CHICAGO, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV)— The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) has created new rules for casinos across Illinois to combat human trafficking.
The new rules put into place will now require casinos statewide to conduct mandatory human trafficking recognition training, develop, document, and implement human trafficking training and reporting procedures. Once these procedures are put in place, they will provide a report to the IGB. The new rules will also require casinos to post human trafficking awareness notices.
The notices will be posted in bathrooms, near public entrances, and in other visible locations. The notices will include hotline contact numbers and other important information like where to seek help or report instances of trafficking.
“Human traffickers often target casinos and hospitality venues to conduct their illegal activities,” said IGB Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter. “By adopting mandatory human trafficking recognition training, establishing minimum requirements for that training, and requiring casino operators to implement appropriate reporting and signage protocols, the IGB, while working in partnership with the Illinois State Police (ISP) and other law enforcement agencies, is taking meaningful steps to combat these heinous crimes.”
The new rules were implemented after approval from the General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules on May 2. These rules will require employees of the casinos to take the training within three months of beginning employment.
The training will cover topics such as things that might make an individual more susceptible, the different types, red flags to look for, and agencies to contact on human trafficking.
“Human trafficking is one of the most underreported and under-identified crimes,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Because human trafficking can come in many forms and can happen almost anywhere, it is important to train people working in industries targeted by human traffickers to recognize the signs so they can report the crimes and help save lives.”
The full wording of the new rules can be viewed here.
While the Indiana Gaming Board has no such rules for its casinos, House Bill 1416 was just passed on May 6 requiring safety rest areas, gas stations, and welcome centers to display human trafficking awareness information, and permits massage establishments to display human trafficking awareness information.
“This bill is a great first step in curbing human trafficking in our state. … If having these posters on display in our gas stations and rest areas can save just one life, it’s worth it,” said Rep. John Barlett (D-Indianapolis).
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