SPRINGFIELD — A proposed “exclusion list” designed to keep criminals away from the video gambling industry is prompting questions from those who want more protections to help problem gamblers.
Illinois has a voluntary self-exclusion list for people identifying as problem gamblers. They could be arrested if found in a casino.
Proposed video gambling legislation says if the Illinois Gaming Board finds someone applying for permits has a criminal history related to gambling, they’ll be put on another list. But there isn’t one for problem gamblers and video gambling.
Some anti-gambling advocates want the industry to check ID’s against such a list to prevent problem gambling.
Gene O’Shea of the gaming board tells the State Journal-Register it’s not practical to do so at the thousands of video gambling sites in Illinois.
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