HIGHLAND, IL – A new proposal from a Chicago Democrat could bring slots and poker to the fingertips of millions of Illinoisans. HB 3080 would legalize so-called ‘iGaming’ in Illinois. This would mean that instead of going to a casino to play poker or a bar to play slots, participants could play on their phones or computers. State Representative Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) shed light on the negative impacts that this bill would have on our communities.
“There are mom-and-pop shops across my district, including American Legions, diners, and other local businesses, that have told me they will be hurt by this,” said Rep. Meier. “These businesses cannot compete with the large online gaming companies. Gaming keeps their doors open and employees working. This would put them at risk, and make no mistake about it, this would cost people their jobs.”
Several organizations expressed concerns about this legislation, including the Illinois Gaming Board, the Illinois Licensed Beverage Association, Illinois Gaming Machine Operators Association, and Penn Entertainment Inc., who operates casinos and video gaming throughout Illinois.
Aside from the detrimental effects this would have on local businesses, Meier says gambling addiction is a concern, too.
“It’s not right to give people the opportunity to gamble 24 hours a day, seven days a week, alone and vulnerable,” Meier says. “This will tear families apart, destroy communities, and ruin lives.”
Meier hopes to garner local attention to HB 3080 and is encouraging Illinoisans who agree in opposing iGaming to sign his petition and fill out witness slips. Meier’s petition can be found at this link.