Opinion

Pitfalls are plenty of video poker

Posted June 05, 2009 11:00 pm

Congratulations to Burt Constable for his superb May 28 column pointing out the pitfalls of video poker. Mr. Constable wisely interviewed Dr. John Warren Kindt, an economics professor at the University of Illinois. Dr. Kindt has authored dozens of essays on the deleterious effects gambling has on society. Many of his articles are in prestigious professional law journals.

Additional kudos for the five Cook County commissioners (four Democrats and one Republican) who urged Governor Pat Quinn to veto video gambling in bars, restaurants and clubs. Yet more plaudits for Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, who calls video gambling "a horrible idea." A pat on the back for my state representative, Bob Biggins (R-Elmhurst), who voted against the measure.

I am saddened that my state senator, Dan Cronin (R-Elmhurst), voted for video gambling, on the grounds that it would raise money for state construction projects. The Cook County letter to Gov. Quinn says "Legalizing video poker to fund the (public works) plan is building our state's future on a house of cards."

Joe Schrantz

Villa Park

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