Categories: Chicago

House Democrats’ planning Casino Expansion to Sports Betting

A massive expansion of casino gambling in Illinois could happen as it got a massive boost by a Democratic lawmaker who has pursuit to make sports betting legal. This is a long debate that has remained futile until now. Rep. Robert Rita has taken measures that would allow the construction of six additional casinos and adding gambling seats at the existing casinos.

The Democrat has said that taking onto the sports wagering measure would neutralize the web of criticism that has hamstrung the expansion plan. Another Democrat is also trying to make sports betting legal and he is Rep. Mike Zalewski. The pursuit has heated up and gained power since last year’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling opened the door for Illinois and other states by ending a Nevada monopoly.

The Executive Committee has Ok’d technical action which has allowed Rita to proceed further. She says that sports betting is a thing that everyone looks forward to. She said that the existing casinos are also looking towards it and it could bring all together if it is made legal. This is the perfect time to make things happen.

It is estimated about $350 million annual tax would be generated through this scheme and Illinois needs the money for Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s $41 billion state construction plan. The Gov. wants it approved by Friday as time is running out as the General Assembly’s spring session will adjourn till then.

There had been previous efforts as well but they went fruitless but advocates say that this time things will be different. Rita’s plan is not is written form into a legislative proposal but the Democrat says that there could be a land-based casino in Chicago and as many as five riverboat casinos in various parts of the state.

Shawn Genzone

Senior writer at the Chicago Morning Star

Recent Posts

Senate Democrats mock Biden for selling weapons to Israel

Some of President Biden's strongest Senate allies are calling on Israelis to end months of fierce fighting and criticizing the…

11 months ago

The biggest cities in Ukraine are struck by Russian missiles, leaving at least 4 dead and over 100 injured

Ukraine's KYIV — At least four people were killed and nearly 100 injured when Russian hypersonic ballistic missiles attacked Ukraine's…

11 months ago

Good News That’s Much Needed for Biden

The economy is making Americans feel a little more upbeat, especially when it comes to jobs and incomes, which could…

12 months ago

College Ventilation System Reveals Missing Man

The discovery of a decaying body inside a college ventilation system marked the tragic and unexplained end to a missing…

12 months ago

Following three Palestinian shots, a Vermont man was arrested

Following the shooting deaths of three 20-year-old Palestinian-American students in Vermont, authorities have detained a man. According to a news…

12 months ago

China is told to cease “COVID deception” due to the pneumonia outbreak by the US envoy

The United States ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, urged Chinese authorities "to abandon COVID deception" and demanded that China be…

12 months ago

This website uses cookies.