SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The Illinois Senate has approved a refined gambling expansion plan adding five new casinos including one in Chicago.
Senators voted 32-20 Wednesday, shortly after a key committee approved it.
Lawmakers have twice approved similar plans, but Gov. Pat Quinn rejected them. He said he wanted more ethical safeguards.
In response, lawmakers added a ban on political contributions. The most recent proposal also addresses the Illinois Gaming Board’s concerns over control of a Chicago casino. The legislation now says that the state board has regulatory control over the Chicago casino. Day-to-day operations fall to a city board that the mayor appoints.
The legislation adds casinos in Danville(IL), Rockford, Chicago’s south suburbs and Lake County. It allows slot machines at Chicago’s airports and racetracks.
