Quinn: Gambling Expansion Remains Up In The Air
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Gov. Pat Quinn is telling reporters a decision on a bill to greatly expand casino gambling in Illinois is still very much up in the air.
As WBBM Newsradio Political Editor Craig Dellimore reports, the Illinois General Assembly has yet to send Quinn a gambling expansion bill formally, and there is already talk of some companion legislation to resolve some problems with the first bill that lawmakers have already passed.
LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio Political Editor Craig Dellimore reports
Podcast
But the governor says when he decides on the legislation, he will only consider what is in front of him. And he has expressed problems with the main bill.
"There's always the possibility of members of the General Assembly upon reflection, after May 31, coming to Springfield to pass legislation involving that subject or any other subject, and frankly I think there are some areas that the General Assembly has to revisit," Quinn said.
The legislation would create five new casinos, including a land-based facility within the Chicago city limits. Others would be located in Lake County, the southern suburbs, Rockford and Danville.
The bill would also allow slot machines at racetracks as well as at O'Hare and Midway international airports.
Illinois Gaming Board Chairman Aaron Jaffe has called on Quinn to veto the legislation. So has the Chicago Crime Commission, which has warned that organized crime would likely get involved in the new casinos.
