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Group: Video Poker May Not Be Reality After All
Video poker may not be coming to a bar or restaurant near you.

The law that authorizes video poker as a funding source for the state's road construction program also allows cities and counties to opt out. Anita Bedell, executive director of Illinois Church Action on Alcohol and Addiction Problems, an anti-gambling activist, says more than 20 jurisdictions have banned video poker, and dozens more are considering it.

Bedell says those cities are willing to give up the 5 percent cut of the proceeds that they would get.

"The cost is so great," she says. "They've done studies saying that for every dollar that gambling brings in, it costs you $3 in costs, and that's for social costs, criminal justice costs and regulatory cost."

Among the cities that have banned video poker are Chicago and Naperville, which are No. 1 and No. 4 in the state in population, though Chicago may un-ban video poker.

The law allows up to five video poker terminals in establishments with on-premises liquor licenses: bars, restaurants and fraternal organizations, such as veterans' halls. Video poker is not up and running yet, as the Illinois Gaming Board has not yet come up with a regulatory structure for the machines.

The governor says it was expected that some cities would opt out.

(Illinois Radio Network)
10 13 09 by Newsroom
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