Quinn Warns That Changes Are Needed For Illinois Gambling Bill

Lawmakers in Illinois will get their chance in a few days to revive a gambling bill that appears headed for sure disaster. The legislation is expected to be vetoed by Governor Pat Quinn, and legislators may have one final chance to tweak the bill to Quinn's liking.

The governor, this week, claimed once again that the bill, in its current form, would likely not receive his approval. Quinn asserted that there were many flaws in the broad gambling expansion bill, and told Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel not to count on revenue from the gambling legislation.

"I don't think any person with common sense, looking at the legislation today, would say that it has sufficient protections for the public," said Quinn at a news conference on Tuesday. "It's great for gamblers and gaming interests, but it's not, in my opinion, strong enough when it comes to protecting the public."

Quinn's opinion will be the one that counts the most when it comes to the survival of legislation that is currently hanging by a thread. All along the governor has said he would likely veto any broad attempt at gambling expansion, and this bill goes beyond even the most pro-gambling lawmakers' dreams.

The bill would add five new casino resorts in Illinois. Chicago would get a new gaming facility, one that would be land-based. Mayor Emanuel has been pushing for the casino since he took office. Chicago's airports would also gain the right to offer slots under the bill.

Emanuel believes that the casino gambling measure could be important to Chicago in several areas. Job creation is at the core of the bill, with lawmakers agreeing that new casinos would bring thousands of jobs to Illinois. Emanuel, however, believes the investment in the Chicago casino could help rejuvenate business throughout the city.

Pressure is building on Quinn to make a decision on the gambling bill, but the governor asserted on Tuesday that he will not rush to judgement. Quinn warned Emanuel that the mayor should not be counting on the revenue from the gambling bill in the next city budget. It was Quinn's way of proclaiming that he would not fold to the pressure until he was certain that the bill was to his liking.

August 19, 2011
Posted By Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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