State Sen. Mattie Hunter responded to today’s progress in regards to gaming expansion with the following statement:

“By expanding gaming, we will bring valuable dollars for our children and their education,” Hunter said, “which is critical for me. As well, this legislation presents a great opportunity for increasing Chicago tourism and revenue for both the city and state, which is important in light of the current economic crisis.”

The legislation calling for gaming expansion and the establishment of a Chicago casino, Senate Bill 1739, received the approval of the Senate and will encompass the following:

• A Chicago casino to be operated by a licensed operator subject to management contract that will establish 4,000 positions in land or water-based gaming institutions and at airports.

• Allowance of slots at race tracks which will create 1,200 job opportunities and positions throughout Cook County and 900 positions outside Cook County.

• Four new riverboats or casinos for the communities of Rockford, Danville, the South Suburbs of Chicago (either in Bloom, Bremen, Calumet, Rich, Thornton or Worth Township) and Lake County (either in Park City, Waukegan or North Chicago.)

• Tax revenue to be directed toward the state Education Assistance Fund

• Tax rate reduction involving separate tax rates for slots versus table games

• Stipulations that a portion of the tax revenue from the gaming expansion will go to various funds such as the State Fairgrounds Capitol Improvement Fund and the Department of Human Services 

• Minority participation in the way of contracting and hiring goals as well as reporting requirements for all licensees.

Senate Bill 1739 now awaits the consideration and approval of the Illinois House.