CHICAGO (AP) – The state’s gambling regulatory board plans to hear arguments about whether to allow casinos to stay open around-the-clock.
Illinois’ 10 casinos are currently allowed to stay open up to 22 hours.
Proponents estimate that staying open two more hours means adding $5 million in state revenue and staying competitive with video gambling terminals at truck stops and neighboring states that have 24-hour gambling.
But anti-gambling groups say the social costs are too great. For gambling addicts, closing for even two hours means a break from a binge.
Jerry Prosapio is a former addict who’d spend up to 35 hours at a time gambling and it ruined his life. He now runs a nonprofit organization to help problem gamblers.
The Illinois Gaming Board meets Thursday to hear arguments.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.
