Illinois can approve another casino
Illinois authorities would allow another casino in Springfield, where MGM is opening a luxury venue.
US.- As MGM Resorts International is opening its big casino in Illinois next year, the state’s authorities have shown interest in allowing further gaming expansion. The NPR Illinois newspaper revealed that the government of Springfield, where MGM has installed its latest venue, is evaluating the possibility of permitting another casino.
“It’s not just to have a casino downtown, but to have a casino downtown where 50 percent of the, I’m going to call it the privilege tax which is the gaming tax, comes back to the city in various forms,” told the local lobbyist and CEO of HCI Alternative Chris Stone to the Illinois press. The businessman said the city should allow a casino downtown Springfield.
According to the NPR Illinois newspaper, city’s authorities are discussing a potential casino expansion. As Stone commented, the casino project would generate around 600 to 800 job positions as well as further revenues to fund school activities, social programs, infrastructure plans, the convention center and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
Currently, Springfield has been distinguished as the city with most video terminals in Illinois. State authorities may also allow casino expansion in Chicago, although the lobbyist has insisted on installing a casino in Springfield.