Emanuel lauds new gambling expansion as good compromise

Emanuel lauds new gambling expansion as good compromise

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Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said he believes the state is close to passing a bill that could put a casino in the city.

An Illinois House committee approved a scaled-down version of the proposed expansion on Tuesday during the veto session, moving it closer to a vote before the full House. It allows for five new casinos, including one in downtown Chicago.

The reworked version is an attempt to meet some of Gov. Pat Quinn’s requirements to ensure his signature. Lawmakers said they’ve addressed some of the governor’s concerns in the new bill, including adding more government oversight and limiting the growth of existing casinos. But it still includes the contentious slot machines at horse tracks, something the governor has said he strongly opposes.

Emanuel said he’s had multiple conversations with Governor Pat Quinn about the revised bill says the plan is a good compromise.

“I think it reflects what I call an honest compromise to finally move forward and close up a point of discussion for 25 years and achieve a win for the people of the city of Chicago and the taxpayers,” Emanuel said Tuesday.

Quinn has threatened to veto the bill if it doesn’t meet his requirements.