August 7, 2008

Gambling Action Alert

Governor's Capital Construction Plan Includes Leasing the Lottery

The Governor has called the Illinois General Assembly back for a special session next week (August 12 & 13). While we were pleased to learn that the Governor has taken gambling expansion "off the table" in the capital construction proposal, the plan still includes leasing the State Lottery.

During these desperate times, the State should not allow vulnerable people to be enticed to gamble more. Leasing the Lottery could lead to a massive expansion of gambling. A private company will expand the Lottery electronically to increase sales-Keno, Video Lottery Terminals, and Internet Lottery. Gamblers will become addicted very quickly and could lose their house while gambling at home! A private company will increase Lottery advertising to entice the poor, addicted, and vulnerable.

Despite the tough economy, more people are buying lottery tickets, according to the Herald & Review. Sales figures for the Illinois Lottery increased 3 percent to about $2.08 billion in the 2008 fiscal year. The article reported on a recent study that people who view themselves as low-income are more likely to buy lottery tickets.

The B.C. Lottery in Canada is offering their citizens $5 to try online gambling. The corporation will match the money gamblers spend up to $5. The Crown corporation's marketing people have a goal of recruiting more gamblers every year and increasing the average amount each one losses. Last year the corporation planned to use ad campaigns and promotions to recruit 240,000 new regular gamblers. http://www.lillooetnews.net/madison/WQuestion.nsf/0/554CB37AF72EA73488257496005D675E

Please let the Governor and your Legislators know that you are opposed to leasing the Lottery.

For Immediate Action

  1. Call the Governor (800-642-3112) and tell him that leasing the Lottery will lead to an expansion of gambling. Tell him you are opposed to leasing the Lottery.
  2. Call Speaker Madigan's office (217-782-5350 or 773-581-8000) and ask him to OPPOSE leasing the Lottery. A private company will expand the Lottery electronically-Internet, Video Lottery Terminals, keno-and target increased advertising to entice people to gamble and lose.
  3. Call your State Representative and Senator (217-782-2000) and ask them to OPPOSE the leasing of the Lottery.
  4. Share this Action Alert with your Church, Synagogue, or Mosque.
  5. Forward to 10 others.
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