Quinn vague on willingess to negotiate horse track slot machines

Quinn vague on willingess to negotiate horse track slot machines

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Ill. Gov. Pat Quinn remained vague on Tuesday about whether he’d negotiate adding slot machines at horse racing tracks.

On Monday, the governor detailed his objections to a gambling expansion bill lawmakers approved earlier this year, saying the bill was “too expansive.” Quinn also laid out a framework for a scaled down expansion of state gambling, opposing the addition of slot machines at horse racing tracks, the state fair and both Chicago airports.

In talking to reporters at a press meeting Tuesday, Quinn maintained his call to redraft the bill. The governor said the addition of slot machines at race tracks is “not necessary,” but he sidestepped whether he’d be willing to compromise on that point going forward.

“The proposal that the legislature came up with is way too broad and expansive,” said Quinn. “It’s excessive, and it would convert  the race tracks of illinois into gambling casinos. They can call it whatever name they want, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

Quinn said he objects to adding slot machines at both Chicago airports and to at the state fair. Lawmakers could discuss the gambling expansion bill in the veto session, which is scheduled to start next week.