Illinois Struggles with Legalizing Gambling
Legislators from all over the US are working to bring gambling revenue into their monthly budgets. It’s no secret that since the recession, states are suffering. Deficits are huge and expenses are being cut left and right to make ends meed. Without some added source of revenue, many states are in fear of having to make such drastic cut backs, that education, public works, building and road maintenance are all in peril.
In an effort to bring added revenue to states, many are looking to gambilng. Illinois was recently caught up in the debate over legalizing and regulating gambling because it approved video gambling machines in bars. This was thought to be a great idea– not only did it offer the government added revenue due to taxes on gambling games, but it also created another way for bars to bring in more money. Many are also suffering as a result of the recent 2008-2009 recession and have yet to bring in the same number of patrons they did prior to the economic downturn.
Unfortunately, despite Illinois’ approval of gambling, Kane County voice their opinion by banning video gambling machines last week. The vote was very close, 12 to 11, but it was enough to keep machines out of the county. Kane County Board Member Drew Frasz said, “These machines are designed to be addictive.” He also accused the state of looking for the financial advantage of legalizing video gambling, but without any concern for the “social troubles that could come with expanded gambling.” He believes that there is a steep price to pay for the millions gambling is projected to bring in. Not only are opponents bracing for a bigger cost regarding addictions, but they are also concerned with the rise in crime and corruption in their jurisdictions.
Although many town and counties are banning video gambling machines, many states are pushing to expand casino gambling. The reality is that if Illinois does not bring legal gambling to the state, gamblers will go to other states and take their money with them. Legislators are looking to keep money in the state as best they can.
So far state governments have given counties a grace period in which they can ban the video machines. That grace period, however, is almost up and when the final rulings are released, it may be impossible to ban the machines.
