May 14, 2008

Gambling Action Alert

Two Gambling Expansion Bills Ready for a Vote in the House

HB 4128 to legalize Internet Lottery and HB 4758 to expand gambling at the State Fairgrounds plus 6 additional Off Track Betting parlors could be called for a vote in the House this week.

HB 4128 allows anyone 18 years of age or older to establish an individual lottery account. High school and college students could use credit cards to purchase Lottery tickets on the Internet. People could gamble at home from a computer, cell phone, or BlackBerry and become addicted very quickly. This is a huge expansion of gambling statewide. Illinois would be the first state in the nation to legalize Internet Lottery.

Voters in Sangamon County overwhelming approved a referendum in 1994 asking for a vote before gambling expanded in the county--63,880 or 90% of the voters. HB 4758 would expand gambling in Sangamon County without a vote of the people. Ask Legislators to respect the vote of the people and reject this expansion of gambling.

For Immediate Action

1. Call your State Representative (217-782-2000) and ask him/her to vote NO on HB 4128 to expand gambling on the Internet and HB 4758 to expand gambling on horse racing.
2. Share this Alert with your Church, Synagogue, or Mosque, and ask others to call.
3. Forward to 10 others.

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