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

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

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

No State Oversight on Electronic Raffle Machines in House Bill 1140

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

The Senate Roll Call on the Gambling Expansion Bill

Monday, the Illinois Senate passed Senate Bill 744 by a vote of 30 to 27 with two voting “Present.” The Senate roll call follows. The roll call by state representatives and an explanation of the bill can be found here. … Continue reading

How Social Conservatives Won the McHenry County Board Video Slot Machine Fight

It’s been a couple of weeks since the McHenry County Board bucked Chairman Ken Koehler, State Senator Pam Althoff, State Rep. Mike Tryon and those who stand to gain financially from placement of video poker machines in local taverns and … Continue reading

Video Slot Machine Vote Tuesday

Leaves are still waiting to be raked this last week that my Village of Lakewood picks them up, so I won’t be in Woodstock for the McHenry County Board meeting vote on video slot machines. Proponents, of course, will describe … Continue reading

The McHenry County Board’s Gambling Debate – Part 2

Yesterday, McHenry County Blog published a little of the unfocused situation surrounding the county board’s debate on gambling, as well as the roll call showing who was up for election this time around. Today, I’m going to tell you what … Continue reading

Coming to a Gas Station and Convenience Store Near Us

As we were on our vacation to the Intermountain West the last part of June, my family was amused at my taking photos of gambling signs and machines. Look at the difference in the British Petroleum gas station sign in … Continue reading