Despite looking likely to languish in committee, a bill to expand casino gaming in the US state of Illinois has overcome a major hurdle and will now be placed before the Senate for final approval.
As reported by InterGaming on Friday, Senate Bill 744, which would allow for five new casinos and electronic gaming at race tracks, failed to garner enough support to proceed beyond the House Committee stage.
However, on Monday members of the House approved the amended bill, which will now pass to the Senate. If successful, it will then be passed to Governor Pat Quinn to be signed into law.
Despite concerns that the Governor may not be in favour of an expansion of gaming on this scale, he is understood to be open to proposals that will create new revenue and job opportunities.
Chicago will be among the major beneficiaries of the bill if it is passed, with the city in line to receive a casino licence. Mayor Rahm Emanuel lent his support to the bill yesterday.
"A Chicago casino will spur local economic growth and provide jobs to Chicagoans, both needed to get our city moving again," he said.
