About a dozen mayors in Illinois have said they are reluctant to allow video poker or video slot machines in bars, truck stops and restaurants. They are concerned about crime, poverty and addiction — all common repercussions of bringing gambling to a community.
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn soon may sign a bill allowing up to five video-gambling devices in businesses where liquor is served. However, city councils would have the option to ban them.
Les Bernal, executive director of StopPredatoryGambling.org, said this is part of a full-fledged battle over whether communities should welcome gambling.
He said: “These folks in Illinois, and hopefully elsewhere, are asking the kind of question all of America should be asking, ‘Why are we relying on a highly addictive product to fund public services?’”
— Nima Reza
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