Jack Franks Still Running for State Rep. – Part 28

State Rep. Jack Franks makes a big deal about being against gambling. He even spoke to a Patriots United debate between slot machine salesmen and opponents of video gambling. But, when it comes time to raising money, he’s not so … Continue reading

Crystal Lake Opts for 3/5 Pottersville

The name of the alternative town in the 1946  movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” is Pottersville. That’s what happens if the evil banker Harry Potter rules without interference from the Savings and Loan character Jimmy Steward plays. Crystal Lake ended … Continue reading

McHenry County Slot Machine Gambling Loses

With the Crystal Lake City Council again being courted by local liquor serving establishments for permission to install slot machines, the Illinois Church Action on Alcohol & Addiction Problems organization sent me gambling losses from December, 2014, though May, 2014. … Continue reading

Crystal Lake Bars Planning Another Attempt to Get Slot Machines

Twice the Crystal Lake City Council was approached by bar and restaurant owners requesting permission to have slot machines, which they call “video poker machines”, in their establishments. The last time Suds R Us on Route 176 right before Route … Continue reading

Slots That Aren’t Defined as Slots Might Be Coming Our Way

The new slot machine legislation going into effect on New Year’s Day goes under the label of “sweepstakes.” The Tribune’s Joseph Ryan has written a major story on what most legislators probably thought was a  minor bill. Let’s test that … Continue reading

Slot Machine Supporters Roll Snake Eyes in Crystal Lake…Again

Crystal Lake last considered allowing slot machines (euphemistically called “video gaming” by supporters) in Crystal Lake in May, 2012. The vote was 6-1 in opposition with only Ellen Brady-Mueller supporting allowing them. Local bar and restaurant owners advanced the issue … Continue reading

Newspaper Columnist Points Out Video Gambling Equals Nine New Casinos

Southtown columnist Phil Kadner took a look at the slot machines, euphemistically called video gambling, and found that they are the equivalent of nine new casinos. Lots of money that won’t be spent on goods and services will be spent … Continue reading

Mike Tryon, Pam Althoff & Karen McConnaughay Cast More Votes for Gambling Expansion Bills Than Other Legislators Representing McHenry County

For the last week and a half, McHenry County Blog described gambling expansion bills that passed the Illinois General Assembly, plus the bill that would allow four new casinos (Chicago, Rockford, Waukegan-area and Danville), which passed only the State Senate. … Continue reading

Internet Gambling on Horse Racing Approved after Pilot Program Lapses

This article started with a press release from the Illinois Church Action Council on Alcohol and Addiction. There are so many bills expanding gambling (despite the loss of the one to give Chicago, Danville, Rockford and the Waukegan-area casinos) that … Continue reading

Bill Allows Company Running State’s Slot Machine Operation Also to Manufactured and Install Slots

This article started with a press release from the Illinois Church Action Council on Alcohol and Addiction. There are so many bills expanding gambling (despite the loss of the one to give Chicago, Danville, Rockford and the Waukegan-area casinos) that … Continue reading

Liquor Stores, Fraternal & Veterans Organizations Near Schools Approved for Slots

This article started with a press release from the Illinois Church Action Council on Alcohol and Addiction. There are so many bills expanding gambling (despite the loss of the one to give Chicago, Danville, Rockford and the Waukegan-area casinos) that … Continue reading

Legislature Votes Overwhelmingly to Legalize Gambling on Poker Runs under HB 2520

This article started with a press release from the Illinois Church Action Council on Alcohol and Addiction. There are so many bills expanding gambling (despite the loss of the one to give Chicago, Danville, Rockford and the Waukegan-area casinos) that … Continue reading

Off-Track Betting Parlors Would Get Slot Machines under House Bill 1570

This article started with a press release from the Illinois Church Action Council on Alcohol and Addiction. There are so many bills expanding gambling (despite the loss of the one to give Chicago, Danville, Rockford and the Waukegan area casinos) … Continue reading

Bills the Gambling Men and Women of the General Assembly Passed on the Way to Potterville

This article started with a press release from the Illinois Church Action Council on Alcohol and Addiction.  There are so many bills expanding gambling (despite the loss of the one to give Chicago, Danville, Rockford and the Waukegan area casinos) … Continue reading

Governor Pat Quinn’s Arguments against House Gambling Extension Bill

The following handout from Governor Pat Quinn’s legislative lobbying operation has been distributed by the Illinois Church Action on Alcohol and Addiction Problems. OPPOSE HB 996 (Proposed Charitable Games Act Amendments) Would undermine the original intent of the Charitable Games … Continue reading