Illinois Casinos Want 24 Hour Gambling

CHICAGO  (Associated Press) - Riverboat casinos in Illinois want to remain open for business around the clock.

The Illinois Casino Gaming Association is asking state regulators for the OK to operate 24 hours a day. Currently, no casinos are open more than 22 hours.

The Illinois Gaming Board has scheduled a public hearing for Sept. 19 in Chicago to consider the request.

Tom Swoik is executive director of the casino gaming association, which represents most of the state's casinos. He says video gaming already is available around the clock at places such as truck stops.

Swoik says 24-hour operations would raise revenue for the casinos and the state and create jobs.

Opponents say extending casino hours create more problems for compulsive gamblers, who would never have to leave the casino.