Town by town, critics fight video poker in Ill.

[August 17, 2009]  SPRINGFIELD (AP) -- Critics of legalized video poker hope they're on the verge of turning a handful of victories into an avalanche of opposition that'll keep gambling from expanding to every corner of Illinois.

An anti-gambling group is urging communities to ban video poker and other forms of video gambling that state officials legalized.

At least four local governments have already taken that step. They are unincorporated DuPage County, the Chicago suburbs of Rosemont and Country Club Hills, and the Springfield suburb of Rochester.

But opponents face long odds.

They're asking communities to give up new revenue at a time when every government is short on money. They'd also be taking money away from bars and restaurants. That could spur those businesses to get organized in support of video poker.

[Associated Press]

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