Gambling expansion to get another look in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD — Lawmakers may take yet another look at expanding gambling across Illinois, and this time the State Fair is in line to get slot machines.

Rep. Lou Lang said Tuesday he has introduced a new version of his often-rejected proposal to authorize more gambling as a way of filling the empty state treasury.

It would permit five new casinos — in Chicago, its northern suburbs, its southern suburbs, Rockford and Danville. The state's existing casinos would be allowed to expand by two-thirds to accommodate 2,000 gamblers.

Horseracing tracks could transform into "racinos" by adding slot machines.

Lang, D-Skokie, said the track at the state fairgrounds in Springfield would be added to the list of places allowed to operate slot machines. He also said racing there would no longer be limited just to the 10 days the State Fair is open.

Gambling often is discussed as a way of bringing in new state revenue, although critics point out demand seems to be stagnant in Illinois.

Legislation to expand gambling typically falls apart amid in-fighting among the groups affected, from casinos to tracks to cities eager for casinos. It was only January that a plan similar to Lang's latest version was rejected by lawmakers.

New Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has helped the prospects of an expansion by showing interest in a Chicago casino.

But the legislative clock could be a stumbling block. Lawmakers are scheduled to adjourn in just one week, leaving little time for the deal-making needed to pass such a complex bill.

Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn supports a Chicago casino but objects to a broader expansion.

"We're not going to be the Las Vegas of the Midwest," Quinn said last week. "I don't want that to happen and I don't think the people want that to happen."