Emanuel Still Interested In A Chicago Casino -- But His Way
CHICAGO (WBBM) -- Mayor Rahm Emanuel has repeatedly said he wants a casino in the City of Chicago to boost revenue. But he says he only wants it under certain conditions.
State Rep. Lou Lang, D-Skokie, says he's reintroducing his casino expansion bill that would allow for new casinos in Chicago and elsewhere as well as slot machines at horseracing tracks and other measures.
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Even during the mayoral campaign, Emanuel said he wants to see a city-owned casino here. The proposed legislation would have the state selling licenses to the developers.
Mayor Emanuel says he's communicated his concerns to key lawmakers. He spoke with reporters at a Thursday news conference about reforming the way the city uses its tax increment financing development money.
Opponents of casino gaming are warning that bringing a casino to Chicago would be a very bad idea for the city and its residents.
"This talk is diverting the city and the state from finding legitimate ways to plug deficit holes in their budgets," Doug Dobmeyer of the Task Force to Oppose Gambling in Chicago said.
