Urgent

Keep Video Gambling Out of Chicago Neighborhoods

Protect families. Preserve communities.
Support responsible development.

Call Your Elected Officials Today
Alderman  •  State Representative
State Senator  •  County Commissioner
BALLY'S

A Critical Decision for Chicago

Chicago is already investing in a centralized casino project with Bally’s—designed to create jobs and drive economic growth in a controlled environment.

Expanding video gambling terminals into bars and restaurants spreads gambling into everyday neighborhoods, increasing exposure and risk across communities.

This isn’t about being anti-gambling—
it’s about responsible placement and protecting our communities.

Do we want gambling
concentrated and controlled...
or spread into every neighborhood?

How VGT Expansion Hurts Communities

Increases access
= higher
addiction risk

Disproportionately
impacts vulnerable
communities

$

Redirects spending
away from local
businesses

$

Often low wage
job creation

Adds long term
social and public
costs

Strains families
and community
resources

The Reality Check

  • Gambling expansion shifts spending, it doesn't create new wealth

  • Short term revenue often comes with long-term costs

  • Communities absorb the downstream impact

FOLLOW THE MONEY. The public record speaks for itself.

Public campaign finance records show that Ald. Anthony Beale's committee has accepted $67,500 in contributions from the campaign fund of Illinois House Gaming Committee Chairman Robert “Bob” Rita.

$
$67,500
Total Contributions

From Friends of Robert “Bob” Rita to Citizens to Elect Anthony Beale.

31
Separate Transactions

Filed and reported to the Illinois State Board of Elections.

Since
2002
Ongoing Financial Relationship

More than two decades of contributions from the same source.

View The Public Ledger

Every transaction below is filed with the Illinois State Board of Elections and viewable on Illinois Sunshine.

Date From To Amount
Jul 10, 2025Friends of Robert “Bob” RitaCitizens to Elect Anthony Beale$1,000
Feb 21, 2023Friends of Robert “Bob” RitaCitizens to Elect Anthony Beale$5,000
Jul 18, 2022Friends of Robert “Bob” RitaCitizens to Elect Anthony Beale$2,500
Dec 11, 2019Friends of Robert “Bob” RitaCitizens to Elect Anthony Beale$1,500
Feb 26, 2019Friends of Robert “Bob” RitaCitizens to Elect Anthony Beale$5,000

Contribution information displayed on this website is derived from publicly available campaign finance records and reporting databases.

Take Action Now

Make your voice heard. Contact
your local elected officials today.

  • Alderman
  • State Representative
  • State Senator
  • County Commissioner
Call Your Elected Officials Today

What to Say

“Hello, my name is [Your Name]. I’m calling to oppose expanding video gambling machines into neighborhood locations. Please protect our communities and vote against further expansion.”

This is about more than revenue—
it’s about families, communities,
and long-term responsibility.

Protecting our neighborhoods. Preserving our communities.

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