Letter: Springfield Park Board should reject video gambling at Sliders stadium – The State Journal-Register

A baseball game is a great summer pastime and fun for the whole family. Thats why the Springfield Park Board should reject video gambling at the Sliders stadium.

Springfield has the most video gambling machines in the state. Area residents have lost over $103 million in the 592 video gambling machines operating in Springfield establishments. There are more than enough opportunities for people to gamble in Springfield.

A child was left outside a video gambling parlor in northern Illinois, with some toys and a bag of chips while his father went inside to gamble. Will this happen at the Sliders stadium if the park board approves video gambling machines?

Robin Roberts Stadium and Lanphier High School share a parking lot. Underage gambling is also a concern. The Illinois Gaming Board recently fined seven video gambling establishments for allowing underage gambling and drinking.

Will the Springfield Jr. Blues hockey team ask for park board approval for video gambling at the Nelson Center?

An armed robbery at a local video gambling parlor on July 12 is Crime Stoppers crime of the week, according to The State Journal-Register. Keep Springfield parks safe for families. The Springfield Park Board will meet at 5:30 p.m. July 20 at Bunn Park. Contact members at http://www.springfieldparks.org to voice your concerns.

Anita Bedell

Executive Director of theIllinois Church Action on Alcohol & Addiction Problems

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Letter: Springfield Park Board should reject video gambling at Sliders stadium - The State Journal-Register