Hearing to expand casino gambling in Illinois

Lawmakers are pushing for six land-based facilities in the state.

US.- A hearing to treat the Senate Bill 0007 took place last week in Illinois. The Senate Gaming Committee received testimonies on how a gambling expansion would help the state boost its revenues. The Senate will restart its activities on February 7.

Senate Bill 0007 would replace the Illinois Lottery Law and allow gaming at venues throughout the state. Furthermore, the bill would authorize the state’s five racetracks to offer slot machines in their facilities. “Allowing the state’s horse racing venues, currently licensed gaming destinations, to maximize their capacities with gaming machines, would generate up to US$120 million to US$200 million for the state in the form of extra licensing fees, plus an additional US$100 million to US$300 million in recurring annual tax revenue,” says the legislation written by Sen. Terry Link, D-District 30.

The gaming bill would authorise Illinois to open six new casinos in Danville, Rockford, Lake County, Williamson County, one in the south suburbs and one in Chicago. The revenue would be forwarded to the Education Assistance Fund, whilst the casino in Chicago would collaborate with the Policemen’s and Firemen’s pension funds.