Moore: Let Voters Decide On Chicago Casino
CHICAGO (CBS) -- As pro-casino forces continue lobbying Springfield for an expansion of gambling, Ald. Joe Moore (49th) says the people should judge.
As WBBM Newsradio 780's John Cody reports, Moore, who represents Rogers Park and some northern parts of Edgewater, says even if both Springfield and city officials like the idea, the voters should have their say directly on a casino for Chicago.
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"I am skeptical of the idea, but I certainly would be willing to listen to any proposal," Moore said. "What I am not in support of is putting literally hundreds of mini-casinos – video poker – in bars and restaurants throughout the city of Chicago. That, to me, is a non-starter."
State legislators say the Springfield climate is improving for expansion of gambling – including a possible Chicago casino.
Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel has said he would accept a Chicago casino with appropriate restrictions.
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.
