August 6, 2007
Gambling Action Alert
Calls needed to Stop a Casino in Chicago
Sen. Republican leader Frank Watson has reportedly struck a deal with Gov. Blagojevich to support a Chicago casino in exchange for a capital (building) plan and education funding according to today's Capitol Fax. Now all eyes are on the House. House Republican leader Tom Cross will take the Chicago casino idea to his caucus today to see if there are enough votes. Make phone calls to your State Representative and Rep. Cross before 3:00 p.m. TODAY, when the House reconvenes.
For Immediate Action
- Call your state Representative (217-782-2000) TODAY and tell him/her to OPPOSE a casino in Chicago and all gambling. NO MORE GAMBLING.
- Call House Republican leader Tom Cross (217-782-1331) and tell him to oppose a casino in Chicago and all gambling.
- Forward to 10 others.
- PRAY
Talking Points to OPPOSE a Casino in Chicago
CASINOS DO NOT ATTRACT TOURISTS, THEY ATTRACT GAMBLERS:
A survey of problem gambling in the Metropolitan Detroit Area estimated that 6.4% of adults residing in the Detroit Metropolitan area have a lifetime history of problem gambling, and 4% of Detroit Metropolitan residents are estimated to have a current gambling problem. (University of Michigan-Dearborn for United Way Community Services and the McGregor Fund)
WILL A CASINO IN CHICAGO BE A MAGNET FOR ORGANIZED CRIME?
The Illinois Gaming Board voted to revoke the license of the Emerald Casino partly because two of the shareholders had links to the mob, and a mob-connected construction firm worked on the casino project.
GAMBLING ADDICTION WILL INCREASE:
The prevalence of a gambling facility within 50 miles roughly doubles the prevalence of problem and pathological gamblers. (NGISC Final Report, June, 1999)
A study conducted at the University at Buffalo's Research Institute on Addictions found the rate of pathological gambling was significantly higher among minorities and lower-income individuals. Among African Americans, the rate of gambling addiction was 3.7 percent, and for Hispanic Americans, it was 4.2 percent. (Journal of Studies of Alcohol, November, 2001)