Join anti-gambling night at Aurora church March 23

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, according to the 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, 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.

Call (630) 896-1033 for more information.