Home

A plan is brewing in Illinois that will create a massive expansion of gambling in the state.  One part of the plan was passed this week.  A controversial amendment has arranged for racetracks in the state to carry slot machines, courtesy of riverboat casinos.  The riverboats would still own and operate the slot machines being housed by the racetracks.

That part of the plans is really only a small step forward, though it means the world to the racetracks as they battle the financial difficulties facing the horse racing industry.  The expansion plans are on a large scale and have a long way to go.

As a part of the gambling expansion plans in Illinois, the cities of Park City, Rockford, and Chicago will see the construction of all new brick and mortar casinos.  Both Rockford and Park City have a maximum limit for slot machines of 1,200.  If the expansion plan is approved both cities will have a limit increase up to 2,000 slot machines.  The casino is Chicago will be allowed to carry as many as 4,000 slot machines.

The plans still has a lot of hurtles to jump through and not everyone is on board, even those that one might assume would be, like Jim Stumpf.  The vice president of Arlington Park protested the expansion proposal because he was not satisfied with the way slot machine revenues would be distributed.

According to Senator Terry Link, who sponsored the plan, changes to the plans will be made to better satisfy the needs of the horse racing industry.

Casino News