July 20, 2007

ILCAAAP Calls on the Churches to Contact the Governor and State Legislators

NO MORE GAMBLNG!

A massive gambling expansion proposal is being worked out behind closed doors to pay for new spending in the state budget. The proposal could include slot machines at racetracks, transforming the tracks into land-based casinos. A casino for Chicago and two or three additional casinos, and doubling the size of the existing casinos is also included, and could be called for a vote within the next 10 days.

Almost 89 percent of the revenue from casinos comes from slot machines. Who is going to casinos? Local residents, minorities, the poor, and the addicted are gambling at Illinois casinos. If gambling expands, the number of addicted gamblers will double within 50 miles of a new gambling facility.

Even if you don't gamble, this plan will impact everyone in the state. Increases in addiction, bankruptcy, crime, divorce, child abuse, domestic violence, and suicide will result from expanding gambling. For every dollar gambling interests indicate is being contributed in taxes, the cost to taxpayers is $3 in social welfare, criminal justice, and regulatory costs. Expanding gambling will make more losers out of Illinois citizens and give windfall profits to a few out-of-state casino companies.

ILCAAAP is calling on the churches to contact the Governor and State Legislators to tell them NO MORE GAMBLING. We ask at least 10 people in every church make calls to the Governor (800-642-3112) and your State Representative and State Senator (217-782-2000) and tell them NO MORE GAMBLING!