Illinois Legislators Push for Gambling Expansion Once Again

(Associated Press) - SPRINGFIELD, Ill. | An Illinois lawmaker says the clock is ticking on a gambling expansion measure that could boost revenue for the state.

Democratic Rep. Bob Rita, of Blue Island, sent a letter to House Speaker Michael Madigan and Republican leader Jim Durkin on Monday hoping to gain support for his plan. The proposal has two options. One adds five casinos and slots at horse tracks. The other calls for a mega-casino in Chicago.

Lawmakers have proposed changes to allow slot machines at the Fairmount Park horse track in Collinsville. Public hearings convinced Rita they would hurt an East St. Louis casino. Republican Rep. Dwight Kay, of Glen Carbon, says banning them would kill the track.

Rita says taking a "piecemeal" approach slows down the process.