Wesley United Methodist Church​, 14 N. May St. in Aurora, will hold an anti-gambling advocacy night ​at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 23.

The public is invited said Rev. John Bell, Wesley UMC pastor.​ Anita Bidell, executive director of Illinois Church Action on Alcohol & Addiction Problems, will speak.  She has been a strong voice in Springfield representing churches across the state.

Bidell testifies at committee meetings, prepares position papers and meets with representatives on how gambling expansion is not going to fix government financial woes.

ILCAAAP works with local communities to deny access or limit access of video gambling.​

Rev. Bell said a gambling bill being considered (SB 7) will legalize 10 more casinos, a winery, and allow slot machines at Chicago’s two airports.  The governor and legislators are considering this measure to address the state’s budget crisis.

Gambling interests have consistently overestimated the amount of revenue from casinos and do not consider any of the costs—addiction, bankruptcy, crime, child neglect, divorce, and suicide.  Financial, the impact on communities is $3 for every $1 of gambling revenue when factoring criminal justice, regulatory and social costs.

In Aurora since 2012, $196,997,164 has been played on over 150 video gambling machines. Of that amount, $813,442 was paid to Aurora. In North Aurora – $50,079,935 played on 30 machines, $202,383 paid to North Aurora.  For Montgomery $42,478,373 played on 34 machines, $172,090 paid to Montgomery.  For Sugar Grove – $13,272,879 played on 11 machines, $53,824 paid to Sugar Grove. (Source: Illinois Gaming Board)

Call (630) 896-1033 for more information.

Al Benson

Freelance Photo-Journalist

Al Benson is an Aurora-based freelance photo-journalist. He is currently an archives research specialist at Aurora University. His work has appeared in The Voice, The Daily Herald, The Beacon-News, and the Chicago Tribune.