https://chicago.suntimes.com/politic...is-legislature
Chicago casino, gambling expansion now tied to legalizing sports betting
The long-discussed proposal would allow a land-based casino in Chicago and riverboat casinos in several locations, including 00Rockford, Lake County and Danville.
By John O'Connor | Associated Press May 27, 2019, 12:44pm CDT
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — A massive expansion of casino gambling in Illinois — a decade-long but futile legislative pursuit — was back with a boost Monday as a Democratic lawmaker took steps to make it part of a popular plan to legalize sports betting.
Rep. Robert Rita’s measure would allow construction of six additional casinos and added gambling seats at existing sites. The Blue Island Democrat said tacking it onto the sports wagering measure would neutralize the web of criticism that has hamstrung the expansion plan.
Rep. Mike Zalewski, a Riverside Democrat, has been pursuing legalized sports wagering since last year’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling opened the door for Illinois and other states by ending a Nevada monopoly.
”Sports betting is a component that everybody is looking for,” Rita said after the Executive Committee OK’d technical action allowing Rita to proceed. “The existing casinos are looking for the sports betting. ... It’s the common denominator that could bring it all together.”
Advocates say the time is ripe, too. They say the $350 million annual tax revenue from an expansion plan is necessary as additional financing for Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s $41.5 billion state construction plan , which Pritzker wants approved by Friday, the scheduled adjournment of the General Assembly’s spring session.
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