The latest effort to expand gaming in the US state of Illinois is being seen by some as the best chance yet for success.
The speculation is fueled by the belief that Governor Pat Quinn might finally be willing to sign such legislation.
However, the conflicted politics of gaming expansion is making itself visible. The state’s thoroughbred horseman’s association is opposing fewer slot machines being proposed than in earlier bills and communities hoping to host casinos are opposing the bill for a Chicago-only casino.
On the table are two options: a bill allowing a 10,000-position Chicago mega casino that would be owned by the state with 50 per cent of profits shared with the city of Chicago; and a bill allowing a 4,000-position Chicago casino and 1,200-position casinos in Danville, Rockford, Lake County and the south suburbs.
Both amendments to existing bill SB1739 would allow racetracks, depending on their location, to have 450 to 600 slot machines. Earlier legislation allowed 900 slots through most of the state and 1,200 at Churchill Downs-owned Arlington Park in Cook County.
