CBS 2 Chicago wbbm7801059 670 The Score

Local

Quinn Stands By Opposition To Slot Machines At Airports

Photo Of Gamblers Playing The Slots. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Photo Of Gamblers Playing The Slots. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

roberts250

Reporting Bob Roberts

Don't Miss This

CHICAGO (CBS) – Don’t bet on slot machines at Chicago’s airports anytime soon, despite the support of the city’s aviation commissioner and O’Hare International Airport’s alderman.

Governor Quinn continues to say “no dice,” and says Chicago is not Las Vegas.

“No other city in America has them, and that’s the bottom line,” Quinn said Friday following a news conference on an unrelated event in Riverside. “No one else wants to greet visitors with slot machines so I don’t think Illinois is going to do that. I’ve said no to that, and the legislature pulled back from that.”

However, Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport has hundreds of slot machines at its terminals.

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio’s Bob Roberts Reports


Quinn said it’s obvious that even lawmakers believe it to be a bad idea, because lawmakers deleted it from the last gambling bill to be put before him, one that Quinn vetoed.

Nor has he budged on slots at racetracks or the Illinois State Fairgrounds, although he continues to say he is not ruling out gambling expansion completely. As for those who are arriving on or waiting for flights at O’Hare – Quinn said there are plenty of other ways for them to generate revenues.

Chicago Aviation Commissioner Rosemarie Andolino, speaking to a City Council subcommittee Thursday, made the suggestion, with the backing of Ald. Mary O’Connor (41st), in whose ward O’Hare is located.

Andolino said gambling would give bored travelers something to do, and noted that 50 percent of those who fly into O’Hare are simply there to catch a connecting flight.

Listen Live!

RSS Most Popular News

Follow CBS Chicago

Like us on foursquare

RSS Contests & Promotions

  • Marquette County Convention & Visitors Bureau Post Game Show Giveaway May 10, 2013
    Listen to The Score’s Baseball Post Game Show for your chance to win a $100 lodging gift certificate from the Marquette County Convention & Visitors Bureau!
  • OREO Text-In Giveaway May 6, 2013
    The OREO King Size single serve packs are ideal for on the go snacking and sharing. To celebrate OREO King Size packs, text the keyword “OREO” to 67011 to enter for your chance to win a $250 Visa gift card!
  • Enjoy Golf’s Best Round With GREY GOOSE Vodka May 1, 2013
    Enjoy Golf’s Best Round this season with GREY GOOSE Vodka! Visit your participating retailer today and purchase one 750 mL or larger bottle of GREY GOOSE Vodka to receive one free round of golf!
  • Rivers Casino’s Baseball Fever Giveaway May 1, 2013
    Get Baseball Fever at Rivers Casino Sundays & Tuesdays in May! You could win great prizes and up to $25,000. Plus print out the WILD CARD that can help you win even more!
WBBM Newsradio 780, Radio Stations & Broadcast Companies, Chicago, IL

Twitter Updates