from ILCAAAP
Earlier this week Governor Quinn signed HB 255 into law that legalized video poker machines in communities statewide and Internet Lottery on computers and cell phones.
While the legislation for video poker allows for local referendums, the earliest the issue can be placed on the ballot is April, 2011. The Better Government Association points out in the Chicago Tribune today that Cook County would need 250,000 signatures to put the matter on the ballot.
The Illinois Gaming Board, which was given the task to write the rules and regulate the Video Poker Act, also has concerns.
ILCAAAP has put together a Video Gambling Fact Sheet and a list of comments from Mayors to help you approach the Mayors, City Council members in your community. In addition, County Board members need to be contacted as they can pass an ordinance to prohibit the machines in the unincorporated areas.
StopPredatoryGambling.org has an excellent video that can be shared with elected officials, faith communities, and grassroots activists to educate them about the problems of machine gambling.
We must speak out now and let our local officials know that video gambling machines will harm our community.
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