquor establishments. Research has shown that gamblers take more risks and play longer when they are drinking.
- HB 1124 will result in windfall profits for machine owners and retail liquor establishments and no revenue to the state. Organized crime and money laundering are real concerns.
- HB 1124 will expand gambling in every community statewide. This bill is "foot in the door" that legalizes video gambling in bars, clubs, restaurants, bowling alleys, convenience stores, truck stops, etc.. While the bill states that card games are not included, this type of gambling will expand in increments until video poker and all electronic gambling machines are legalized in every community. Note: The Riverboat Gambling Act as introduced limited the amount of time and number of people who could gamble on boats that sailed. The boats were changed to large barges that are permanently docked, and proposed legislation allows land-based casinos.
- HB 1124 defines a bona fide contest as being between 2 or more individuals. Hundreds of thousands of such "contests" could be played throughout the state each year. A "contest" could be played multiple times a day on each machine.
- Gamblers in Illinois will expect a "payout" on all video machines in bars, convenience stores, bowling alleys, restaurants, and truck stops. It will be impossible to police these establishments to determine if there is illegal gambling.
- Children have grown up playing electronic video games, which can become addictive. Many children and young people already "skilled" at playing electronic video games. Adding the element of cash and prizes will make the activity even more attractive to young people, and many will become addicted to gambling.