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Plans for a land-based casino in Danville moved closer to reality Saturday night as the Illinois House of Representatives approved a gambling expansion bill. The vote was 87 to 27 in favor of the bill which would legalize sports betting and allow for six new casinos in the state.
The Illinois Senate is scheduled to return to session Sunday afternoon and is expected to vote on the bill then. The proposal to legalize sports betting and expand gambling is seen as a key component for a $45 billion dollar statewide construction program for roads, schools and other public works needs in the state.
‘’Legalizing sports betting and expanding gaming will create jobs up and down the state, from Rockford to Chicago to Walker’s Bluff, where communities hungry for employment will see 10,000 new jobs,’’ said Governor Pritzker in a statement Saturday night. ‘’After the Supreme Court legalized sports betting, I promised the people of Illinois that sports wagering would be a key element of my legislative agenda, so that we are competitive with our neighboring states and can create more revenue for communities around Illinois,’’ added the Governor.
‘’Gaming expansions in this state have been attempted and failed for years; this effort succeeded because of talented and dedicated public servants like Leaders Terry Link and Tony Munoz and Representatives Bob Rita and Mike Zalewski. Today is a win for the whole state,’’ added Pritzker.
[This story posted by Bill Pickett – June 1, 2019.]
