CHICAGO — Illinois Catholic bishops have updated their 1999 publication on gambling in light of the possibility of an expansion of gambling (SB 1382) to help address the dismal finances of both the state and the city of Chicago.
Media reports indicate that a city-owned casino in Chicago is being considered, in addition to four other casinos located throughout the state and smaller so-called "satellite" casinos in central and southern Illinois. Additionally, slot machines may be allowed at horse-racing tracks.
In the updated A Catholic Perspective on Gambling in Illinois, bishops noted they drew from the Catechism of the Catholic Church's statement about gambling: "Games of chance (card games, etc.) or wagers are not in themselves contrary to justice. They become morally unacceptable when they deprive someone of what is necessary to provide for one's needs and those of others. The passion for gambling risks becoming an enslavement."
Gambling is not immoral in itself, they noted, and can often be used for legitimate fundraising purposes. However, the bishops also recognize the increasing pervasiveness of gambling, as riverboat casinos, the lottery, and video gambling have been authorized by the state during the past 40 years.
"For it seems that in our state, to use the language cited above, 'the passion for gambling' is becoming 'an enslavement' both for individual persons and for society," they wrote.
They encouraged an examination of conscience, both on an individual and state level, observing that government should not look to gambling as a revenue fix.
"It is important to commit to a fair system of taxation to support public programs, as it is not healthy to rely upon gambling as an alternative," they wrote.
They also called for transparency of financial records of gambling enterprises doing business with the state, as well as a stop to gambling-related advertising that targets the poor.
The bishops are also asking Catholic institutions to openly examine and debate the impact of gambling in their fundraising efforts.