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Illinois Gambline

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Quinn Vetoes Gambling Expansion

Rivers Casino staves off new competition, at least until the legislature reconvenes in the fall.

The state’s top-grossing casino won’t face competition from new gaming venues — at least for now. Gov. Pat Quinn vetoed the gaming expansion bill that included five new casinos, including one in Chicago, and slot machines at six racetracks including Arlington Park in Arlington Heights, at Longfellow Elementary School, 715 S. Highland Ave. in Oak Park, on Tuesday. Rivers Casino, 3000 S. River Road in Des Plaines, has generated more revenue than any other Illinois casino every full month since opening in July 2011. In a statement, Gov. Quinn cited his concerns with the bill: substandard ethics, a lack of adequate oversight of the proposed Chicago casino and insufficient funding for education. The legislation does not prevent gaming licensees…

Monday, August 13, 2012

Slots at Racetracks a Problem for Des Plaines Mayor, Not Gov. Quinn

Des Plaines’ revenue sharing with state, other communities would change under gaming expansion bill.

In less than three weeks the agreement that requires Des Plaines to pay portions of gaming tax revenue from Rivers Casino to the state and 10 disadvantaged communities could change. Gov. Pat Quinn is reviewing, and is expected to take action on, a gaming expansion bill by the end of August. If passed, five new casinos will open, including one in Chicago, and slot machines will be added at six racetracks. These so-called “racinos” pose a problem for Des Plaines, Mayor Martin Moylan said. “We have problems with the slots,” Moylan said. “They’re going to affect us and affect our bottom line, at Maywood and also at Arlington [racetracks].” Earlier: Mitt Romney chooses Paul Ryan for running mate. In the only agreement of its kind in Illinois, …

Andrew

4:36 pm on Tuesday, August 14, 2012

The racetracks are businesses just like the casinos. When a new burger joint opens down the street from an old one, the old one has to try and keep their customers. The catch is, tracks also compete with tracks in other states because gamblers wage on races across state lines. Those other states? Yeah, they have slots at the tracks. Let em diversify so they can compete.   more ›

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