Gov. Pat Quinn. (Credit: CBS)
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CHICAGO (CBS) — Gov. Pat Quinn plans Thursday to meet with Illinois Gaming Board Chairman Aaron Jaffe, as the governor weighs whether to sign the bill that would dramatically expand gambling in Illinois.
As WBBM Newsradio 780’s Regine Schlesinger reports, Quinn is being coy about his views on what he calls a complicated bill that hasn’t even reached his desk yet.
LISTEN: Newsradio 780′s Regine Schlesinger reports
The bill, Senate Bill 744, would create five new casinos, including a land-based facility within the Chicago city limits. Others would be located in Lake County, the southern suburbs, Rockford and Danville.
The bill would also allow slot machines at racetracks as well as at O’Hare and Midway international airports.
Quinn says he won’t be rushed into a decision.
“Frankly, it needs to be examined every which way,” he said.
Among the considerations are complaints from the mayor and residents of Des Plaines, who are opening a casino with what they thought would be the state’s tenth and final license. Suddenly, if the new bill were to become law, they would face what they consider unfair competition.
