Emanuel Says He'd Accept Chicago Casino
CHICAGO (WBBM/CBS) -- Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel said he would accept a casino in Chicago, but an anti-gambling advocate is calling for a citywide referendum first.
As WBBM Newsradio 780's John Cody reports, the Rev. John Allen Boryk, Illinois coordinator for the group Stop Predatory Gambling, says the referendum should be held before Emanuel even considers bringing a casino to Chicago.
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Emanuel said he would accept a casino with appropriate restrictions.
"I think a referendum by the citizens; to have people come and duke it out and debate," Boryk said.
Boryk says Chicagoans sampled oppose video poker in the city, and he asserts they would likely veto a casino if given a chance.
A gambling expansion bill passed by the Illinois State Senate last year would have approved a casino in the city of Chicago, as well as four new casinos elsewhere in the state, and slot machines at O'Hare and Midway international airports and Arlington Racetrack. But the bill died in the state House in January.
