How Quinn’s plan would affect suburban gambling interests

Arlington Park slots

Quinn’s opposition to slot machines at racetracks is a big blow to Arlington Park, which sees slots machines as a way to boost revenue in the face of steady declines in live and simulcast racing.

Lake County casino

Quinn’s endorsement of a Lake County casino is good news for local officials who want one, especially Sen. Terry Link, a Waukegan Democrat who’s a longtime proponent. But the governor’s other changes to the gambling legislation could kill the plan entirely, keeping Lake County gamblers waiting once again.

Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin, Rivers Casino in Des Plaines

New Chicago and Lake County casinos, which Quinn backs, would be big competition for existing casinos. The good news: Quinn’s opposition to slot machines at Arlington Park reduces the chance of new competition on that front. Existing casinos also benefit if controversy over Quinn’s plan kills new, competing gambling initiatives altogether.

Video gambling in bars

Many suburbs have already voted to keep them out. But Quinn’s plan would reverse how the law works. Instead of individual suburbs getting slot machines unless they vote to keep them out, local officials would have to vote to allow them in. That means the machines could be less prevalent under Quinn’s plan. But delays in regulating the machines means suburbanites haven’t seen one in a bar yet, anyway.