R.I. Casino skid greasing bill passes out of Senate committee

A bill sponsored by Rep. Pat Vershoore which serves to clarify jurisdictional disputes in order to allow Illinois casinos the ability to move their operations a limited distance from their base of operations passed out of executive committee by a unanimous vote. The measure now goes before the full Senate.

Some of those morally opposed to gambling view this as a further expansion of gambling and oppose the move for this reason.

Among them is Anita Bedell, executive director of Illinois Church Action on Alcohol and Addiction Problems.

Ms. Bedell told the committee the bill would only allow for the further victimization of poor people, noting many of the casino's slot machines accept low-denomination coins.

The bill's sponsor, state Sen. Mike Jacobs, D-East Moline, took exception.

"They need to relook at their view. The fact is the Casino Rock Island is in a position now where they have to go after nickel players. ... By moving out into a larger area, they will see weekend-destination tourists." he said.