Our View: Video gambling benefits aren't worth the costs
Video gambling was pitched by Gov. Pat Quinn as one way to fund a much-needed statewide capital spending plan. Communities across the state are rejecting it, and our communities should, as well.
The state's elected leadership should be compelled to come up with a safe, stable, long-term solution to fund infrastructure improvements – not one that has powerful potential to aggravate crime, poverty and addiction so close to home.
The benefits of video gambling do not outweigh the costs and risks. While it could be a money maker for the state and for local governments, it also could be a scourge on already vulnerable members of our communities.
Elburn, Oak Park, Bloomingdale, Villa Park, Naperville, Wheaton and Winfield are among the communities that have already banned video gaming. We encourage the DeKalb County Board and municipal governments in DeKalb County to do the same.
Video gambling should be a topic of conversation at village boards and city councils now, before rules for video gambling are set and banning the practice becomes more difficult for local governments. This is an issue that should not be left to referendum.
A vote by the Kane County Board's Video Gaming Task Force this week – 2-1 in favor of allowing gambling in unincorporated Kane County – was a disappointment, and we encourage other committees that will consider the matter to send a "no" recommendation to the full county board.
Video gambling depends on frequent participation, often by the very people who can least afford it. Placing these machines at bars, within reach of liquor, is an invitation for destructive compulsion. Video gambling also opens the door to corruption and puts businesses at risk for theft and graft. We already have enough of that in Illinois.
Fine, some people say, let those who can't control themselves spend money on gaming and help pay for the infrastructure improvements our state desperately needs. Others believe economic market forces, not legislation, should drive demand (or lack thereof) for video gaming.
But video gambling isn't, as the state would have you believe, a simple matter of economics. Decisions and discussions about video gambling should be grounded in community values and morals.
We don't believe video gambling fits into the fabric of our communities, and it should not be allowed to take root here.
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