Illinois riverboat casinos are asking the state Legislature to approve a measure allowing them to offer free alcoholic drinks. The casinos are looking for a way to increase visitors. They blame last year's State wide ban on smoking and the slumping economy as the main causes for the decrease in visitors and they feel that offering free alcohol will entice more players into the casino.

Casinos in the neighboring State of Iowa presently have the option to offer their patrons free drinks so the Illinois casinos want to have the option as well. A bill cosponsored by Rockford Republican Sen. Dave Syverson would spell out that alcohol can be given away on the floors of the state's nine casinos and will be considered in the future.

Those opposed to the bill say that free alcoholic drinks will cause patrons to gamble more. Anita Bedell of the Illinois Church Action on Alcohol and Addiction Problems says giving away booze will only cause more problems, including increased gambling. Giving away free drinks is common in Nevada and has been used as a way to loosen players up when they gamble. I usually advise players not to drink while they play.

Tom Swoik of the Illinois Casino Gaming Association says casino owners will be responsible servers.