(Credit: CBS)
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – A huge expansion of legalized gambling in Illinois is headed to the House floor.
The proposal would create licenses for five new riverboat gambling casinos. It would include a gambling boat or land-based casino in Chicago. It also would expand horse racing and add slot machines at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.
The bill sponsored by Rep. Lou Lang of Skokie was approved 8-3 Friday by the Executive Committee. It failed in the same committee Wednesday with only five votes.
Gov. Pat Quinn said earlier Friday he opposes “top-heavy” gambling expansion and frowned on gambling at the fairgrounds.
Lobbyists for existing riverboat casinos oppose the measure because they say the market is saturated and state revenues would drop at current boats.
© 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
7 Comments
it seems that Gov. Quinn is completely out of touch?…from his stated positions he seems to more interested in maintaining the status quo than seriously tackling Illinois’ budgetary debacle… iit appeats Gov. Quinn’s priorities are getting reelected no matter what the cost to taxpayers …
May 28, 2011 at 5:27 pm
First off, what about letting smoking back into the Illinois casinos, that will bring people back who are spending thier money in Indiana. Secondly, what is the big deal, bring on the new casinos, it will bring more tourists to Illinois, who will spend money on the highest gas prices in the midwest, spend money on food hotels and other things, all of which gernerates tax dollars. Are these people in Springfield idiots??
May 28, 2011 at 6:32 pm
Even tho I’m a non-smoker I have to agree with this one. Allow smoking back in the casinos and more people will gamble here than drive all the way out to Indiana. Plus get rid of that ridiculous rule about having the casinos on a water way. I remember when Rosemont thought it was a shoe in for the last license that was up for grabs a number of years ago. They actually proposed builing a moat to float a boat that would house the casino.
May 29, 2011 at 8:18 am
Even non smokers sometimes light up while they drink or gamble. Repeal that smoking law and some people will return. Illinois will also have to get rid of that limit on how many games allowed at each casino. Give the person more choices. And to really get them to return, let the slot machines pay more often. When people are in a fun atmosphere, they will spend money.
May 29, 2011 at 11:07 am
I agree with both AK and Tim, Quinn is a nitwit who insists on rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic while it and the state sink. One other thing: what is it with putting all of the casinos on the river??? Block 37 is screaming for a casino as are the race tracks. A riverboat will bring in a lot less money than almost any other locale. Surprise us Quinn and Reps. Have a brain for once!
May 28, 2011 at 7:25 pm
CASINO COMPETITION is a good thing. I agree with Tim. people just like to drink and smoke PERIOD, and they will travel get their entertainment. That is why there is no place like Vegas or Indiana. Why do the legislators always think they are our protectors. and why do they think a land based casino is somewhat worse than building something that is on water? (rediculous) If you build it they will come….
May 28, 2011 at 8:12 pm
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