Key Republican applauds Quinn’s rejection of gambling bill

Key Republican applauds Quinn’s rejection of gambling bill

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Illinois lawmakers are reacting to Gov. Pat Quinn’s call to rewrite a proposed gambling expansion.

On Monday, Quinn outlined his objections to a gambling bill that was approved earlier this year, saying it would “over-saturate” the state’s market.

State Sen. Kirk Dillard, R-Hinsdale, applauds Quinn for rejecting the current proposal. The west suburban lawmaker says the bill tried to do too much.

“When it comes to riverboat gambling and gambling, sometimes these packages get so big that they sink on their own weight,” Dillard said. “And this one’s so big, it has sunk on its own weight, and they’re going to have to bail some water here and see if it still floats.”

Quinn said he’ll veto the current bill if lawmakers move it to his desk. The proposal would create five state casinos and bring slot machines to horse racing tracks and both Chicago airports.