Online Lottery, Video Poker, Now Casinos

The Illinois legislature are overseeing the largest gambling expansion in the state's history.

Last week the state house and senate passed laws that would allow video poker machines in bars, veterans halls, truck stops and restaurants across the state, and also allow lottery tickets to be purchased online. The new measures are estimated to bring in over half a billion dollars a year in tax revenues.

In a move that comes straight out of the 'how to stimulate an economy in recession' guide book, Illinois, like many states around the US are turning to gambling as a way to fill treasury coffers amid dwindling economic activity and tax revenues.

The move has been condemned by anti-gambling groups as the wrong way to fund schools and other infrastructure projects. But lawmakers seem resolute in their adoption of the gambling strategy, and have since voted in favor of further expansions.

In the past few days the senate narrowly approved a bill that now moves to house for consideration, and which will, if approved see Chicago home to a new casino and a further 3 other casinos opened in Illinois.