Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has refused to sign a bill to expand gaming in the state in its present form, arguing instead that expansion on a smaller scale will be a more suitable option.
Over the past few months, the Governor said, a thorough review of Senate Bill 744 has been undertaken by his administration to determine whether the measures included in the proposed legislation are viable.
“Following this comprehensive review, I have determined this bill falls well short of the best interest of the people of Illinois. I will not sign SB 744 as it is currently proposed,” Quinn said. “To promote and protect the interests of the people of Illinois, I can only support a smaller, more moderate expansion that prevents corruption and provides adequate revenue for education.”
Calling for greater authority to be given to the Illinois Gaming Board and for gaming licensees and casino managers to be banned from making campaign contributions to elected officials, Governor Quinn put forward alternative plans for a limited expansion of gaming.
“As I have said repeatedly, I believe the current bill is top-heavy with too many new gambling locations. I will only support a smaller, more balanced and modest expansion. As long as I’m Governor, Illinois will not become the Las Vegas of the Midwest.”
Instead, he said he would support a bill that cuts the number of proposed casino locations from 14 to five. Video lottery terminals should only be permitted in communities that choose to permit them, he said.
Having presented his new framework for gaming expansion, Quinn said he would now work with state lawmakers on the issue.
