May 25, 2007
Gambling Action Alert
Senate Massive Gambling Expansion Bill is a "work in progress"
Today the Senate Executive Committee passed SB 11 (Amendment #1), a massive gambling expansion plan that could be considered in the Senate next week. The bill includes:
- A land-based casino for Chicago with 4,000 gambling positions (privately owned)
- 3 casinos in Waukegan, South Suburbs of Chicago, and near O'Hare Airport
- Advanced Deposit Wagering – legalizes horse racing on the Internet
- Instant Racing Machines at racetracks and Off-Track Betting Parlors
- Electronic Poker--online gambling at racetracks, casinos and OTB parlors with unlimited number of machines
- Pre-empts Home Rule to allow electronic poker
- Existing casinos can purchase additional gambling positions to triple in size (3,500)
The Associate Press reported today "Senate and House Democrats working on the measure say it needs revisions before it's in final form but called it a good start." Rep. Lou Lang said, "We are certainly moving in the right direction here. It would create lots of money, lots of revenue to be used in various ways."
Legislators are going home for the Memorial Day week-end. They will be attending many public events in their districts. Take the opportunity to seek them out and give them the message--NO MORE GAMBLING!
For Immediate Action
- Contact your State Legislators this week-end or call (217-782-2000) to tell them NO MORE GAMBLNG.
- Contact the Governor by e-mail or phone (800-642-8112) and ask him to keep his promise to the voters--NO MORE GAMBLING!
- Write a Letter to the Editor.
- Share this Action Alert with your church, synagogue, or mosque.
- Forward to 8 others.