Gambling Industry In Illinois Drops Ball On 24 Hour Casinos

The nine casinos in Illinois have been lobbying for expanded casino gambling hours. The state Gaming Board decided last week to consider the idea. When the time came, the casinos did not provide the necessary statistics to support their case.

The casinos had been saying that the expanded hours would bring in increased revenue for the state. That was the basis of asking the Board to consider the move. They did not come through on their end, however, with proof.

"The industry was not able to tell the board how much more income and tax revenue would be generated by staying open 24 hours," said Gene O'Shea, spokesman for the Gaming Board. he went on to say that the Board could not move forward with this issue without some indication of what it would be worth to the state.

The casinos could have made a major blunder by not having the information readily available. Profits are already decreasing due to several factors, and the added hours could have help offset some of those losses.

The industry, while not prepared to make their case, still was disappointed by the decision. "It would have been nice if they would have granted it. It might have reversed some of what we've seen this year," said Finance Director Brian Caputo.

It would have helped the state with their budget deficit, but without knowledge of how much the expanded hours would have helped, it was impossible for the Board to move forward with the plan.

May 3, 2008
Posted By Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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