Proposals to expand gaming in the US state of Illinois have been rejected by lawmakers.
Senate Bill 744, which was sponsored by House Representative Lou Lang, outlined a number of amendments to the state’s Horse Racing Act of 1975, including the creation of the Chicago Casino Development Authority, allowing electronic gaming at race tracks and issuing five new casino licences for the city of Chicago.
However, with Governor Pat Quinn understood to be against the expansion of gambling despite the tax benefits that it would offer, the bill has divided opinion among those in the House of Representatives and Senate.
The proposed legislation did not receive enough support and so remains at the House Executive Committee stage.
Lang believes the bill, which he said would create new employment and economic development, could be amended to ensure that it passes at a later stage.
InterGaming understands that there may be three or four additional amendments to the bill before it will once again be called for a vote.
