Illinois Passes "Video Games" Gambling Bill

via Kotaku


Don't quote me on this, but when they say "video games", I think this bill is talking about allowing video gambling machines similar to those legal in the UK (fruit machines and the like), not necessarily the consoles sitting under or around your television as we speak. However, the article, including its headline, includes the phrase "video games", which makes this recently passed Illinois gambling bill confusing:

"HB 1124 (which on Wednesday passed both houses of the Illinois Legislature) will legalize video gambling in bars. That may sound harmless to some, but it is not.

Children have grown up playing video games. Adding the element of cash and prizes will make the activity even more attractive to young adults. Many will become addicted to gambling.

HB 1124 legalizes gambling on video games "simulating contests" in bars, restaurants, convenience stores, bowling alleys and truck stops.

The bill defines a bona fide contest as being between two or more individuals. Hundreds of thousands of such "contests" could be played each year in every community statewide.

While HB 1124 states that card games are not included, this type of gambling will expand in increments. Gambling interests will come back each year until video poker is legalized in every community.

HB 1124 will make it impossible to police these establishments to determine if illegal gambling is going on. Gamblers will expect a "payout" on all video machines in bars, convenience stores, bowling alleys, restaurants and truck stops."

But basically, if you wanted to start your own console gambling ring, I guess all you'd have to do is lug your machine to any Illinois bar, restaurant, convenience store, bowling alley, or truck stop with a wi-fi connection and go crazy. It's so easy!

Yes, they are talking about video poker machines and the like. Gambling in the US is very regulated. Many states, Illinois included have laws where gambling can only happen in boats. Nevada, where Las Vegas is has legalized gambling. There are a lot of river boat casinos all over the country.