The Chicago Crime Commission has called on Illinois Governor Pat Quinn to reject plans to legalise video gambling machines in the state. The organisation warned that the long-term cost to society would far outweigh any short-term revenue gains if the machines are permitted.
JR Davis, chairman of the commission, said video gambling would turn Illinois into the ‘wild west’ of gambling. It is thought legalising the machines could see more than 60,000 units installed across the state.
“Video gambling has been called the crack cocaine of gaming,” Davis said. “I have significant concern that entire families will be left penniless because mom or dad will be feeding their entire paychecks into the video poker machines.”
