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Dead-beat parents would lose gambling winnings

Gov. Pat Quinn Monday signed legislation that would take gambling winnings away from deadbeat parents who are behind on their child support.

The legislation from state Rep. David Harris, an Arlington Heights Republican, requires casinos and horse racing tracks to hold onto gamblers' winnings if they win enough to have to fill out a tax form, generally more than $1,000 in a single payment.

The casino or racetrack could hold all of the winnings if the gambler is found to be behind on child support. In addition, those sites will have to post signs letting patrons know about the new rule.

“(It's a) very positive piece of legislation to help with deadbeat spouses who don't pay child support and have the temptation to go to a casino or racetrack and gamble away what should be going to child support,” Harris said.

The new law is effective immediately. It was approved by lawmakers unanimously earlier this year.

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