CHICAGO (CBS) — Mayor Emanuel says Chicago children would be the beneficiaries if the state allows the city to have a gambling casino.

Mayor Emanuel says in every casino in Illinois profits go to private investors, but he says if the city of Chicago itself is awarded a casino, profits would be used to pay for education for Chicago public school kids.

He says, “I want to build them new schools with science and lab facilities and libraries and gyms so they can compete in the 21st century.”

The mayor says he’s talked to legislative leaders about the proposal and is hoping it is passed and meets Governor Quinn’s approval.

Last week, the governor vetoed a casino gambling bill that made it to his desk, but an Illinois Senate committee approved new casino legislation which includes allowing Chicago to have a casino.

There are no guesses how much in profits Chicago schools might get. Profits from the Illinois lottery to go schools throughout the state, but only make up less than 10 percent of the state’s education budget.