Quinn Says He'll Need The Weekend To Decide On Gambling Expansion
CHICAGO (CBS) -- It is sounding like Gov. Pat Quinn is not going to allow the casino expansion bill, which includes a Chicago casino, to become law as it is written.
As WBBM Newsradio's Mike Krauser reports, Quinn said he will need the weekend to think about what he will do with the casino expansion bill.
Newsradio caught him in mid-thought at an event in Oak Park Saturday.
LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio's Mike Krauser reports
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"Anytime you have gambling, you have to have a close eye to make sure that the bad characters do not get involved in gambling, so there has to be very tough ethics standards," Quinn said, "and I want to make sure that all the revenue from gaming goes to education.
Previously, Quinn previously told gambling supporters, don't "hold your breath," when it comes to gambling expansion. On Saturday, he said he still had to examine the bill.
"I'm going through it," he said. "I have today, tomorrow and Monday to finish things up. We're going to go through every page, and outline what we think is necessary to do."
When it was suggested that it sounds like Quinn will be sending the bill back for more teeth, the governor said it is always good to do it right the first time, and not have loopholes that are not good for the public.
Quinn spoke at an unrelated event, at which he signed a bill designed to increase physical education in schools.
The gambling bill calls for five new casinos – including a land-based facility within the city of Chicago – and slot machines at the state's racetracks.
Illinois' 10 existing casinos could also expand under the bill.
Tuesday is the deadline, and the governor can veto the bill outright, sign it, or suggest changes. If he does nothing, the bill automatically becomes law.
